Cleaning your coffee plunger

Does cleaning your coffee plunger feel like it requires a barista course, several sponges and super-human patience? The coffee plunger or French Press has a long-disputed history with the question of origin widely debated from the 1800's to the present. Coffee plungers are not a brewing tool that is frequently utilised by coffee shops, although it is covered in most barista courses all the same. It has had various design changes all with different countries staking claims to the updates and regarding themselves as the creator of the coffee plunger as we know it today. In 1852 the very first style of the coffee plunger was designed and patented by French creators Delforge and Mayer. However, the first patent that most closely resembles today's modern coffee plunger was a 1929 patent by designers Giulio Moneta and Attilio Calimani; whom were, in fact, both Italian. Other claims on altered designs have also been staked by the Swiss and Danish. Overall the debate of origin still firmly remains between Italy and France. The answer to that question won't change the complexity of cleaning your coffee plunger, but we are here to help! Here are some easy to follow steps to make your cleaning experience a breeze:

Step 1: Coffee grounds

Remove the glass beaker from your coffee plunger and gently tap the base of it to empty the grounds into the bin. Remove any stubborn grounds with a wooden or plastic cooking utensil.

Step 2: Wash and rinse

Separate your coffee plunger into its components; the plunger, lid, spiral filter plate, filter mesh, retaining disk and beaker. Scrub each part with a soft brush and dish soap to remove coffee ground remnants and excess oils. Rinse all parts thoroughly to remove soap residue, as it will affect the flavour of future coffee.

Step 3: Dry and reassemble

Dry the components with a towel or allow to air dry. Reassembling your coffee plunger may seem a tasking process, but it doesn't have to be. Start by sliding your glass beaker back into the handled holding base. Moving on, put the disks together in this order; filter mesh on top of retaining disk, and spiral filter plate on top of that. Form the plunger by twisting the lid onto the screw that protrudes through both filters from the retaining disk, using the rod attached to it. To finish, slide the plunger back into the beaker until the lid closes over beaker opening. And there you have it cleaned and reassembled just like that! Are you interested in learning more about coffee brewing equipment? Check out our Beginners Barista course and make the most out of your at-home coffee equipment.