Coffee contains oils and even micro-grounds that will build up over time on the inside of the pot.

Finally, the liquid is forced into the top chamber where it is ready to be served.

The key to using a moka pot is keeping the valves between the chambers clean and the gaskets pliable.

Moka pot on on lighted stovetop closeup

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

You absolutely need to remove the grounds after each use.

Empty the grounds into a trash can or compost bin.

Tip

Coffee groundsare great for acid-loving plants and help enrich the soil.

Distilled white vinegar bottle folded paper towels and measuring spoon

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Never pour coffee grounds down a sink drain or garbage disposal, unless you enjoy a clogged sink!

Rinse Well

Rinse each component under a faucet stream of hot water.

Warning

How to Descale a Moka Pot

Water contains minerals that affect its flavor.

Coffee grounds emptied out of Moka pot and placed in trash bin

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

This will be more water than you would normally use when brewing coffee.

Add Distilled White Vinegar

Add two tablespoons ofdistilled white vinegarto the water.

If you don’t have distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar or strained lemon juice can be substituted.

Moka pot compartments rinsed under running faucet with hot water

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

(No coffee grounds, of course!)

Rinse each component under hot running water and dry with a paper towel or cotton dishtowel.

Tips to Keep a Moka Pot in Good Working Order

Moka pot compartments dried with paper towels

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Moka pot lower compartment filled with water to descale

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

White distilled vinegar poured into lower compartment of moka pot

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Moka pot reassembled and sitting with water and distilled vinegar solution for descaling

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Stovetop lighted with Moka pot brewing water and distilled vinegar solution

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Moka pot disassembled and dried on cloth while cooling

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald