Is AeroPress Easy To Clean? (4 Ways To Clean It!)

Introduction

Is AeroPress easy to clean? This article describes 4 ways to clean your AeroPress.

If you are in a hurry, here is the short answer:

The AeroPress is easy to clean. Just give it a rinse after each use and you are good to go. But if you want to clean it thoroughly you may use dish soap to clean it or soak it in a vinegar bath. Alternatively, you may use the dishwasher to clean it from time to time.

Is AeroPress easy to clean?

Yes! It is easier to clean than the French press. It is a question of seconds to clean an AeroPress.

Before describing how to clean an AeroPress, let’s have a look at its main Parts.

What are the AeroPress parts?

Here are the main parts or components of the AeroPress:

1. Funnel
2. Plunger
3. Chamber
4. Seal and filter cap
5. Scoop
6. Stirrer

The main parts that may need a thorough cleaning from time to time are the chamber the plunger and the seal.

All the above parts serve three functions in coffee brewing:

1. The brewing chamber is nicely conceived for the full immersion method. The water and coffee granules are in continual contact the entire time the coffee is brewed.
2. Thanks to the narrow brewing chamber, the plunger adds extra pressure as the finished coffee flows through the filter cap.
3. The filter cap is similar to a traditional pour-over coffee dripper. It not only retains the grinds but also any oils and bitter elements.

After identifying the main parts of the AeroPress, let us turn to the different methods to clean it.

Method #1 Clean AeroPress using the dishwasher

I clean my AeroPress in the dishwasher once a month, but I do not advocate doing it daily. A basic rinse will do. 

According to the AeroPress website, because the plunger does an excellent job of wiping the interior, you don’t need to give it a complete cleaning frequently using a dishwasher.

Just rinse it after each usage. Once in a while, you may even want to clean it more thoroughly with some soap or a vinegar bath (see these methods below.)

But if you decide to clean your AeroPress in a dishwasher, just place it on the top shelf of the dishwasher.

The AeroPress pieces will become clean and look fantastic after being cleaned in the dishwasher.

Don’t worry about the hot water that your dishwasher program may use to clean the AeroPress. The heat won’t damage it!

Method #2 Rinse it after each use

Is AeroPress easy to clean with just water?

Yes! Here is how:

1. Remove the filter cap over the garbage. Just tap it out and then press the plunger to eject whatever kind of dried-up compacted grounds that are still inside.
2. Set the AeroPress in the sink and run the water to rinse it.
3. Use your finger to remove any residual coffee grinds by wiping the area around.
4. Then, rinse the plunger and the chamber entirely. 

Since only a very tiny amount -nearly none- of moisture ever gets into the seal, there is no need to remove the rubber. And from my experience, frequent cleaning doesn’t require the use of any soap.

Method #3 use dish soap to clean your AeroPress

You may also use dish soap and warm water to clean your AeroPress. 

1. First, remove the main parts of the AeroPress.
2. Sink them in a bath of water mixed with dish soap.
3. Leave for a few minutes.
4. Use your fingers to remove any oil or grounds residues in the rubber seal, the chamber, or the plunger.
5. Finally, rinse thoroughly under running tap water. 

Method #4 soak it in a vinegar bath

This method can be used to clean your AeroPress thoroughly. A large container, vinegar, and some water are needed. 

Here is how you proceed:

1. Use a container where you place the AeroPress parts.
2. Add some vinegar and water and leave the different parts to clean for at least 30 minutes.
3. Finally, rinse with warm water.

Note:
Make sure you thoroughly rinse the AeroPress with warm water after immersing it in the vinegar bath so that you make sure that your next cup of coffee won’t taste vinegary.

Final thoughts

The AeroPress is one of the easiest coffee makers to clean. Just give it a rinse after each use and you are good to go. But if you want to clean it thoroughly you may use dish soap to clean it or soak it in a vinegar bath for a few minutes and then, rinse it under the faucet. Alternatively, the washing machine can be used to clean your AeroPress once a month if you want to.