How to Clean and Maintain Your Zojirushi French Press

Quick Answer

Rinse the Zojirushi Fresh Brew French Press with warm water after each use, and do a weekly deep clean with mild dish soap and a soft sponge to keep the stainless steel body and Taste Shield Plunger free of coffee oils and residue.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Rinse After Each Use: After pouring out the remaining coffee, remove the plunger and lid. Rinse the carafe, plunger screen, and lid with warm tap water. Use your fingers or a soft brush to dislodge any coffee grounds stuck to the screen or the rim of the carafe. Do not let coffee sit in the press for hours after brewing. Old grounds and oils become harder to remove and can stain the stainless steel.
2. Weekly Deep Clean with Mild Soap: Once a week, wash all parts — carafe, plunger assembly, and lid — with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge or a non-abrasive bottle brush. Avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbers that can scratch the stainless steel surface. Check the underside of the plunger screen for trapped grounds. A small brush or toothpick can help clear the mesh without damaging it.
3. Dry Thoroughly Before Reassembling: Rinse all soap residue with clean warm water. Shake off excess water and air-dry the parts on a dish rack or clean towel. Only reassemble the plunger and lid when all components are completely dry to prevent mold or musty odors. Do not store the French press with the plunger pressed down while damp. Moisture trapped between the screen and the carafe wall can lead to odors.

Product Spotlight

• Fresh Brew Vacuum Insulated Stainless French Press SK-XAE10: The Fresh Brew Vacuum Insulated French Press features Zojirushi’s exclusive Taste Shield Plunger that keeps coffee fresh to the last cup by blocking over-extracted coffee and sediments from flowing out. This plunger design means you need to clean the plunger assembly thoroughly to prevent residue buildup that could affect its seal and movement.