How To Clean a French Press?
When Jack first brought a French press home, I was so excited!
I was a little less excited when it came to cleaning it.
There are many parts in different shapes that can make it difficult to wash.
Once you learn how, though, it's very simple! Its seems very well when I told him that I can make cold brew coffee in French Press.
Let me show you how it's done.
Materials You Need To Clean a French Press
A few extra things other than basic soap and water may be needed for this.
These presses easily collect stains and oils in small crevices that need regular cleaning.
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The good news is, they're all basic household items you probably already have.
Most of these materials are optional for the best clean possible.
Rubber Spatula
An optional way to remove the grounds is a rubber spatula.
This is very effective, without damaging the glass.
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Sponge
Sponges can help remove stains without harming the glass.
Use it anytime you need to scrub a piece of the press.
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Baking Soda/Vinegar
Both of these are very strong stain removals.
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Paper Towels
Paper towels are a gentle way to wipe off residue.
They are also very useful for drying if you want to immediately use the press.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sometimes it's easiest just to follow a simple instructional guide.
Below, I have laid out the entire process for washing your equipment.
This ensures you've taken the right steps to get your French press squeaky-clean.
I know step-by-step instructions help me get things done.
Hopefully, this will help you too!
Finish Your Coffee
This may seem a little out-of-place, but your press needs to cool down after use.
When I first cleaned mine without knowing how I burned my fingers.
So, finish your drink to give it some time to reach a lower temperature.
Remove Used Grounds
First thing's first, you need to get those nasty grounds out of there.
This is where a gentle object like a rubber spatula comes in use.
You want to get as much out as possible without being too hard on the carafe.
Add Soap and Water
To get all of the gunk and residue out of the press, use soap and water.
After it's in there, it's a simple as pushing the plunger down!
Rinse, Scrub And Rinse Again
To get all of the coffee residues out, you'll need to rinse and scrub the entire press.
Then, rinse again to make sure there's no soap left in there.
Disassemble For A Deeper Clean
To make sure each part is truly clean, you're gonna need to take it apart.
Make sure to thoroughly clean each part.
This should be done around once a week.
Clean With Baking Soda
Make a paste with both baking soda and water.
Be careful not to add too much water, as it won't be as effective.
Use the paste to scrub each part.
Clean With A Mix Of Vinegar And Water
Mix half water with half vinegar.
Use this solution to scrub each part, eliminating hard water build-up.
Reassemble
Now, you can put all of the pieces back together.
Once you're done with all of these steps, you're ready for another cup!
Pro-Tips
There are many different substances you can use that clean your press a certain way.
A French press can have many different cleanliness issues.
Some things work better to combat those than others.
I am listing a few ways you can tackle those specific problems.
Once you know these, you can get rid of any grossness that occurs.
A French press can have many different cleanliness issues.
Some things work better to combat those than others.
I am listing a few ways you can tackle those specific problems.
Once you know these, you can get rid of any grossness that occurs.
Vinegar
Vinegar works against both stains, as well as bacteria.
Try using 50% white distilled vinegar and 50% boiling water to combat those problems.
Pour into the press, then plunge and let sit for 10 minutes.
Vinegar + Table Salt
If the vinegar alone doesn't remove all of the stains, add a tablespoon of table salt.
This will fight against that remaining residue.
Baking Soda
If you're looking for something odorless and tasteless, this is the best bet.
It will help remove stains without affecting your next cup of coffee.
Soap Detergent
As basic as it is, basic soap gives a great clean but may take a little time.
If you don't have any of the other options available, this is a very valid option.
Lemon
Lemons are a nice way to loosen up those surface stains.
Coat the parts with a lemon wedge before scrubbing and washing.
Dishwasher
Sometimes, we either don't have the time or are just too plain lazy to spend time cleaning.
If you're having one of those days, check to make sure your press is dishwasher safe.
If it is, just take it apart and throw it in!
French Press Replacement Parts
Sometimes parts break or just simply grow worn with age.
Fortunately, you can purchase most of them separately if needed.
You can replace the filter components, carafe, and plunger.
It would be wise to just replace the part you need instead of the entire press.
This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
How Often Should I Replace the Coffee Press
Filter Screen?
The lifetime of your filter screen depends on the quality of your French Press.
The filter can degrade and even become deformed, collecting grounds.
Once you notice these, it's safe to buy a new filter.
Lower quality screens may need to be replaced as soon as 6 months.
Better filters, however, can last years.
Conclusion
This should make the process of cleaning your French press much easier!
Once I did it a few times, it became a regular habit for me.
Eventually, cleaning the press doesn't even seem like a hassle.
Now I just have to try convincing Jack to get in the habit, too!
