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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/chucktheninja on 2026-04-03 20:21:01+00:00.
I have an espresso machine that I got a year ago. It makes coffee great. I've never had a problem with it until now. For the last few weeks my coffee has been tasting off and has been getting worse.
I've repeatedly cleaned my filters. Nope, still tastes funny.
I've tried running a vinegar and water mixture through it. Nope, still tastes funny.
I've tried whole new mugs. Nope, still taste funny.
I've tried new beans. Nope, still taste funny.
I decided to finally just open it up and look inside to see if there is something wrong. I Immediately discovered what is wrong after taking off one piece.
For those that don't know, there is a metal grate with a bunch of tiny holes where the hot water comes out to turn it into a shower of water before being pressed through the coffee grounds. It was the first piece I took off and the back side looked burnt. Solid black. I was confused because boiling water shouldn't be hot enough to burn metal.
I rubbed my thumb across what turned out to be a sticky, gelatinous, goop of coffee that had built up on the backside of the grate and it wiped off onto my thumb.
My coffee has been flavored with the several months, at least, of recycled coffee build up.
TL;DR: I didn't clean my espresso machine right and drank recycled coffee for quite a while.