If your morning brew is starting to taste a bit off, it might be time to give your machine some attention. Learning how do you clean a mr coffee coffee pot is essential for great-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting appliance. A clean machine brews better, prevents clogs, and saves you money in the long run.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps for regular cleaning and deep descaling. We’ll cover everything from the carafe to the internal workings. You’ll be surprised how quick and easy it can be.
How Do You Clean a Mr Coffee Coffee Pot
Cleaning your Mr. Coffee pot isn’t a single task—it’s a combination of daily, weekly, and monthly habits. A consistent routine prevents stubborn buildup and keeps everything running smoothly. Let’s break down what you need and how to do it right.
What You’ll Need for Cleaning
You likely have most of these items at home already. Gather them before you start:
- White vinegar or a commercial coffee maker cleaner
- Fresh, cold water
- Mild dish soap
- A soft sponge or cloth (non-abrasive)
- A small brush (like a toothbrush or bottle brush)
- A lint-free towel for drying
Daily Cleaning Routine
This takes just a minute but makes a huge difference. After each use, discard the used coffee grounds and paper filter. Rinse the coffee pot (carafe) and the filter basket with warm water. Wipe down the warming plate with a damp cloth to remove any coffee spills or residue. Let all parts air dry completely before the next use. This prevents old oils from turning rancid and affecting flavor.
Weekly Deep Clean of Removable Parts
Once a week, give the removable components a thorough wash. This tackles the oily film that water rinsing alone can’t remove.
- Fill your sink with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Take apart the carafe, lid, and filter basket. Place them in the soapy water.
- Use your soft sponge to wash each piece, paying attention to corners and the spout of the carafe.
- For the filter basket, use a small brush to scrub the inside and the little holes at the bottom where water drips through.
- Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap suds.
- Dry with a lint-free towel or let air dry upside down on a rack.
Dealing with Stained Glass Carafes
Brown stains on a glass carafe are normal but unsightly. Don’t use harsh abrasives that can scratch the glass. Instead, try one of these safe methods:
- Vinegar and Salt: Add a tablespoon of salt to the empty carafe, then fill it about a quarter full with white vinegar. Swirl the mixture around until the salt dissolves, then let it sit for an hour. Scrub with a soft sponge and rinse well.
- Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste with baking soda and a little water. Apply it to the stained areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub and rinse.
- Denture Tablet: Drop one effervescent denture cleaning tablet into the carafe, fill with warm water, and let it fizz. After 30 minutes, the stains should wipe away easily.
Monthly Descaling Process
This is the most important step for the machine’s internals. Mineral scale from hard water builds up in the tubes and heating element, slowing brew times and affecting temperature. Descaling removes this scale.
- Prepare the Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and fresh cold water. You’ll need enough to fill the machine’s water reservoir. For a very scaled machine, you can use a stronger ratio of 2 parts vinegar to 1 part water.
- Run a Brew Cycle: Pour the vinegar solution into the reservoir. Place the empty and clean carafe on the warming plate. Put an empty filter in the basket (this catches any loose debris). Start a full brew cycle.
- Pause and Soak: Halfway through the cycle, turn off the machine. Let the vinegar solution sit in the system for 15-20 minutes. This gives it time to dissolve the mineral deposits.
- Complete the Cycle: Turn the machine back on and let it finish brewing the vinegar into the carafe.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Dump the vinegar from the carafe. Fill the reservoir with fresh cold water only. Run multiple brew cycles (2-3) with just water to completely rinse out any vinegar taste. Use a new filter each time.
You can also use a commercial descaling product made for coffee makers. Just follow the instructions on the package carefully, as they can be more potent than vinegar.
Cleaning the Exterior and Warming Plate
Don’t forget the outside! Unplug the machine and let it cool completely. Wipe the entire exterior with a cloth dampened with a mild soapy solution, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth to rinse. For the warming plate, a paste of baking soda can help lift any baked-on coffee stains. Apply, let sit for a few minutes, then gently wipe clean. Dry everything with a soft towel before plugging it back in.
Troubleshooting Common Mr. Coffee Issues
Sometimes cleaning solves performance problems. Here are a few common issues and their fixes.
Slow Brewing or Dripping
If the coffee is coming out very slowly or in drips, you likely have a clog. The most common culprit is scale in the internal tubes or a blocked showerhead (where the water comes out over the filter). Run a descaling cycle as described above. If that doesn’t work, check the small hole in the reservoir where water enters the system—it can sometimes get blocked with mineral deposits.
Coffee Tastes Bad or Bitter
A bitter or off taste is often due to old coffee oils rancidifying in the machine. Make sure you’re doing your weekly wash of the carafe and filter basket. If the taste persists, a full descaling is needed. Also, try running a cycle with just water and a little lemon juice after descaling to neutralize any remaining flavors.
Machine Won’t Turn On
First, check the obvious: is it plugged in securely? Ensure the power switch is on. Some models have an auto-off feature; you may need to press the button again to wake it up. If it still doesn’t work, check your home’s circuit breaker. If none of this helps, the internal fuse or heating element may be faulty.
Maintenance Tips to Reduce Cleaning Frequency
Good habits mean less deep cleaning. Follow these tips to keep your Mr. Coffee in top shape.
- Always use fresh, cold water. If you have very hard water, consider using filtered or bottled water to reduce scale buildup dramatically.
- Change your paper filters if you notice a difference in brand or quality; some leave more residue than others.
- Never leave old coffee sitting in the pot on the warmer for hours. Pour it into a thermal carafe if you want to keep it hot.
- Wipe down the machine’s exterior regularly to prevent dust and grime from building up near vents and buttons.
- Run a plain water brew cycle every friday after your regular cleaning, just to flush the system.
FAQ Section
How often should I descale my Mr. Coffee maker?
It depends on your water hardness and how often you use it. For most households, descaling every 1 to 3 months is sufficient. If you see white mineral deposits or notice slower brewing, it’s time.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean my coffee pot?
Yes, you can. Lemon juice is acidic and can help break down mineral deposits. Use fresh lemon juice mixed with water in the same way you would use vinegar. However, vinegar is often more effective and less expensive for heavy scale.
Is it safe to wash the Mr. Coffee carafe in the dishwasher?
Most glass carafes from Mr. Coffee are dishwasher safe, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. The plastic filter basket and lid are usually top-rack safe. Handwashing is gentler and can extend the life of these parts.
Why does my coffee taste like vinegar after cleaning?
This means you didn’t rinse the machine thoroughly enough after descaling. Run several complete brew cycles with fresh water only until the vinegar smell is completely gone. Using a new paper filter for each rinse cycle helps.
What should I do if my coffee maker has mold in it?
If you see or suspect mold, a vinegar solution may not be strong enough. Use a commercial coffee maker cleaner or a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts water. Run it through a brew cycle, then run multiple water cycles to rinse. Ensure the machine is completely dry after by leaving the lid open when not in use.
Can I use baking soda to clean the inside of my coffee maker?
Do not run baking soda mixed with water through the brew cycle. Baking soda is a base, not an acid, so it won’t dissolve mineral scale effectively. It’s great for scrubbing the exterior and the carafe, but stick with vinegar or citric acid for internal descaling.
Final Thoughts on a Clean Coffee Pot
A clean Mr. Coffee machine is the secret to a consistently good cup of coffee. By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy better flavor every morning. Remember, regular maintenance is easier than dealing with a major clog or breakdown. Start with a descaling if it’s been a while, then establish that easy weekly habit. Your taste buds—and your coffee maker—will thank you for it.