How to Clean an old Coffee Grinder?

Know how to Clean an old Coffee Grinder to get the perfect taste of roasted coffee beans. Here we have explained the cleaning method for both, Burr Coffee Grinder and the blade one.

The oils (that add aroma and flavor) start to evaporate just after the exterior of the coffee bean breaks. Therefore, you can get the most flavor by grinding the beans at home just before brewing the coffee.

Electric coffee grinders are an easy and handy option, however, classic hand grinders are still available in markets. You can find electric ones in two versions: blade grinders or burr grinders.

Whatever grinder you choose, you should clean it properly to keep the beans from the build-up of oils. As the oils can quickly get sour and ruin the flavor and aroma of your coffee.

In this post, we will discuss the cleaning methods for blade coffee grinders and burr grinders.

Check also: Best Coffee Cup Warmers

Basic Requirements for Cleaning an Old Coffee Grinder

Time Required:

• 5 – 20 mins working time
• 5 – 20 mins overall/total time

Skill Required:

• Beginner skill level

Equipment / Tools Required:

• One soft Microfiber cloth
• 1 Sink or large bowl
• A Stiff-bristled bottle brush
• 1 Non-abrasive sponge

Materials Required:

• One-fourth cup of Uncooked rice
• Dishwashing liquid

Guide to Clean the Blade Coffee Grinder

An absorbent material should be used for a blade grinder to gather the oil that leaves the blade and grinding container.

You can use grinder cleaning tablets that have natural grains that are available, easily. On the other hand, you can use simply uncooked rice for that purpose.

First Step: Simply, pour 1/4 cup plain and dry uncooked rice or put the prescribed amount of the grinder cleaning tablets into the hopper of your blade coffee grinder.

Second Step: Now, run the grinder until all of the uncooked dry rice or the said tablets turned into fine powder.

Third Step: Power down the grinder as the rice is pulverized and make sure to unplug it from the wall outlet for safety.

Fourth Step: Empty the grinder hopper. You can throw the pulverized rice into a trash can. Next, tap the sides of the can to loosen any rice powder residue from the hopper.

Fifth Step: Finally, take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down the hopper’s interior. Make sure to take extra care while cleaning around the blades. For the exterior, wipe it to get rid of any fingerprints or grime.

Best Way to Clean the Burr Coffee Grinder

Cleaning a Burr grinder is a little bit more difficult as it comes in various sizes and configurations. They should be disassembled before cleaning. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning instructions.

First Step: First, make sure that the hopper is empty before cleaning. Next, detach it. Now hand washes the hopper, lid, and any detachable sealing gaskets with hot and soapy water in a sink. Rinse well and dry with a soft microfiber towel.

Second Step: Now, power on the grinder and let it turn on for some seconds to pulverize any residue of beans that cling to the burr blades. Next, unplug the grinder.

Third Step: Detach any removable parts that come in direct contact with the coffee beans such as the bin that catches the coffee grounds. However, make sure to not detach the burr and wash it because it can cause rust. Hand washes them with hot and soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse with hot water, and carefully dry with a velvety microfiber cloth.

Fourth Step: Now carefully detach the flat burr disks or the conical burr with a screwdriver. Next, you can use a stiff bottle brush to loosen the residue coffee grounds that cling to the burr surfaces. Now, use a dry soft microfiber towel to wipe down the burrs and absorb any left oils.

Fifth Step: Finally, reassemble it once every part gets clean and thoroughly dry. Now it is ready to use or store.

Tips and Tricks

• You can use mini coffee grinders for grinding whole spices for a fresh unmatched flavor and aroma. However, make sure to separate grinders for coffee beans and spices to not mingle the flavors.
• NEVER wash Burr with soapy water as it causes rusting.
• Please follow the instructions when using coffee grinder tablets for the exact amount of tablets being used.
• To remove any bit of cleaning tablets, add about one ounce of coffee beans to the hopper. Next, let the beans pulse through the burr. Now throw away the ground coffee beans. Finally, carefully wash the bin to remove any bits of the cleaning tablets.