If your Bunn coffee machine isn’t performing like it used to, a good cleaning is probably in order. Learning how to clean a Bunn coffee machine is essential for keeping your coffee tasting fresh and your brewer running smoothly for years.
These machines are built to last, but mineral deposits from water and coffee oils can build up inside. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from a daily wipe-down to a deep descaling.
How to Clean a Bunn Coffee Machine
This main cleaning process focuses on descaling, which removes the hard water scale that clogs your brewer’s internal tank and tubes. You should do this about every 3 to 6 months, depending on your water hardness.
What You’ll Need
- Bunn-approved descaling solution or white vinegar
- Fresh, cold water
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A large decanter or pitcher (at least 10-cup size)
- A mild dish soap (for exterior parts)
Step-by-Step Descaling Instructions
1. Prepare Your Machine
First, turn off the brewer and unplug it from the wall. This is a critical safety step. Remove the brew funnel, the spray head, and the coffee decanter. Wash these parts in warm, soapy water and set them aside to dry.
2. Mix the Descaling Solution
If you’re using a commercial Bunn descaler, follow the package instructions. A common homemade method is to mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water. You’ll usually need about half a decanter full of this mix, or as your manual recommends.
3. Start the Descaling Cycle
Plug the machine back in. Pour the descaling solution directly into the brewer’s tank, just as you would with water. Place the empty decanter (without the funnel) on the warming plate. Turn the brew switch to “ON.” The machine will begin to cycle the solution through.
Let half of the solution drain into the decanter. Then, turn the switch off. This pauses the cycle mid-way, allowing the solution to sit in the internal hot water tank and dissolve scale.
4. Let the Solution Soak
Allow the descaler to sit inside the machine’s tank for at least 30 minutes. For heavy buildup, you can let it soak for up to an hour. This soaking time is what breaks down the mineral deposits.
5. Complete the Brew Cycle
After soaking, turn the brew switch back on. Let the remaining solution finish draining completely into the decanter. Once it’s done, pour the used solution from the decanter down your sink drain.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
This is the most important step. Fill the brewer’s tank with fresh, cold water. Place the clean decanter back on the warmer. Run a full cycle of just water through the machine. Discard this water.
Repeat the rinse process. You should run at least two to three full tanks of clean water through the machine to ensure all descaler or vinegar is gone. No one wants vinegary coffee!
7. Reassemble and Do a Test Run
Once the final rinse water runs clear and odor-free, your machine is descaled. Reattach the spray head and brew funnel. Fill the tank with fresh water and run one more brew cycle with just water, discarding it afterward, as a final precaution. Your Bunn is now clean and ready for coffee.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Tasks
A quick daily habit prevents big messes later. After each use, rinse the coffee decanter and brew funnel with warm water. Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any coffee splatters or dust.
Every week, you should give the removable parts a more thorough wash. Take apart the spray head if possible—it often unscrews or clips apart. Soak the funnel, decanter, and spray head components in warm soapy water, then rinse well. A small brush can help clean the tiny holes in the spray head.
Cleaning the Bunn Warming Plate
The warming plate can get stained from coffee drips. Always make sure the brewer is off and cool. Use a non-abrasive cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and water. Gently scrub the plate, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh scrubs that can scratch the surface.
Dealing with the Internal Tank
Some Bunn models have a clean-out port on the side of the hot water tank. If your model has one, you can open this cap (when the machine is cold and unplugged) to flush out any loose sediment after descaling. Check your owner’s manual to see if your specific model has this feature.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with regular cleaning, you might encounter problems. Here’s how to fix a couple common ones.
Slow Brewing or Dripping
This is almost always caused by scale in the internal tank or tubes. A thorough descaling, as outlined above, should resolve it. If the problem persists after descaling, the spray head might be clogged. Make sure it’s taken apart and all holes are clear.
Water Not Getting Hot Enough
If your coffee isn’t hot, scale buildup could be insulating the heating element. Descale the machine. Also, ensure the machine is plugged into a dedicated outlet. Bunn brewers need a constant power supply to keep their tank hot.
Leaking Water
Check that the brew funnel is properly seated and that the decanter is not cracked. Also, inspect the rubber gasket or seal around the tank area for wear and tear. A worn gasket may need replacement.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Neglecting your Bunn brewer leads to more than just bad-tasting coffee. Mineral scale acts like insulation on the heating element, making the machine work harder and potentially shortening it’s lifespan. Coffee oils turn rancid over time, giving your brew a bitter, off flavor.
A clean machine brews at the optimal temperature and speed, which is crucial for proper coffee extraction. This means better flavor in your cup every single time. It’s a simple maintenance task with a big reward.
FAQ Section
Can I use vinegar to clean my Bunn coffee maker?
Yes, a solution of half white vinegar and half cold water is a common and effective descaler for Bunn machines. Just be sure to rinse very thoroughly with multiple tanks of fresh water afterward to remove any vinegar taste.
How often should I descale my Bunn brewer?
For most households, every 3 to 6 months is sufficient. If you have very hard water, you may need to do it more frequently, like every 2 months. If you notice slower brewing times, that’s a sign it needs descaling.
What is the best cleaner for a Bunn coffee machine?
Bunn sells a commercial descaling solution that is formulated for their machines, which is a great option. Alternatively, white vinegar, citric acid, or other commercial descaling products labeled safe for coffee makers work well. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach.
How do I clean the spray head on my Bunn?
Remove the spray head from the machine. It often unscrews or has a locking mechanism. Take it apart if possible and soak the pieces in warm, soapy water. Use a pin or small brush to clear any clogged holes in the shower head before rinsing and reassembling.
Why does my coffee taste bad after cleaning?
A bad taste after cleaning usually means there is leftover cleaning solution or vinegar in the system. Run several more cycles of clean water through the machine until the water comes out tasting completely neutral. Also, ensure all removable parts were rinsed well.
Can I run the Bunn without the funnel in place?
Yes, during the descaling process, you often run cycles without the funnel to allow the solution and rinse water to flow directly into the decanter. For normal coffee brewing, always use the funnel to hold the coffee filter.
Final Tips for Maintenance
Always use cold, filtered water in your Bunn. This significantly reduces mineral buildup from the start. Get in the habit of wiping spills immediately. And most importantly, refer to your specific model’s user manual—it has the most accurate information for your machine’s design.
Following these steps will keep your Bunn coffee machine in excellent working condition. Regular cleaning is a small investment of time that protects your larger investment in a quality coffee brewer. With just a little care, you can enjoy great-tasting coffee from your machine for a very long time.