Keeping your coffee maker clean is essential for great-tasting coffee and a long-lasting machine. If you’re wondering how to clean Mr Coffee machine models, you’ve come to the right place. A clean machine not only brews a better cup but also prevents mineral buildup that can cause damage over time. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from daily care to deep monthly cleaning.
How to Clean Mr Coffee Machine
This main process focuses on descaling and deep cleaning your Mr Coffee machine. You should do this about once a month, or more often if you have hard water. It’s simpler than it sounds, and you only need a few household items.
What You’ll Need for Deep Cleaning
- White vinegar or a commercial descaling solution
- Fresh, cold water
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A small brush (like a toothbrush)
- A measuring cup
Step-by-Step Descaling Instructions
1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Start by mixing your descaling solution. For most Mr Coffee machines, a mix of half white vinegar and half water works perfectly. If your machine is heavily scaled, you can use full-strength vinegar. Alternatively, follow the instructions on a store-bought descaler.
2. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Pour the solution into the water reservoir. Place a carafe or large cup on the warming plate to catch the liquid. Turn on the brew cycle and let it run until about half the solution has drained into the carafe.
3. Let the Solution Soak
This is a crucial step. Turn off the machine and let the vinegar solution sit inside for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This soaking time allows the acid to break down the hard mineral deposits (scale) inside the internal tubes and heating element.
4. Complete the Brew Cycle
After soaking, turn the machine back on and let it finish brewing the rest of the solution into the carafe. Once it’s done, discard the vinegar water from the carafe.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Now, you need to remove any vinegar taste. Fill the reservoir completely with fresh, cold water. Run the brew cycle again, discarding the water. You may need to do this 2-3 times until no vinegar smell remains. It’s important to be thorough here.
Cleaning the External and Removable Parts
While the descaling cycle works on the inside, you should clean the outside parts. Always unplug the machine and let it cool completely first.
- Carafe and Lid: Wash with warm, soapy water. For stained glass carafes, a paste of baking soda and water can help scrub stains away. Rinse well.
- Filter Basket: Remove the basket and permanent filter (if you have one). Wash them in soapy water. Use a small brush to clean the small holes where water drips through.
- Warming Plate: Wipe the warming plate with a damp cloth. For stuck-on stains, a little vinegar on the cloth can help loosen them. Be careful not to let liquid drip into the machine.
- Exterior: Wipe the entire machine body with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main unit in water.
Special Considerations for Different Models
Single-Serve Machines (like the Mr Coffee Single Cup)
These require extra attention to the needle that pierces the pod or cup. After unplugging, use a paperclip to gently clear any coffee grounds from the entrance and exit needles. Run a vinegar descaling cycle using a travel mug or similar container to catch the water.
Programmable Models with Grinders
For machines with built-in grinders, you must clean the grinder area regularly. Unplug the machine. Remove any beans. Wipe the hopper with a dry cloth. Use a small brush or a dry toothbrush to clean the burrs of old coffee grounds. Never use water or cleaner on the grinding mechanism.
Establishing a Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routine
Deep cleaning monthly is key, but daily habits prevent big messes.
After Each Use (Daily)
- Discard used coffee grounds and paper filters immediately.
- Rinse the carafe and filter basket with hot water.
- Wipe any spills from the warming plate with a damp cloth.
- Leave the lid off the carafe and the machine open to air dry and prevent mildew.
Once a Week
- Wash the carafe, lid, and filter basket in warm, soapy water.
- Inspect the water reservoir for any film and wipe it with a clean, damp cloth.
- Check the showerhead (where water drips into the basket) for clogs and wipe it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Machine is Slow to Brew
This is almost always caused by mineral scale blocking the internal tubes. A thorough descaling cycle, as described above, should fix this issue. If it persists after cleaning, the heating element may be failing.
Coffee Tastes Bad or Vinegary
A bad taste usually means the machine needs cleaning. If you taste vinegar, you didn’t rinse enough after descaling. Run several more cycles with fresh water only until the taste is gone. Always use a clean carafe for rinsing.
Water Leaks from the Bottom
First, ensure you haven’t overfilled the reservoir. If leaking continues, mineral scale might be causing a poor seal inside. Try descaling. If it still leaks, there may be a crack in the internal tank or a hose has come loose, which may require professional repair.
Machine Won’t Turn On
Check that it’s plugged in securely. Ensure the carafe is placed correctly on the warming plate, as many models have a safety switch that won’t activate without the carafe in place. If neither works, the unit may have a faulty power cord or internal issue.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Use filtered water if your tap water is very hard. This significantly reduces scale buildup.
- Change the charcoal water filter (if your model has one) every 60 days or as recommended. A old filter doesn’t work and can harbor bacteria.
- Never run just plain water through your machine as a “cleaner.” It doesn’t remove oils or minerals.
- Always empty any leftover water from the reservoir if you won’t be using the machine for a few days.
Why Regular Cleaning is Non-Negotiable
Neglecting your coffee maker leads to more than just bad coffee. Oils from coffee beans, called cafestol, build up and become rancid. Mineral scale insulates the heating element, making it work harder and potentially burn out. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp, dark reservoirs. A clean machine is a efficient, tasty, and safe one.
Following these steps will keep your Mr Coffee brewing perfectly for years. The whole process takes less than an hour a month, and the difference in your morning cup is immediately noticeable. Consistency is the real secret—don’t wait for a problem to start your cleaning routine.
FAQ Section
How often should I clean my Mr Coffee maker?
You should do a quick rinse of the carafe and basket daily. A full wash of removable parts is good weekly. The deep descaling process with vinegar should be done every one to three months, depending on your water hardness and how often you use the machine.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean my coffee machine?
Yes, you can. Lemon juice is also acidic and can help break down mineral deposits. Use the same method: a mixture of half lemon juice and half water. However, some find vinegar to be slightly more effective on heavy scale, and it’s often cheaper.
What is the best way to clean a Mr Coffee pot with baked-on stains?
For a stained glass carafe, make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Scrub the inside with the paste using a non-abrasive sponge. For tough stains, you can also try adding a spoonfull of denture cleaner tablets with warm water and letting it soak overnight. Rinse very thoroughly afterward.
Why does my cleaned machine still smell like old coffee?
This usually means coffee oils have built up in areas that your regular cleaning misses. Focus on the filter basket, the lid of the carafe, and the showerhead. Soak the basket and lid in a hot water and baking soda solution. Also, run an extra vinegar cycle to clean internal tubes that might be coated in oil.
Is it safe to run vinegar through my Mr Coffee?
Absolutely. Running a vinegar solution is the standard, recommended method for descaling most home coffee makers, including Mr Coffee brands. Just be sure to follow it with several clear water rinse cycles to ensure all vinegar is flushed out before you brew coffee again.
How do I clean the outside of my Mr Coffee machine?
Always unplug the unit and let it cool. Simply wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. For stubborn spots, dampen the cloth with a mild soap solution. Never pour water or cleaners directly onto the machine body, and avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface.