Mold in Moka Pot

Mold in Moka Pot: How to Clean It and Prevent Further Growth

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We understand that you may have a busy schedule in the morning. So, you tend to leave the Moka pot uncleaned after making a delicious cup of coffee.

And that residue invites mold strains to make their home inside the pot.

Oxidation can also cause these spots, so it is crucial to identify mold spots. And then, you need to deep clean the Moka pot to get a perfect cup of coffee every time.

In this article, we will discuss how mold grows in Moka pots, how to identify them, how to clean mold, and how to prevent its growth. Let’s get started.

Contents show

How Does Mold Grow in Moka Pot?

Black spot in moka pot
Visible black spot in one of my Moka pot

Mold requires nutrients and moisture to grow, and it will grow anywhere it finds a suitable environment. When you leave the Moka pot without cleaning, the coffee residue works as a nutrient for mold strains.

And there is no scarcity of moisture inside a Moka pot. The leftover coffee is a good source of moisture. The lid of the Moka pot can also contain water droplets that encourage the growth of mold.

When you leave the pot in a warm kitchen, mold needs nothing more to grow peacefully.

Types of Mold

You will commonly see two mold strains growing in a Moka pot. Here is a quick overview.

  1. Aspergillus: It is also known as the black mold. You might assume from the name that it has a blackish or grayish appearance.
  2. Penicillium: Though it’s not called white mold, it has a whitish color. You might also see a blueish hue.

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Signs of Mold in Moka Pot

As we have said earlier, blemishes can happen due to oxidation, especially in aluminum Moka pots. So, it can be a bit difficult for beginners to identify mold. Here are a few signs of mold in the Moka pot.

  • Take a closer look at the spots. If you see solid spots, they should be caused by oxidation. But if there are thin and tiny fibers on the spot, it is mold inside.
  • Try wiping the spot off using a paper towel or cloth. If the spot wipes away, it is mold. But oxidation spots are much more stubborn and won’t wipe off.
  • Another sign of mold is the smell. Sniff the Moka pot, and you will get a bad smell if there is mold inside the pot. Oxidation spots don’t have any smell.

Cleaning After Finding Mold in Moka Pot

The hardest part between discovering mold in a Moka pot and making your next cup of coffee is cleaning the pot. And the cleaning technique is slightly different for pots made of different materials. Here is a step-by-step guide for aluminum and stainless steel Moka pots.

How to Clean Aluminum Moka Pot?

Mold in moka pot
Keep Moka pot clean

As aluminum reacts with many cleaning agents, you shouldn’t use anything harsh on aluminum pots. Follow these steps instead.

  • Step 1: Remove all components of the Moka pot and discard any residue from the pot.
  • Step 2: Take one or two tablespoons of mild detergent and mix it with about two cups of warm water.
  • Step 3: Apply the solution to the pot using a soft cloth or sponge. You can use a toothbrush to reach tight spots.
  • Step 4: After brushing the pot, rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
  • Step 5: Drain all the water and let the components dry. Then assemble the components, and you are ready to make a nice cup of coffee.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Moka Pot?

Brewing with Room Temperature water in Moka pot

Stainless steel doesn’t react with cleaning agents, so you can use strong cleaners. Here are the steps.

  • Step 1: Make a water-vinegar solution at a ratio of 2:1.
  • Step 2: Take the components of the pot apart.
  • Step 3: Pour the solution over the components or spray them with the solution. Leave them for a few minutes.
  • Step 4: Take regular detergent and mix it with water. Scrub the components lightly using a soft brush.
  • Step 5: Rinse the components thoroughly and let them air dry before reassembling.

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Moka Pot

Disrupting the source of moisture and nutrient is the best way to prevent mold growth in a Moka pot. And that is easier than struggling to clean mold spots.

Stainless steel moka pot water chamber

To prevent mold growth, you need to wash the Moka pot after every use. Pour any coffee residue away, and remove the filter. Clean the pot with soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

Once the pot is dried, the chance of mold growth will be close to zero.

Dangers of Consuming Coffee from a Moldy Moka Pot

Mold growing in a Moka pot can be toxic or non-toxic. But you don’t know that until you drink coffee from that pot. If the strain is toxic and you continue to drink coffee from the pot, headaches or nausea can happen.

Mycotoxins released by molds can also cause vomiting and breathlessness. So, it is better not to consume coffee from a moldy Moka pot.

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FAQ’s

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding mold in Moka pot.

Why are there black spots in my Moka pot?

Black spots in Moka pots can be caused by Aspergillus mold. In aluminum pots, oxidation can also cause these black spots.

Why is there white residue in my Moka pot?

White spots are caused by mineral buildup. If you use hard water to make coffee, the white residue creates scales. It can also happen if you don’t dry the pot well.

Can vinegar effectively remove mold from a Moka pot, or are there more effective cleaning methods I should use?

Vinegar is enough to effectively remove mold from a Moka pot. But if you want a better cleaning, you can fill the bottom chamber with a water-vinegar solution and boil it for a few minutes.

Conclusion

A Moka pot with leftover coffee can be the perfect habitat for mold. So, you need to be careful about cleaning the pot after making coffee. If you see any signs of mold in the pot, it should be cleaned with a mild detergent or water-vinegar solution.

But don’t use vinegar in aluminum pots. And the best way to prevent mold from growing is to clean the pot right after you make coffee.

Sujit Modak
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