If you want your morning brew to taste its best, you need to know how to clean a Mr Coffee machine. Regular cleaning removes mineral deposits and old coffee oils that can make your coffee taste bitter or sour. A clean machine also works more efficiently and lasts longer. This guide will walk you through the simple steps for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning. It’s easier than you think and makes a huge difference in your cup.
How To Clean A Mr Coffee Machine
This main cleaning process is known as descaling. It tackles the limescale and calcium deposits that build up inside your machine’s inner workings. How often you need to do this depends on your water hardness. If you see white flakes in your coffee or the brewer is slow, it’s definitely time.
What You’ll Need for Descaling
- White vinegar or a commercial descaling solution made for coffee makers.
- Fresh, clean water.
- A clean filter basket (no coffee filter needed).
- A soft cloth or sponge.
- A large carafe or measuring jug to hold the cleaning solution.
Step-by-Step Descaling Instructions
1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
First, make your descaling mixture. For most Mr Coffee models, a half-and-half solution works well. Fill your carafe with equal parts white vinegar and fresh water. If your using a commercial descaler, follow the package instructions instead.
2. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Pour the vinegar solution into the water reservoir of your coffee maker. Place the empty carafe back on the warming plate. Put an empty filter basket in place—do not use a coffee filter. Now, turn on the brew cycle as if your making a full pot of coffee. Let the entire cycle run until the carafe is full.
3. Let the Solution Soak
Once the cycle is complete, turn off the machine. Let the hot vinegar solution sit in the carafe and inside the hot internal tubes for 15 to 30 minutes. This soaking time helps break down the stubborn mineral deposits.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
After soaking, empty the carafe of the used vinegar solution. Rinse the carafe well with fresh water. Fill the water reservoir completely with fresh, clean water. Place the clean carafe back on the warmer and run a full brew cycle. Do this again with another reservoir of fresh water. You may need to run two or three clear water cycles until no vinegar smell remains.
Cleaning the External Parts
While the interior is descaling, don’t forget the outside. Wipe down the entire machine with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to the warming plate, as spilled coffee can bake on. For tough stains on the plate, a paste of baking soda and water can help. Just apply it gently, wipe, and rinse the cloth well.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routine
A quick daily habit prevents big monthly cleanings. This routine focuses on the parts that touch your coffee directly.
After Each Use (Daily)
- Throw away the used coffee grounds and paper filter.
- Rinse the plastic filter basket with warm water. Give it a light scrub with a soft brush to remove any oily residue.
- Rinse the glass carafe with warm water. If coffee stains are starting, a little dish soap and a bottle brush will take care of it.
- Wipe the warming plate with a damp cloth to catch any drips.
Weekly Deep Clean of Removable Parts
Once a week, give the removable components a more thorough wash. This prevents old coffee oils from going rancid, which ruins flavor.
- Take apart the filter basket assembly. Some models have a lid or a holder that comes apart.
- Wash the carafe, lid, filter basket, and any removable parts in warm, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive sponge.
- For stained carafes, a simple trick works great. Add a handful of ice, a tablespoon of coarse salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice to the carafe. Swirl vigorously for a minute. The abrasion from the ice and salt plus the acid from the lemon lifts stains away. Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry all parts completely before reassembling your coffee maker.
Cleaning Specific Mr Coffee Machine Parts
Different models have unique parts that need attention. Here’s how to handle them.
Cleaning the Water Reservoir
The water tank can develop slime or mildew if not cleaned. Empty it weekly. Wash it with warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry it before refilling. Never submerge the main machine unit in water, just the removable reservoir.
Cleaning the Showerhead
The showerhead is the small plate with holes that disperses water over the coffee grounds. It can get clogged with mineral deposits. To clean it, run a paperclip or a small pin through the holes gently. You can also use a small brush dipped in vinegar.
Addressing the Charcoal Water Filter (If Your Model Has One)
Many Mr Coffee machines have a charcoal water filter in the reservoir. Replace this filter every 60 days or as recommended. A old filter won’t clean your water properly and can even impair water flow. Don’t try to wash and reuse it.
Important Safety Tips and Best Practices
Keeping your machine clean is also about using it safely. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your appliance.
- Always unplug the coffee maker before you start any cleaning.
- Never immerse the main base, cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.
- Let the machine cool down completely before handling removable parts.
- Use only gentle cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers, or steel wool, which can damage surfaces.
- After any cleaning with vinegar or soap, always run multiple clear water cycles to ensure no cleaner remains inside. This keeps your next pot of coffee from tasting like cleaning products.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, cleaning can solve performance problems. Here are a few common issues and their fixes.
Machine is Slow to Brew
This is almost always caused by mineral buildup in the internal tubes. A thorough descaling, as described above, should restore normal flow speed. Make sure your water reservoir filter isn’t overdue for a change.
Coffee Tastes Bad or Bitter
Old oils in the filter basket or carafe are the likely culprit. Give all removable parts a deep weekly clean with soap. Also, try descaling, as mineral deposits can affect taste. Always use fresh, cold water for each brew.
Water Doesn’t Get Hot Enough
If your coffee isn’t hot, scale buildup on the heating element could be insulating it. Descaling might help. Also, ensure the carafe is properly seated on the warming plate.
Leaking or Dripping
Check that all parts, especially the filter basket and carafe lid, are correctly assembled and seated. A misaligned basket is a common cause of leaks. Also, check the rubber gasket or seal around the water reservoir for cracks or wear.
Maintaining Your Clean Coffee Maker
Consistency is key. A simple maintenance schedule makes it easy.
- Daily: Rinse carafe and basket.
- Weekly: Wash removable parts with soap.
- Monthly (or as needed): Descale with vinegar.
- Every 2 Months: Replace charcoal water filter.
Using filtered water to begin with can significantly reduce mineral buildup, meaning you’ll need to descale less often. It’s a good investment for your machine’s lifespan and your coffee’s taste.
FAQ Section
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean my Mr Coffee?
Yes, you can. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which also breaks down mineral deposits. Use the same method: a mixture of half lemon juice and half water. Run it through a cycle, let it soak, and then rinse thoroughly with several cycles of clean water.
How often should I clean my coffee maker with vinegar?
For most households, cleaning your Mr Coffee with vinegar every one to three months is sufficient. If you have very hard water, you might need to do it monthly. If your coffee starts tasting off or the brew cycle slows down, it’s time for a cleaning.
Why does my coffee maker still smell like vinegar after cleaning?
This means there’s leftover vinegar solution inside the machine. You need to run more clear water brew cycles. Run at least two full pots of fresh water through the machine after the descaling cycle until the smell is completely gone. Make sure your water reservoir is also cleaned out.
What is the best way to clean a Mr Coffee pot?
For the glass carafe, dish soap and a bottle brush after each use is best. For stubborn stains, the ice, salt, and lemon juice method is very effective. For plastic parts like the filter basket, warm soapy water and a soft brush will remove oily residue.
Is it safe to run vinegar through a coffee machine?
Yes, it is safe and a very common method. White vinegar is a mild acid that dissolves limescale without damaging the internal parts of your Mr Coffee. Just remember to rinse it out completely with several cycles of fresh water afterwards so your coffee doesn’t have a vinegar taste.
Keeping your Mr Coffee machine clean is a simple but essential task. It ensures every pot you make is as fresh and flavorful as possible. By following these regular routines, you’ll avoid problems, extend the life of your machine, and most importantly, enjoy a better cup of coffee every single morning. The whole process becomes quick and easy once you get into the habit.