Moka Pot Mold growth! How to get rid of it?
Mold can grow in a Moka pot for different reasons. But moisture and coffee residues are two common reasons for Moka pot molds.
This post will cover the other reasons for growing molds in a Moka pot sequentially. Moreover, we will share a step-by-step guide to eliminate this issue.
Read and enjoy.
Signs that your Moka pot has mold
If you are confused about whether it is mold or regular dirt, checking out the following signs will help you differentiate between them.
- The color of the mold inside a Moka pot consists of a green, black, and white combination.
- Mold has a damp smell, different from regular debris.
- If mold grows inside a Moka pot, brewed coffee will taste unusual.
- If you have an allergy, you can experience allergic reactions like sneezing, eye irritation, and coughing when contacting mold.
How to Get Rid of Mold in Moka Pot: Mold removing technique
Fungus grown in Moka pots has two types, including mold and mildew. You may want to know whether your Moka pot is covered with mold or mildew.
We have already mentioned the signs of mold in the previous section. Now, let’s talk about mildew.
It is a different type of mold that grows on a damp surface. Mildew has a fluffy and powdery texture with white, yellow, or gray color.
Though they are different kinds of fungi, you can apply the same removing process to make them invisible.
Here are the steps to remove mold from your Moka Pot.
Step 1: Make a cleaning solution by blending water and vinegar at 1:1. You can also use baking soda instead of vinegar.
Step 2: Take your Moka pot and disassemble all its parts to remove mold.
Step 3: Scrub those parts using a scrubbing brush and the cleaning solution. A toothbrush can be an alternative if you don’t have a scrubbing brush.
Step 4: After scrubbing those parts thoroughly, soak them in the cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes. It will help remove any remaining mold in hard-to-reach places.
Step 5: Finally, rinse those parts with warm water carefully. In the final step, the most crucial work is to dry those parts completely with a clean cloth before assembling them.
Note: Ensure that the Moka pot is fully dry. Otherwise, mold can regrow.
Baking soda or vinegar: Which is better to use?
When removing mold, some users can ask which ingredient will be better as the cleaning solution between vinegar and baking soda. In short, both are excellent options. The choice depends on the personal preference of a user.
Baking soda is a perfect ingredient to remove mold in a Moka pot because of its abrasive feature. It is also easy to use in mold-affected areas. You just have to mix some water with baking soda and make the cleaning paste for application.
In contrast, vinegar is an acidic ingredient that removes mold and bad odors. It also removes stains from Moka pot and other kitchen appliances. Making the water-vinegar cleaning solution is quite easier than other formulas.
So, you can use one of them as the mold remover without thinking much. But you should never mix both because they can sometimes react badly.
Prevention of Mold Growth in Moka Pot
Your precautions to avoid mold growth in a Moka pot is better than removing it later. Here are some prevention tips for Moka pot mold growth.
- Clean your Moka pot every day, even after each brewing. After rinsing the pot, wipe it dry using a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Try deep cleaning at least once a week. Make a homemade cleaning solution, disassemble all the parts, and clean them thoroughly.
- Before storing the Moka pot, ensure that you have dried it completely. If any moisture is left in the pot, mold can regrow.
- Store the pot in a place that is dry, cool, and far from sunlight. Besides, don’t store it with the lid closed.
FAQs on Moka Pot Mold
Unfortunately, Moka pots made of metals have the risk of mold growth. Both aluminum and stainless steel Moka pots are at risk of fungus growth inside if they are not cleaned, dried, and stored properly.
If a Moka pot has mold inside, brewing coffee with it will be very unhealthy. It will produce toxic substances, resulting in allergic reactions and several health issues.
Yes, mold can add a damp odor to brewed coffee. It can also make the coffee taste unpleasant.
Final words
Mold in a Moka pot doesn’t only make the pot ugly, but also it is dangerous for a user’s health. But you can easily prevent mold and avoid possible health risks by being cautious. If you are a Moka pot user, remember that cleaning and maintenance have no alternatives to keep the pot in good condition and avoid health issues. Carefulness is also essential to enjoy fresh and high-quality Moka pot coffee for longer.