anonymous asked:


We got one of those coffeepot/espresso machine combo from Wal Mart as a gift about 2 years ago. We used the espresso machine side a few times then quit. We also used the coffee pot. However, we had coffee left over in it and didn’t use the coffee pot for a few months because we had another coffee pot that we use. After a few months, there were mold or bacteria colonies growing in the pot of coffee. The coffee pot has been cleaned. However, we also stopped using the espresso machine on it. I recently wanted to use it again but when I looked into the espresso machine water tank, there seem to be white stuff growing. Not sure if it’s bacteria colony because it ’s kind of hard to look inside due to limited light, even when looking in it under a light. Should I just throw the pot away? Is it safe to clean and use?
I am a chemistry major currently taking bacteriology/microbiology but I don’t know the answer . Note: this is not my coffee/espresso machine. It belongs to my family.
Reply to mtlgirl1,
But in bacteriology we learned about spore forming bacteria and that even heat don’t kill it. Some bacteria can be boiled for 6 hours and not be killed. Could there be harmful bacteria in there?

Melvin

Michigander asked:


I have a Benotti Espresso Machine, and I (unfortunately) let it sit for quite a while with water in it. Needless to say, it now has a mold smell to it. I know how to clean and de-odorize the water basket, but how should I go about cleaning the inside? Usually when I clean my regular coffee maker, I just use denture cleaning tablets in the water basket and run it through the brewing cycle a few times with clean water. I plan to do the same with this, but I want to know if anybody can think of a better way? Thanks for the help!

Angel