Has anybody figured out how to clean the inside of the column, which Alessi says should be done? W/o explaining how.
38341
Get some Caffezia and let the filter and column soak for a couple of hours.You can't see inside but everything will be clean & shiny.
38342
Get some Caffezia and let the filter and column soak for a couple of hours. You can't see inside but everything will be clean & shiny.
38343
I didn't noticed by Alessi manual, I just clean it as clean any other mocha pot.
38344
I've had an Alessi for some years (since the late 70's) and I clean the column with a small brush and dislodge any coffe in the basket by wacking it on the side of the sink. Periodically--about two or three times a year--I run clear vinegar through the machine to get rid of the oils and then run two or three changes of water through it to get rid of the vinegar. By running I mean I heat up machine on the stove with the liquid in it and let it bubble up through the machine.
238684
Update...after asking this question, I contacted Gilmour and they promptly responded, suggesting I soak the item in white distilled vinegar for a few hours (except the bowl, of course). This certainly did the trick! It works like new again.
782617
The inside is coated and it develops a white residue with usage. They sell a Citric Acid Cleaner by Zojirushi to use periodically to remove the white residue. I have used dish washer soap on a sponge to wash the inside. I shall use Citric Acid Cleaner if necessary.
1845113
Nonono, I just clean it like once every 2nd month or something in the cleaning station. I clean it once per month just by adding soap to it and let it buzz for 30 seconds :)
1337945
You could reach in with a brush pretty easily, but I would actually recommend just using white vinegar and water every once in a while and running the machine to clean it. Use the vinegar and water, then run it about two or three times with water to get everything out, then clean your carafe throughly. That should keep you in good shape.The brush idea will work, but the vinegar will disinfect and clean it up better.
790550
Just use a brush, etc., and cleaning it is no problem. Just don't spill coffee, juice, sugar laden soft drink, etc on it.
1341994
After the third time that I used my WSM, I got little flakes falling from the inside of the lid, onto the cooking grates. Since then, I have given the inside of the lid a quick wipe with a paper towel, soon after I finish smoking, while it is warm and moist. Everything I have read recommends that you clean the cooking grates after every use, with crumpled aluminum foil or wire grate cleaning tool. It is easy to do. I like to wipe the water bowl. I don't get it shiny clean, but I don't line it with foil and it usually gets a lot of grease drippings in it, which I like to remove. I don't know how much harm would come if you didn't wipe the bowl. After the third time that I used my WSM, I got little flakes falling from the inside of the lid, onto the cooking grates. Since then, I have given the inside of the lid a quick wipe with a paper towel, soon after I finish smoking, while it is warm and moist. Everything I have read recommends that you clean the cooking grates after every use, with crumpled aluminum foil or wire grate cleaning tool. It is easy to do. I like to wipe the water bowl. I don't get it shiny clean, but I don't line it with foil and it usually gets a lot of grease drippings in it, which I like to remove. I don't know... » Read More After the third time that I used my WSM, I got little flakes falling from the inside of the lid, onto the cooking grates. Since then, I have given the inside of the lid a quick wipe with a paper towel, soon after I finish smoking, while it is warm and moist. Everything I have read recommends that you clean the cooking grates after every use, with crumpled aluminum foil or wire grate cleaning tool. It is easy to do. I like to wipe the water bowl. I don't get it shiny clean, but I don't line it with foil and it usually gets a lot of grease drippings in it, which I like to remove. I don't know how much harm would come if you didn't wipe the bowl. « Show Less
319809
I just use soap and water. Occasionally I'll use a stainless steel cleaner (Stone and Steel by 409) on the exterior, but I don't think that's necessary. I really only do it if food has accidentally splattered on it. I also empty the kettle each night and wipe the inside of the kettle and the lid dry -- and I keep the lid off overnight to let the interior of the kettle dry out.
5873
With a stainless steel inside, hot water and a cloth should be used to clean it. Any type of a brush could scratch it.
270035
I wash my racks in the sink. I have never cleaned the inside of the unit. I lined the bottom and anywhere fat would drip with foil and I just replace the foil. for heaven's sake don't clean the walls or door. that's where all the flavor comes from!
913992
What I usually do is take a big thick paint brush and dust it out as much as possible. I only use mine for white ingredients (flour, icing sugar) not cocoa learned my lesson on that. I also use a damp paper towel to get the underside clean. It can be a pain but the product is worth it.
610043
I put the cap, basket, and center stem through the dishwasher but let them air dry. I also scrub the basket with a combo of baking soda and water. As for the main carafe, I soak it overnight with either Ivory and warm water or baking soda and warm water, then scrub down the next day. Sometimes I run an 8-cup baking soda solution through a brew cycle, with the soda loosely scooped into the basket. I wouldn't use a drip maker commercial cleaner in it. You'll never get it sparkling - perks just stain over time, but that doesn't hurt the coffee as long as you get the oils out. Honestly, as a veteran of perk coffee, the coffee tastes better once you've broken the pot in and it no longer looks so pristine. Soda may not completely clean it but certainly won't hurt it, and will remove residue. You may want to make a throw-away batch of coffee after a soda batch, though, to clear out the soda taste. The small things you can do to improve brewing: make sure there is no residue along the top edge of the basket, and wet the basket before putting coffee in it. Both these help prevent grounds getting into the brewed coffee. I don't remember if the description says, but never immerse the carafe, since the three-prong plug connects to the base. Also, be aware of the shape the three male prongs in the base - the solder is not as good as the older pots, and eventually one prong may try to disappear into the base. It can be rescued with needlenose pliers, but this eventuality can be at least delayed by not wrenching the plug from the base or shoving it on too hard. I've learned to just leave the cord connected to the base. You can buy another cord, but if the base prongs go bad in the unit, your perk is going to go wonky and eventually need replacing.
1013497
Mine has started doing the same thing, only it worked really well for a few months. I think it's because I wiped the inner circle on the bottom, which the instructions say not to do. I did it lightly, because I want it clean, but apparently, this ruins the unit! VERY frustrating because now I have to buy a new one!
1025838
If you have cooked greasy foods and the oven has cooled there might be some grease on the interior. To clean interior walls use a damp cloth and mild liquid soap....never use harsh abrasives or Brillo pads on interior. I do not think it's difficult to keep the oven clean and operating well. Dry after cleaning.
999290
I would use warm water or maybe some Woolite to clean the inside. That would be gentle enough. If you are referring to the outside, warm soapy water with a soft cloth should be ok
399759
I experienced the same problem until Instarted de-scaling with "cleaning vinegar" found at the grocery store. Walmart caries a Heinz Cleaning Vinegar which is very inexpensive. Mix 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water and run thru a cycle. I completed 2 cycles the first time. Now I just watch the led indicator that let's me know when it's time to run it again. Fantastic coffe maker, I will never change to another.
159232
I use Barkeepers Friend to clean mine. It gives a nice bright sheen to it, I must say though that mine has not gotten discolored neither inside or out. Good luck!