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Cleaning a Chemex

• Soap and water
• Vinegar and water
• Baking soda and 2 pumps of dawn

Using a Chemex is a work of art. If made right, it can produce a cup of coffee full of deep flavor. The carafe is a beautiful glass design, the only downside is that you can see the buildup of coffee oils over time.

Personally, our Chemex gets used a few times a week and is typically rinsed out with hot water between uses. The hot water rinse is good for removing the outer layer of oils but does not penetrate the deep stains. We tested 3 methods to deep clean the Chemex: soap and water, vinegar and water, and baking soda and dish soap.

Method 1: Soap and water

The typical routine of using soap and warm water did not do much for removing the hard stains. Make sure to remove the collar and leather strap prior to cleaning. (Sorry for not having pictures)

*pro tip: use a bottle brush to clean the inner body of the Chemex

Method 2: vinegar and water

Step 1: Removing the collar and leather strap

Step 2: pour in 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and 2 cups of hot water

Step 3: Let vinegar/water solution soak for 1 hour

Step 4: Wash using soap and water, scrubbing sides gently with bottle brush and rag

Step 5: Rinse and let dry upside down, allowing air flow under lip

Look at all of those stains!!

Method 3: Baking soda and dish soap

Step 1: Remove collar and leather strap

Step 2: Put 1 tsp of baking soda and 2 pumps of your favorite dish soap (I used Dawn) in the Chemex

Step 3: Fill Chemex with hot water (make sure your water reaches above your stain line)

Step 4: Soak for 30 min

Step 5: Gently, but firmly, scrub the Chemex with the bottle brush

Step 6: Rinse with warm water and let air dry, allowing air flow under lip

Look at that shine!

Bonus: The Chemex can be washed in the dishwasher, but due to the delicate nature of the glass I’d rather hand wash than risk it being chipped from rattling against another dish in the dish washer