Properly Storing Your Coffee Maker

Quick answer

• Unplug it. Always.
• Empty all water and coffee grounds.
• Clean and dry all removable parts thoroughly.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sun.
• Protect it from dust and pests.
• Consider original packaging if you have it.

Who this is for

• Anyone moving or going on an extended trip.
• People with seasonal coffee makers (like for a vacation home).
• Those decluttering and need to put a brewer away for a while.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Different brewers have different needs. A drip machine is simple. A fancy espresso machine? That’s another story. Know your machine. Is it a pour-over setup, a French press, or an automatic drip? The filter type matters too – paper, metal, or cloth. Make sure you know what you’re dealing with.

Water quality and temperature

This is less about storage, more about cleaning. But if you’re storing it, you really don’t want mineral buildup. Always start with a clean brewer. If you’re in a humid area, make sure it’s bone dry before storage. That prevents mold.

Grind size and coffee freshness

This applies more to coffee beans and grounds before they go into the brewer. But for storage, think about the brewer itself. If you have a grinder attached, make sure it’s clean and empty. Coffee oils can go rancid.

Coffee-to-water ratio

This is for brewing, not storing. But it’s a good reminder that when you pull it out of storage, you’ll need to dial it back in. Don’t expect perfection right away.

Cleanliness/descale status

This is HUGE for storage. A dirty brewer is a breeding ground for funk. Descale it. Clean it. Dry it. Seriously. Leaving residue means you’re storing problems for later. Nobody wants that.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

This section is about preparing your coffee maker for storage, not brewing. Let’s get it ready for its nap.

1. Unplug the machine.

• What “good” looks like: The power cord is safely tucked away, and the machine is completely disconnected from electricity.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug. This is a safety hazard and a waste of energy. Always unplug first.

2. Empty the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: All water is drained out. No drips left.
• Common mistake: Leaving water in the reservoir. This can lead to mold, mildew, or mineral deposits. Dump it all.

3. Remove and discard used coffee grounds/filters.

• What “good” looks like: The brew basket is empty and clean. Any used paper filter is in the trash.
• Common mistake: Leaving old grounds in the basket. They get crusty and gross. Toss them.

4. Clean the brew basket and carafe/mug.

• What “good” looks like: All parts that touched coffee or water are washed with soap and water, then rinsed thoroughly.
• Common mistake: Just rinsing. Coffee oils build up. Use a little dish soap.

5. Wipe down the exterior.

• What “good” looks like: The outside of the machine is free of dust, coffee splashes, or fingerprints.
• Common mistake: Skipping this. Dust bunnies love coffee makers.

6. Dry all parts completely.

• What “good” looks like: Every single component, especially nooks and crannies, is dry to the touch. Air drying is good, but a quick towel-dry ensures it.
• Common mistake: Storing damp parts. Hello, mold. Air dry for a bit, then towel dry.

7. Reassemble (if applicable) or store parts separately.

• What “good” looks like: If your machine disassembles, put it back together or keep parts organized.
• Common mistake: Losing small parts. Keep them together or store them inside the main unit if possible.

8. Wrap or cover the machine.

• What “good” looks like: The machine is protected from dust and potential damage. A plastic bag, the original box, or a clean cloth works.
• Common mistake: Just leaving it exposed. Dust is relentless.

9. Store in a suitable location.

• What “good” looks like: A cool, dry spot, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Common mistake: Storing in a damp basement or a hot garage. This can damage the electronics or plastic.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Leaving water in the reservoir	Mold, mildew, mineral buildup, potential leaks when next used	Always drain completely.
Not cleaning the brew basket/carafe	Rancid coffee oils, stale taste, potential mold	Wash with soap and water, rinse well.
Storing a damp machine	Mold, mildew, unpleasant odors	Ensure all parts are thoroughly dry before storage.
Storing in a humid or extreme temperature location	Damage to electronics, plastic degradation, component warping	Choose a cool, dry, stable environment.
Forgetting to unplug	Safety hazard, potential for electrical damage if exposed	Always unplug before cleaning or storing.
Not emptying grounds	Crusting, attracting pests, bad smells	Discard used grounds and filters immediately.
Storing near chemicals or strong odors	Absorption of unwanted smells into the plastic/components	Keep away from cleaning supplies or fragrant items.
Not protecting from dust	Dust buildup on heating elements and internal parts	Cover with a bag, cloth, or store in its original box.
Storing with coffee beans nearby	Absorbed coffee oils/aromas can make the machine smell stale	Store coffee beans separately.
Not checking for leaks <em>after</em> drying	Hidden moisture leading to future problems	Give it a shake after drying to ensure no water is trapped.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you’re storing for less than a month, a good cleaning and a dust cover might be enough because the risk of degradation is lower.
• If you’re storing for over six months, consider storing it in its original packaging because it offers the best protection.
• If the machine has a built-in grinder, ensure the grinder burrs are clean and empty because coffee oils can go rancid.
• If you live in a very humid climate, pay extra attention to drying every single part thoroughly because moisture is your enemy.
• If the machine is going into long-term storage, unplug it and secure the cord to prevent damage or tripping hazards.
• If you notice any odd smells or sticky residue before storage, clean it again because that’s a sign of something that needs attention.
• If the machine has removable water filters, remove and discard them before storage because they can degrade or become contaminated.
• If you’re storing a travel coffee maker, make sure all the small parts (like lids, plungers) are accounted for and stored together.
• If you’re storing a drip machine, ensure the heating plate is clean and dry because food debris can burn onto it when it’s next used.
• If the storage location is prone to pests, wrap the machine securely in plastic to deter them.

FAQ

How long can I store my coffee maker?

You can store most coffee makers for months, even years, as long as they are properly cleaned, dried, and protected from the elements. Just be sure to give it a good clean and test run when you bring it back out.

Do I need to put it back in its original box?

It’s ideal, especially for long-term storage, as it provides the best protection. But if you don’t have it, a clean plastic bag or a breathable cloth cover will work too.

What if my coffee maker has a built-in grinder?

You’ll need to clean the grinder thoroughly. Empty it of all beans and grounds, and brush out any residual coffee dust. Rancid oils in the grinder can ruin your coffee later.

Should I remove the water filter if it has one?

Yes, absolutely. If your machine uses a replaceable water filter, remove it before storage. It can dry out, become ineffective, or even grow mold if left in.

Can I store it in my garage?

Only if your garage has a stable, moderate temperature and low humidity. Garages can get extremely hot or cold, which can damage plastic components and electronics.

What about storing it in an attic?

Similar to a garage, attics often experience extreme temperature fluctuations. It’s generally not the best spot unless you have climate control.

How do I know if it’s clean enough for storage?

It should look and smell clean. No visible coffee residue, no stale odors. If in doubt, run a hot water cycle through it and dry it again.

What’s the biggest risk of improper storage?

Mold and mildew are the biggest culprits. They thrive in damp, dark conditions and can make your machine unsafe and unpleasant to use.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed cleaning instructions for specific brewer types (e.g., espresso machines).
• Troubleshooting common brewing issues after storage.
• Long-term coffee bean storage best practices.
• How to pack a coffee maker for travel (beyond basic storage).
• The best coffee beans to use with your brewer.