How to Clean a French Press in 5 Simple Steps

A French press is a coffee maker, also known as a cafetière, that features an elegant all-in-one approach. Composed of a single cylindrical carafe and lid with an attached plunger and fine-mesh fitted strainer, the freshly ground coffee beans sit in boiling water for just a few minutes before being plunged down to the bottom of the carafe, neatly separating from the ready-to-drink coffee.

Unlike other coffee brewing methods that use a paper filter (like pour-over or drip coffee makers), the French press allows for deeper extraction of the flavor compounds within the beans with a hands-off approach.

Coffee brewed in a French press has a more substantial, creamy mouthfeel compared to drip coffee, which can come across as thin in comparison. While espresso is made from a similar process in which hot water passes through finely-ground beans, a cup of French press coffee contains far more caffeine than a single shot of espresso. Depending on the size of the carafe, a single French press can yield anywhere from two to eight cups of coffee.

Though some French press coffee makers may be dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. Follow this step-by-step guide to properly clean your French press.

1. 1. Remove the coffee grounds. Dump out the used coffee grounds from the bottom of the glass carafe into a trash can or compost bin. Avoid dumping coffee grounds down the sink drain as they could clog the drain or damage the garbage disposal. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to help scoop out the grounds. Avoid using a metal spoon, which could scratch or chip the glass.
2. 2. Rinse your French press with warm water. Coffee grounds can become stuck in the French press filter. Disassemble the components of the brewer, rinse them thoroughly with warm water, and reassemble the parts.
3. 3. Fill your French press with hot, soapy water. Fill the carafe with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Reapply the plunger and plunge the mesh filter up and down several times through the soapy water. This will help remove coffee oils and any leftover grounds.
4. 4. Empty and rinse your French press again. Drain the hot soapy water in the sink and thoroughly rinse every component of the French press.
5. 5. Dry the French press. Place all the parts of the French press on a drying rack and allow it to air dry. You can also use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry it immediately.

Consider these cleaning tips to get the most out of your French press.

1. 1. Deep clean your French press occasionally. Though regular washing should be enough to sufficiently clean your French press, you can also give it a deep clean to further remove residue and unwanted buildup. Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to the glass carafe and fill the rest of the way with hot water. Put the top of the French press on so that all the parts are submerged in the solution. Allow it to soak overnight.
2. 2. Remove stains with baking soda. If the sides of your carafe develop stains from the brewed coffee, make a solution of baking soda and water and gently scrub the carafe until the stains disappear.
3. 3. Allow your French press to dry completely before storing it. Moisture left on the mesh coffee filter or carafe could cause mold to build up or oxidize stainless steel components.

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