title_body: Cleaning a stovetop espresso maker (moka pot) before first use
upvoted_answer: Check for metal shavings, grind the bottom flat (if needed). Remove the filter and sealing in the top part to check there as well.
  Mild soap can be used to remove leftover oils from machining (if present).
  
  For Aluminium moka pots, don't use anything abrasive or even midly aggressive (acidic or alkaline) as it will attack the aluminium, instead use coffe to let a protective oil film build up. Some cloth or paper towels can be used to reduce the "patina" from time to time. Immediatly rinsing with water after use (the top part) will keep coffee from drying and sticking and also keep the oil film intact.
  
  The stainless variants are pretty much immune to wear, except the sealing. However, the filter (in the top part) might also be made from aluminum.