Coffee, do you love it at any time of the day? Beware, however, of the office machine, which could represent a real threat to your health. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, reveals how and when to clean it.
Badly cleaned coffee machine: real risks for your health
A neglected coffee machine “represents a real microbes and mold nest“Confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
- Pathogenic bacteria can indeed “develop there. “Humidity and heat constitute an ideal culture medium for bacteria like E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, diarrhea, stomach aches)”;
- Molds and yeasts can proliferate: “The grain tray, the conduits and the recovery tray of coffee grounds can develop mold (visible or invisible). Speeding spore or their ingestion can cause allergies, respiratory tract irritation or even worsen asthma”;
- Limestone and rancid coffee oils can accumulate there: “The limestone obstructs the machine and alters the taste of coffee. Natural oils of coffee, in contact with air, become rancid and give a bitter and unpleasant taste for each cup. It is not a direct danger, but the quality suffers enormously”;
- Station also at the “biofilm” present in the machine: “It is a community of microorganisms which adheres to the damp internal walls. Once formed, it is very resistant and permanently releases bacteria in water and coffee.”
The main risk of poor maintenance is not an immediate “serious” disease, “but rather digestive inconveniences, allergies and a certain degradation of the quality and taste of coffee “says the emergency doctor again.
How often to clean this machine?
The more complex and used the machine used, the more rigorous the maintenance must be. “”The cleaning frequency depends on the different parts of the machine and its use “, Specifies Dr Gérald Kierzek.
Machine
After each use, the pot and the filter must be washed. “As for DSetting, it must be carried out every 2 to 3 months – depending on the hardness of the water “, reveals the emergency doctor.
Capsule or pod
- Daily: “For the capsules recovery tray and the gutter”;
- Weekly : “For the water tank and the support grid”.
“Finally, this machine must be washed entirely every 3 to 6 months or when the indicator lights up for descaling”, specifies the medical director of True Medical.
Grain machine (automatic)
- Daily: “The Marc Bac and the drop bin must be emptied and washed”;
- Weekly : “The grain tray, filter holder and coffee distribution cone must be cleaned weekly”;
- Every 2 to 3 months or depending on the manufacturer’s indications to describe.
How to clean the coffee machine?
First of all, obviously remember to read the user manual carefully. Then follow these few precautionary principles:
- Turn off and unplug the machine for safety;
- Wash the removable parts: “In other words, the Bins to Marc, with drops, the filter holder and the coffee jar with hot soapy water. Rinse and dry the whole thoroughly”;
- Clean the external surfaces with a damp cloth;
- Empty and rinse the water tank daily to avoid stagnation;
- For grain machines: “Wipe the distribution cone (the nozzle) with a damp cloth after each use to avoid the accumulation of coffee and oils”, concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.