Keeping your morning coffee tasting great means keeping your machine clean. This guide will show you exactly how to clean Ninja Dual Brew coffee maker models, like the CE251, to ensure every cup is perfect. Regular cleaning prevents old oils and residue from making your coffee taste bitter and keeps your machine running smoothly for years.
How To Clean Ninja Dual Brew Coffee Maker
This process involves a few key areas: the brew basket, the carafe, the water reservoir, and the exterior. We’ll break each one down into simple steps. You’ll need some basic supplies you probably already have at home.
What You’ll Need for Cleaning
- White vinegar or a commercial coffee maker cleaner
- Fresh, cold water
- Mild dish soap
- A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly)
- A non-abrasive sponge or cloth
- A small bowl of warm, soapy water
- Paper towels or a clean, dry cloth
Daily Cleaning Routine (After Each Use)
This quick routine takes just a minute but makes a huge difference. It prevents buildup before it starts.
- Unplug the coffee maker and let it cool down completely.
- Remove the brew basket and permanent filter. Discard the used coffee grounds.
- Rinse the brew basket and filter under warm running water. Use your soft brush to gently scrub away any clinging grounds or oils.
- Wash the glass carafe or your travel mug with warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly.
- Wipe down the warming plate and the outside of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any coffee splashes.
- Let all parts air-dry completely before reassembling.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Once a week, you should give your Ninja Dual Brew a more thorough clean. This tackles the mineral scale from water and the coffee oils that a rinse can’t remove.
Descaling the Machine
Descaling removes limescale and mineral deposits from the internal heating element and water lines. You should do this about every three months, or more often if you have hard water.
- Fill the water reservoir halfway with white vinegar.
- Fill the rest of the reservoir with fresh, cold water. This creates a 50/50 solution.
- Place a clean, empty carafe on the warming plate. You can also use a large measuring cup if your cleaning the carafe separately.
- Run a full brew cycle using the “Classic” or largest cup setting. Let the full vinegar solution brew through.
- Once the cycle is done, turn off the machine and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This lets the vinegar solution work on the scale.
- Discard the vinegar water from the carafe. Then, fill the reservoir completely with fresh water.
- Run two to three more full brew cycles with just fresh water to rinse all the vinegar out of the system. This is very important for taste.
Cleaning the Removable Parts
While the descaling cycle runs, you can clean the other components.
- Brew Basket & Permanent Filter: Soak them in that bowl of warm, soapy water. Use your brush to scrub every crevice, especially the mesh of the filter. Rinse well.
- Water Reservoir: Take it to the sink and wash it with soapy water. Check for any slimy film or residue. A bottle brush can help reach the corners. Rinse it extremely well.
- Lid & Showerhead: Wipe the underside of the lid and the showerhead (where the water comes out) with a vinegar-dampened cloth to remove any coffee or mineral spots.
Monthly Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Some areas might need a little extra attention once a month to keep everything in top shape.
Cleaning the Warming Plate
Coffee drips can bake onto the warming plate. To clean it, make sure the machine is off and completely cool.
- Dampen a non-abrasive sponge with a mix of water and a little baking soda to create a mild paste.
- Gently scrub the warming plate in a circular motion.
- Wipe it clean with a damp cloth, then dry it thoroughly. Never pour water directly onto the warming plate.
Addressing Clogs or Slow Brewing
If your coffee maker seems to brew slower than usual, there might be a partial clog.
- Check the small hole in the bottom of the brew basket. Use a toothpick or a paper clip to gently clear it of any compacted grounds.
- Inspect the permanent filter for a very fine layer of oil. Soak it in a strong vinegar solution for an hour, then scrub it gently.
- Run a descaling cycle, as scale buildup in the internal tubes can also slow water flow.
Important Safety & Care Tips
Following these tips will protect both you and your coffee maker.
- Always unplug the machine before cleaning any part of it.
- Never immerse the main coffee maker base, cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.
- Only use mild detergents. Harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers can damage the plastic, seals, and stainless steel surfaces.
- Ensure all parts are bone-dry before reassembling and storing the machine. This prevents mold and mildew growth inside the reservoir.
- Refer to your specific model’s user manual for any unique instructions or warnings.
FAQ Section
How often should I clean my Ninja Dual Brew?
You should rinse the brew basket and carafe daily. Do a weekly deep clean of all removable parts. Descale the machine every 1-3 months, depending on your water hardness.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to descale?
Yes, you can use lemon juice as a natural descaler. Use the same 50/50 mix with water. Some people prefer it because it leaves a fresher scent than vinegar.
What’s the best way to clean a Ninja coffee maker’s water tank?
Remove the reservoir and wash it with warm, soapy water. A bottle brush helps scrub the inside. Rinse it throughly to remove all soap residue before putting it back on the machine.
Why does my coffee taste bad even after cleaning?
Old coffee oils can stick to parts and become rancid. Make sure you’re scrubbing the permanent filter and brew basket with soap, not just rinsing them. Also, running several water-only cycles after descaling ensures no vinegar taste remains.
Is it safe to put the Ninja brew basket in the dishwasher?
Most Ninja Dual Brew baskets and permanent filters are top-rack dishwasher safe, but you should check your manual. Handwashing is often recommended to preserve the filter’s mesh.
How do I clean the outside of my Ninja coffee machine?
Just use a soft, damp cloth. For tougher stains, a tiny bit of mild soap on the cloth can help. Dry it immediately with another clean cloth to prevent streaks.
Keeping Your Coffee Tasting Fresh
A clean machine is the secret to a consistently good cup. When you follow this routine, you prevent the buildup of oils and minerals that are the main culprits for off flavors. It might seem like a bit of work, but it’s much simpler than dealing with a clogged or poorly performing machine.
Remember, consistency is key. Those quick daily rinses save you time in the long run. If you notice your coffee starting to taste a little off, it’s probably time for a descaling cycle. Your taste buds will thank you for the effort, and your Ninja Dual Brew will have a much longer, happier life brewing your favorite coffee just the way you like it. Taking care of your applience ensures it takes care of your mornings.