Keeping your Mr. Coffee maker clean is essential for brewing great tasting coffee. Over time, oils, minerals, and residue can build up and negatively affect the taste of your coffee. A clean coffee maker also helps prevent mold and bacteria growth.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to thoroughly clean your Mr. Coffee maker using common household items. We’ll cover how to clean the exterior, interior components, the water reservoir, the carafe, and how to run a vinegar cleaning cycle.
Follow these tips and your Mr. Coffee will continue brewing delicious coffee for years to come.
Key Takeaways: How to Clean a Mr Coffee Maker
| Section | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Supplies Needed | White distilled vinegar Water Dish soap Clean sponge or cloth Small brush (optional) |
| Cleaning the Exterior | Unplug and allow to fully cool Wipe down all exterior surfaces Use baking soda paste for tough stains Avoid abrasive scouring pads Rinse and dry thoroughly |
| Cleaning the Interior | Remove all removable parts and wash in soapy water Wipe down heating plate, reservoir, spray heads Rinse and dry completely before reassembling |
| Vinegar Cleaning Cycle | Fill reservoir with equal vinegar and water Brew half the solution, let sit 30 mins, finish brewing Rinse by brewing 2-3 cycles with just water Repeat monthly |
| Cleaning the Carafe | Wash with soapy water and scrub interior Remove stains with baking soda or scrubber Rinse and dry completely |
| Maintenance Tips | Clean interior monthly Vinegar cycle monthly Use filtered water Hand wash parts Replace filters every 2-3 months |
Supplies Needed
Before getting started on cleaning your Mr. Coffee maker, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:
White Distilled Vinegar
- Use undiluted plain white distilled vinegar, not flavored
- White vinegar is acidic which helps dissolve mineral deposits
- Has antibacterial properties to sanitize the machine
- Avoid apple cider vinegar or other types
Water
- Use fresh, filtered water if possible
- Tap water may contain minerals that can leave new deposits
- Avoid hot water
Dish Soap
- Use a mild detergent, not very fragranced
- Dish soap helps cut through oils and residue
- Liquid dish soap works best
Clean Sponge or Soft Cloth
- Choose a non-abrasive sponge without scrubbies
- Microfiber cloths also work well
- Avoid abrasive pads or brushes that can scratch
Small Brush (optional)
- A soft bristled brush is useful for scrubbing small parts
- Look for a bottle brush, toothbrush, or similar
- Helps remove residue from spray heads, tubes, etc.
Make sure you have enough white distilled vinegar on hand to make your cleaning solution and run a full vinegar cycle. Also have clean water, new filters, soap, and soft scrubbing tools. Avoid any abrasive cleaners or pads that can damage the machine.
Cleaning the Exterior
Thoroughly cleaning the exterior of your Mr. Coffee maker is important to remove stains, residue, and buildup.
Follow these steps:
- Unplug the coffee maker and allow it to fully cool before cleaning. This prevents electric shocks.
- Wipe down all exterior surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth. Use a mild dish soap and warm water.
- Pay close attention to the top, sides, back, bottom, and any corners. Wipe down the entire exterior.
- For stubborn stains or dried coffee drips, make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently scrub stains with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Be careful not to use anything abrasive that could scratch the exterior. Avoid scouring pads.
- If needed, use a soft bristle toothbrush dipped in the baking soda paste to scrub tight crevices or corners.
- Take special care when cleaning around buttons and controls. Avoid getting water inside the machine.
- Rinse exterior surfaces thoroughly with clean water on a damp cloth. Wipe away any soap residue.
- Dry the outside completely with a soft lint-free cloth before continuing to other steps.
- For plastic parts, avoid using hot water which can warp components. Stick to warm or cool water.
- Check manufacturer’s instructions for specific exterior cleaning recommendations. Some parts may require hand washing only.
Thoroughly cleaning the entire exterior helps your Mr. Coffee look nice and prevents grime buildup over time. Take care not to get the interior components wet when cleaning the outside.
Cleaning the Interior
Once the exterior is cleaned, the next step is to thoroughly clean the interior components.
Follow these steps:
- Remove all removable parts from the coffee maker:
- Take out the filter basket and permanent filter, if there is one.
- Remove the glass carafe.
- Take off any lids, caps, or covers.
- Wash the carafe, filter basket, and any other removable parts in warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap and scrub with a soft sponge or cloth to remove residue.
- Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water to remove soap.
- Allow parts to air dry completely before reassembling. Alternatively, dry with a clean, soft towel.
- Wipe down the heating plate with a damp cloth if your coffee maker has one. Scrub gently to remove any dried coffee drips or stains.
- Clean the spray heads and interior tubing with a small brush. Dip the brush in warm, soapy water and gently scrub to remove mineral deposits.
- Remove the water reservoir and clean it with a damp cloth, sponge, or scrub brush. Wipe away any residue buildup.
- Remove and wash the drip tray in warm, soapy water. Dry it fully before replacing it.
- Check any hoses, tubes, or interior surfaces for residue buildup. Wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Once all parts are cleaned and dried, reassemble the coffee maker.
- Replace the carafe, filter basket, reservoirs, lids, and any other parts before running a vinegar cycle.
Thoroughly cleaning all interior parts helps remove oils, minerals, and buildup that can affect the coffee taste and machine performance. Take care not to submerge the coffee maker in water or get electrical components wet.
Running a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle
The most important step is running a vinegar cleaning cycle. This helps remove mineral deposits and residue:
- Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water. For a 12 cup pot, use 6 cups vinegar and 6 cups water.
- Place an empty filter in the filter basket.
- Set a large carafe or container under the coffee maker to catch the vinegar solution.
- Turn on the coffee maker and start a brew cycle with the vinegar and water solution.
- Stop the brew cycle once half the solution has run through. Let the remaining solution sit for 30 minutes.
- Finish the brew cycle to flush the remaining vinegar mixture out.
- Rinse by running 2-3 cycles with just fresh, clean water to remove any vinegar taste.
Tip: Repeat the vinegar cleaning cycle monthly for optimal results.
Cleaning the Carafe
Don’t forget to thoroughly clean the carafe:
- Wash with warm, soapy water. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside.
- Remove stubborn stains with baking soda or a non-abrasive scrubber.
- Rinse and dry completely before use.
Daily Cleaning Tips
To help maintain a clean coffee maker:
- Rinse the filter basket after each use.
- Empty the drip tray frequently.
- Wash the carafe with soap and water daily.
- Wipe down exterior surfaces.
- Deep clean interior monthly.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common issues and solutions if your coffee maker needs extra cleaning:
Coffee tastes sour or bitter
- Run a vinegar cleaning cycle
- Clean the carafe and filter basket
Brewed coffee is weak
- Descale spray heads and tubing
- Replace the filter
Moldy or yeasty smells
- Disinfect all parts with vinegar
- Replace the filter
Mineral buildup
- Use vinegar to remove limescale
- Install a water filter
Maintaining a Clean Coffee Maker
Follow these tips to keep your Mr. Coffee maker clean long-term:
- Clean interior components monthly
- Run a vinegar cleaning cycle monthly
- Use filtered water to prevent mineral buildup
- Wash parts by hand instead of the dishwasher
- Disinfect interior with vinegar every 3-6 months
- Replace filters every 2-3 months
Keeping your Mr. Coffee clean doesn’t have to be a chore. Just a few minutes of care each month will ensure great tasting coffee every time.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Coffee Maker Sparkling Clean
Cleaning your Mr. Coffee maker regularly is essential for brewing delicious tasting coffee every day. Over time, oils, minerals, and residue can build up and negatively impact the flavor.
To clean a Mr. Coffee maker:
- Clean removable parts like the carafe, filter basket, and reservoir after each use. Use warm soapy water and scrub away any residue.
- Do a thorough deep cleaning of all components at least once a month.
- Run a vinegar cleaning cycle by filling the reservoir with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Brew and let sit before finishing the cycle.
- Always rinse well with plain water after a vinegar cycle to remove any taste.
- For tough buildup, use coffee machine cleaners according to instructions. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Replace filters every 2-3 months for optimal performance.
- Use filtered water if possible to prevent mineral deposits.
- Hand wash all parts instead of using the dishwasher.
With proper care and regular cleaning, your Mr. Coffee can continue brewing excellent coffee for years to come. Implement a monthly cleaning routine and your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q1. What supplies do I need to clean my Mr. Coffee maker?
You’ll need white distilled vinegar, water, dish soap, a clean sponge or cloth, and a small brush. The vinegar is important for descaling and disinfecting the interior. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the machine.
Q2. How often should I clean my coffee maker?
It’s recommended to do a thorough cleaning at least once a month. You can also do smaller cleanings like rinsing the carafe daily and wiping down exterior surfaces.
Q3. What’s the best way to clean the carafe?
Hand wash the carafe with warm soapy water after each use. For stubborn stains, fill the carafe with a baking soda solution and let sit overnight before scrubbing and rinsing. Avoid putting the carafe in the dishwasher.
Q4. How do I clean the interior components?
Remove all removable parts like the filter basket and wash in soapy water. Wipe down the heating plate, reservoir, and spray heads with a damp cloth. Rinse and dry everything completely before reassembling.
Q5. How does the vinegar cleaning cycle work?
Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water. Brew half the solution, let sit for 30 minutes, then finish the brew cycle. Rinse by brewing 2-3 cycles with just fresh water.
Q6. What if I have mold or mineral buildup?
Do a thorough vinegar cleaning cycle first. If that doesn’t remove all buildup, use a coffee machine cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
Q7. Can I put coffee maker parts in the dishwasher?
It’s best to hand wash all removable parts. The high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher can damage components over time. Refer to manufacturer instructions.
Q8. How do I maintain my coffee maker long-term?
Do a full vinegar cleaning cycle monthly. Replace filters every 2-3 months. Use filtered water if possible. Wipe down exterior surfaces daily.
Q9. How do I know when my coffee maker needs cleaning?
Signs include weak or slow brewing, mineral buildup, unusual tastes or odors, and mold or bacteria growth. Set a monthly reminder to clean it thoroughly.
Q10. What are some troubleshooting tips?
Check spray heads and tubing for clogs, descale mineral buildup, run vinegar cycles to remove odors, and disinfect all parts if moldy smells occur.
Jessica Saint-Pierre
Jessica is a coffee aficionado who has spent years exploring the world of coffee. She has a deep passion for the art of brewing and enjoys experimenting with different brewing methods to create the perfect cup of cold brew coffee. Her love for coffee has led her to become an expert in the field, and she is known for her meticulous attention to detail when it comes to selecting and brewing the perfect cup. Jessica is also an avid writer who loves sharing her knowledge and experiences with others through her writing.
