Why Cleaning Your Grinder Matters

Old coffee oils go rancid and make fresh coffee taste bitter and stale. A dirty grinder can ruin the flavour of even expensive, freshly roasted beans. Clean yours every 2–4 weeks depending on use.

Cleaning a Blade Grinder

  1. 1

    Grind uncooked rice

    Add a small handful (2–3 tablespoons) of plain white rice and grind to a fine powder. The rice absorbs old coffee oils and cleans the blades. Discard the rice powder.

  2. 2

    Wipe out the chamber

    Use a dry paper towel or soft brush to wipe out all rice and coffee residue. Do not use water inside the grinding chamber — it causes rust.

  3. 3

    Wipe the exterior

    Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Make sure no moisture gets near the motor.

Cleaning a Burr Grinder

  1. 1

    Use grinder cleaning tablets

    Products like Grindz or Full Circle tablets are the easiest method. Run a dose through the grinder on a medium setting, then run a small amount of your coffee beans through to purge any tablet residue.

  2. 2

    Or remove and brush the burrs

    For a deeper clean, remove the top burr according to your grinder's manual. Use a stiff brush (often included with the grinder) to remove compacted grounds from the burrs and grinding chamber.

  3. 3

    Clean the hopper and grounds bin

    Remove the bean hopper and grounds container. Wash with warm water and dry completely before reassembling — moisture in the bean path causes clumping and mould.

ImportantNever wash burrs or the grinding mechanism with water unless your manual specifically says it is safe. Water causes rust on steel burrs and can damage the motor.

Frequently Asked Questions

For daily use: a quick brush after each use and a full clean every 2–4 weeks. If you notice your coffee tasting bitter or stale, or the grinder running slower than usual, it is time for a clean regardless of schedule.
Only on removable plastic parts like the hopper and grounds bin — never on metal burrs or blades. Soap residue is very difficult to fully remove from a grinder and will affect coffee flavour.