I recently posted on thread #58904 about the Universal Coffeematic that percolators can be cleaned using dishwasher detergent. But I should have included the caveat that if the perc or any of the parts are aluminum the aluminum may darken by usinig this method. The Universal Coffeematic does have an aluminum stem and basket. In this case you can accomplsh the same ease of cleaning by using Cream of Tartar instead of the dishwasher detergent, Cream of Tartar will not discolor aluminum, and will in fact remove any discoloration or darkening of aluminum. To clean your percolator using Cream of Tartar first fill the pot to the max fill level with water, place the stem and basket in the pot, add 1 to 3 tsp. of Cream of Tartar to the basket, plug it in and let it run a full cycle. Now unplug and wait 20 to 30 mins. Pour out the solution and rinse well. Any remaining coffee stain can now be easily removed simply by wiping it off. You can safely use dishwasher detergent like I explained in the previous thread on any percolator or vac pot that is all chrome or stainless steel. This method works really well on Sunbeam Coffeemaster C20 thru C50 or a Farberware Superfast percolator. If you really need a deep cleaning on a perc with an aluminum stem and basket and the Cream of Tartar didn't do the trick (ie. you picked up an old perc with several years of coffee stain build up), go ahead and use the dishwasher detergent method first, then run a cycle with Cream of Tartar to remove any discoloration on the aluminum parts. I've tried this and it really works.[this post was last edited: 3/22/2015-19:08]
