How to Clean and Maintain Your Moka Pot to Prevent Issues

Your Moka pot deserves the same respect as the quality coffee beans it brews. Regular maintenance ensures authentic flavors and extends its lifespan. Whether you have a classic aluminum Bialetti or a stainless-steel model for induction, coffee residue and limescale can directly impact the taste and damage your machine. We share our proven methods to properly clean your moka pot using natural products and sustainable techniques—because great coffee starts with spotless tools.

Natural Products to Clean Your Moka Pot

Our gentle cleaning solutions respect both your equipment and the environment. Alfonso Bialetti himself would have approved of these natural ways to care for his invention.

Cleaning Your Moka Pot with White Vinegar

Why use vinegar to clean a Moka Pot?
This natural solution (pH 2.5) is a powerful descaler, effectively dissolving limescale residues that impact the taste of your brewed coffee. It’s our top recommendation for an effective, affordable, and easy cleaning process.

Step-by-step method to clean your Moka Pot with vinegar:

  • Mix equal parts water and vinegar (50/50)

  • Fill the Moka Pot’s water tank with the solution

  • Operate your Moka Pot as if brewing a regular coffee

  • Let it sit for 15 minutes to act on the deposits

  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water (at least 2–3 full cycles)

The key? A balanced solution that cleans without damaging the surface. Whether you’re cleaning the inside or outside of your Moka Pot, this method works with all types—from traditional models to larger versions.

Important: Never use bleach or harsh chemical products—they may leave a metallic taste. A gentle cleaner like vinegar preserves both your coffee’s flavor and your Moka Pot’s durability.

Cleaning Your Moka Pot with Baking Soda

Baking soda is the secret weapon for stubborn stains in a Moka Pot. It gently lifts coffee oil residues without scratching or damaging the surface of your Moka Pot.

Detailed cleaning protocol:

  • Accurate dose: 1 level teaspoon of baking soda per 1 liter of hot water

  • Dissolve thoroughly

  • Pour the solution into the Moka Pot’s tank

  • Run a full brew cycle

  • Let sit for 15 minutes to work

  • Rinse thoroughly: at least 3 cycles with clear water

Pro tip: Rinsing is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Any residue left from baking soda will affect the flavor of your next coffee. We always prioritize taste and quality when maintaining a Moka Pot.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Moka Pots with Puly Caff

For stainless steel Moka Pots only, the professional-grade product Puly Caff is highly effective.

Tailored method for stainless steel Moka Pots:

  • Carefully disassemble the Moka Pot: remove the gasket and funnel filter

  • Soak in a bowl of hot water with one sachet of Puly Caff

  • Let it act for 10–15 minutes max (no more!)

  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water

  • Let all parts dry completely before reassembling

This technique, used by artisan roasters, removes rancid oils that hide the aromatic complexity of specialty coffee brewed in a Moka Pot.

How to Clean the Outside of Your Moka Pot

Maintaining the exterior of your Moka Pot is essential to preserve its look and longevity. Different materials require specific care.

For aluminum Moka Pots (classic models):

  • Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with warm water

  • Clean using gentle circular motions to avoid scratches

  • Dry immediately to prevent oxidation

  • Never use chemical cleaners that could dull the finish

For stainless steel Moka Pots (induction models):

  • More resistant and accepts gentle cleaners

  • Use diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) to remove stains

  • Always wipe in the direction of the grain

  • Finish with a microfiber cloth for a brilliant shine

Best practice: Use a high-quality microfiber cloth and a soft non-abrasive sponge with warm water. Avoid steel wool or abrasive products. Maintain a regular routine: daily wipe after use, weekly deep cleaning, and a monthly check-up of your Moka Pot’s condition.

Can You Put a Moka Pot in the Dishwasher?

No, most Moka Pots should not go in the dishwasher. Aluminum models like the Bialetti Moka Express are especially sensitive to strong detergents and high temperatures that can warp the material and spoil the taste. Only certain stainless steel Moka Pots may be dishwasher-safe—always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

To protect your Moka Pot, prefer manual cleaning with warm water and a little dish soap, then dry immediately with a cloth.

My Moka Pot Has a Problem – What to Do?

Moka Pots are robust but may experience common issues. Fortunately, they are usually easy to fix with the right techniques.

Melted or Stuck Gasket in a Moka Pot

Symptoms: You can’t unscrew the Moka Pot; it feels “welded” together—often due to overheating.

Fix: Gently warm the gasket area over low heat to soften the rubber. Unscrew while it’s still soft. Alternatively, warm one part while keeping the other cool—the differential expansion helps separate them.

Prevention: Replace the gasket at the first signs of wear and don’t leave the Moka Pot on high heat too long.

Pressure Loss – Water Doesn’t Rise in the Moka Pot

Causes: Worn gasket, poor sealing, or incorrect assembly prevent pressure buildup.

Warning signs: Coffee doesn’t rise or rises only partially; air escapes; water leaks near the gasket.

Fix: Check the condition and positioning of the gasket. If problems persist, try placing two gaskets (one on each side of the filter) to improve the seal. This often solves pressure issues in your Moka Pot.

Faulty Safety Valve on a Moka Pot

Symptoms: Steam escapes from the valve too early, and coffee output is reduced by half or more.

Fix: Replace the valve—it’s inexpensive and easy. Also check that it’s properly tightened.

These common Moka Pot issues do not mean the end of your coffee maker. With a few simple tricks and affordable spare parts, your Moka Pot will be brewing perfectly again.

 

Now all that’s left is to choose the perfect coffee for your Moka Pot.
Also check out our tutorial on how to brew great coffee with a Moka Pot.