Should You Wash Your Aeropress? (Solved & Explained!)

Aeropress parts should be cleaned every time you make a coffee to protect your coffee maker from oils and other residues sticking to the filter or inside the plunger. Gentle cleaning should be applied to the plunger, seal, chamber, filter, filter cap, and funnel. 

The Aeropress is made from BPA-free plastic and is very lightweight and portable, making it very easy to wash. Cleaning all of these parts is vital to get delicious-tasting coffee.

The rest of this article gives you in-depth information on how and why cleaning is required for an Aeropress, our top proper care tips, and top storage tips for your Aeropress.

How Do I Clean My Aeropress?

Here are some steps on the best way to clean an Aeropress:

  1. Remove the filter cap over the garbage, tap it out and then press the plunger to eject dried-up pressed grounds.
  2. PLace the components of your Aeropress in the sink and run the water gently.
  3. Give it a good rinse. You can rub with your fingers or a dishcloth to get any coffee grounds off.
  4. Rinse the plunger and the chamber. (There is no need to remove the rubber seal).
  5. For thorough cleaning, use a dishwasher and vinegar while cleaning once in a while.

Why do I Need to Clean the Plunger?

To get the best Coffee extraction every single time, parts of your AeroPress must be cleaned thoroughly, particularly the plunger, which may contain oil residues, and you might end up with a coffee doesn’t taste right.

As the Aeropress does not have many parts, it does not require much effort to clean. 

How to Comprehensively Wash Your AeroPress for a Perfect Wash and Dry?

Aeropress used for a more extended period may have some oils built up in the rubber seal. In such a case, rinsing with water only might not be helpful. Other methods must be used other than a rinse, such as employing a dishwasher, using mild hand soap, or a vinegar solution.

Below we go into more depth on other ways to clean an Aeropress.

How Can I Use Soap to Wash My Aeropress?

To clean the Aeropress using this method, you will need dish soap and water that’s warm:

  1. First,  disassemble your Aeropress, removing parts such as the plunger and cap.
  2. Add warm water to your sink, filling it enough to be able to submerge the components, and add soap.
  3. Place the Aeropress and all its components in the sink, gently swishing them in soapy water. Let them sit for a few minutes.
  4. You need to rub any excess oil or stains with your fingers. A washing brush can also be used instead.
  5. After letting it sit a few minutes, and spot-cleaning any parts, empty the sink and run fresh water, rinsing out the componets individually. Be sure to wash them well so there is no soap remaining.

How Can I Wash an Aeropress Using a Vinegar Solution?

This cleaning method can be effective with stains or particles that won’t go with a simple rinse or soap wash, as seen below:

  1. Take the stained component and clean it thoroughly. Put it in a water-filled container. All the parts must be fully submerged.
  2. Add a small amount of vinegar.
  3. Let the Aeropress stay submerged for at least 12 hours, or overnight, to let the vinegar sink in.
  4. After soaking, empty the container and rinse the component well with water.

Is Washing an Aeropress Inside a Dishwasher Safe?

It is safe but not the best way to wash your Aeropress. Going through user reviews, many have complained that after washing Aeropress in the dishwasher, sometimes fragrant soaps get trapped inside and result in off-flavors. 

A simple hand washes with warm water and dish soap may be more efficient and give better cleaning results.

For more information on how to wash an Aeropress, check out the FAQ on the Aeropress official website.

How to Store an Aeropress?

Depending on the frequency and intended use, there are several ways to store your AeroPress safely:

  • If you use your Aeropress regularly, the kitchen cupboard can also be the right place for storing. Find an appropriately sized box, place all the parts, and place the box in the cabinet. It will keep all the pieces together with easy to access.
  • If you want your AeroPress readily available every time, the countertop caddy might be the ideal option to store it after cleaning. The Aeropress parts can also be dried on them after washing. Caddy, specially designed for Aeropress, is readily available online. 
  • If your Aeropress is not being used regularly, its original packaging is the best place to store it. In this way, you can keep all the parts together and safe over a long period.
  • Tote bags are a perfect option if you want to take your Aeropress wherever you go. Although tote bags are great for mobility, you can use them for keeping Aeropress parts secure while at home too.

 What are the Top Aeropress Care Tips?

Below are some top Aeropress care tips that will keep the quality of your coffee brew:

  1. Clean your AeroPress after every use. Keep a cleaning list that includes washing the rubber seal at least once a month with baking soda or your preferable methods and rinsing the metal filters, chamber, and plunger after every use.
  2. Paper filters always affect the flavor of the cup. Using 2 paper filters will give you a cleaner cup of coffee, taking out more oil giving you a more transparent and smooth cup of coffee, but less fat will be accumulated in the rubber sealing of the Aeropress.
  3. Do not push too hard while pressing the Coffee down. You may damage your Aeropress, and it will also compromise the taste of your Coffee. Press lightly to get clean flavors and keep your Aeropress safe.