If your morning brew is tasting a bit off, it might be time to learn how to clean Black and Decker coffee maker. Regular cleaning is the secret to a great-tasting cup and a machine that lasts for years. This guide will walk you through the simple steps, from a quick daily wipe to a deep monthly clean. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to maintain your appliance.
How to Clean Black and Decker Coffee Maker
This main process focuses on descaling and deep cleaning the internal parts of your coffee maker. You should do this about once a month, or more often if you have hard water or use it daily. The most important ingredient here is white vinegar, a natural descaler that breaks down mineral deposits.
What You’ll Need
- White distilled vinegar
- Fresh, cold water
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A small brush (like a toothbrush)
- A measuring cup
- Optional: Mild dish soap
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Instructions
1. Prepare the Vinegar Solution
Start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and fresh water. For a standard 12-cup Black and Decker coffee maker, you’ll usually need about 2 cups of vinegar and 2 cups of water. This creates a solution strong enough to remove limescale but safe for your machine.
2. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Pour the vinegar-water mix into the water reservoir. Place a clean filter in the basket, but do not add coffee grounds. Put the empty carafe back on the warming plate. Then, turn on the coffee maker and let it run through a full brewing cycle. The vinegar will circulate through the internal tubes and components.
3. Let the Solution Sit
After the cycle finishes, turn off the machine. Let the hot vinegar solution sit in the carafe for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives it extra time to dissolve stubborn mineral deposits inside the system. Don’t leave it for hours, as the acid can be to strong over a very long period.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Pour out the vinegar from the carafe. Fill the water reservoir completely with fresh, cold water. Place the empty carafe back and run another full brewing cycle. Discard that water. You may need to repeat this rinse cycle 2-3 times until the vinegar smell is completely gone from the machine.
Cleaning the External and Removable Parts
While the internal cleaning is happening, you can tackle the parts you can see and touch. Unplug the machine first for safety.
- Carafe: Wash with warm, soapy water. For stains, use a bottle brush or a paste of baking soda and water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the glass.
- Lid and Filter Basket: These are often dishwasher safe (check your manual), but hand washing is gentler. Use that small brush to get coffee oils out of the basket crevices.
- Exterior: Wipe down the whole machine with a damp cloth. For the warming plate, use a cloth dampened with the vinegar solution to remove any baked-on coffee stains. Dry it thoroughly.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tips
A deep clean is essential, but daily habits prevent big messes. After each use, discard the used grounds and filter. Rinse the carafe and filter basket with hot water. Wipe the warming plate with a dry cloth to remove any spills. Once a week, give all removable parts a good wash with soapy water. This stops oily residue from building up and affecting flavor.
Descaling Your Black and Decker Coffee Maker
Descaling is specifically the process of removing limescale, which are hard, chalky mineral deposits from water. Even filtered water can leave some scale over time. It’s the main reason for slow brewing, strange noises, or a machine that won’t turn on.
Signs Your Coffee Maker Needs Descaling
- Your coffee takes longer to brew than usual.
- You see white or chalky flakes in the carafe or basket.
- The coffee tastes bitter or metallic.
- The machine makes more noise during brewing.
- The “Clean” or “Descale” light is on (if your model has one).
How Often to Descale
This depends on your water hardness and how often you use the machine. A good rule is to descale every 1-3 months. If you use it multiple times a day or have very hard water, aim for monthly. If you use it occasionally with soft water, you can go longer between descaling sessions.
Cleaning Specific Black and Decker Models
While the basic vinegar method works for most drip coffee makers, some popular Black and Decker models have unique features.
Cleaning a Black and Decker Programmable Coffee Maker
Programmable models often have a “Clean” button. After adding your vinegar solution to the reservoir, press and hold the “Clean” button for 3 seconds to start the cycle. If there’s no dedicated button, simply run a regular brew cycle without coffee. Always remember to remove the charcoal water filter, if your model has one, before any cleaning cycle.
Cleaning a Black and Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker
For single-serve machines like the Brew ‘n Go, you need to clean the needle that punctures the pod or cup. Unplug the machine and let it cool. Use a paperclip to gently clear any clogs in the needle. Run a vinegar solution through a brewing cycle without a pod. Then, run several cycles with just water to rinse. The holder for the cup should be removed and washed by hand.
Cleaning the Thermal Carafe
Some models come with a stainless steel thermal carafe. These should never go in the dishwasher. Hand wash with warm, soapy water. For coffee stains, soak with a baking soda paste or use a denture cleaning tablet dissolved in warm water. Rinse very well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make errors that can damage your coffee maker. Here’s what to steer clear of.
- Using harsh chemicals: Never use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners inside the machine. They can damage plastic and leave harmful residues.
- Not rinsing enough: Failing to rinse out all the vinegar will make your next pots of coffee taste terrible. Always do multiple water-only cycles.
- Submerging the base: The main unit with the electronics should never be immersed in water or held under a tap. Only wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Ignoring the manual: Your specific model might have special instructions. Always check the user guide that came with it for model-specific advice.
Keeping Your Coffee Maker Fresh Between Cleans
A clean machine makes better coffee. Here are simple habits to adopt.
- Always use fresh, cold water. Stale or warm water from the tap can introduce flavors.
- Change charcoal water filters regularly if your model uses them.
- Store the carafe with the lid off to prevent musty smells from developing.
- Leave the brew basket open to air dry after washing.
FAQ Section
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean my Black and Decker coffee maker?
Yes, you can. The citric acid in lemon juice also breaks down mineral deposits. Use the same method: mix equal parts lemon juice and water, run a cycle, let it sit, and rinse thoroughly. Some people prefer it because it leaves a fresher scent than vinegar.
How do I clean a Black and Decker coffee maker that has mold?
If you see or suspect mold, a vinegar clean is a good first step. After the vinegar cycle and rinse, run a cycle with a tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in water. Rinse again with several cycles of clean water. Ensure every part is completely dry before storing to prevent mold from returning.
Why does my cleaned coffee maker still smell like vinegar?
This means it needs more rinsing. Run several more cycles with just fresh water until the smell is completely gone. You can also try running a cycle with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 quart of water) to neutralize the acid, followed by another clear water rinse.
Is it safe to put the glass carafe in the dishwasher?
Most Black and Decker glass carafes are dishwasher safe on the top rack. However, the constant heat and harsh detergent can make the glass cloudy over time. Hand washing is gentler and will keep it clearer longer. Always check your manual to be sure.
What should I do if my coffee maker is still not working after cleaning?
If it’s still slow or not heating after a descaling, there might be a severe clog or a mechanical issue. Check for visible blockages in the water reservoir exit. You can try a second descaling cycle. If problems persist, it may be time to contact Black and Decker customer support for further help.
How do I clean the water reservoir?
For the reservoir, wipe it out with a cloth dampened with your vinegar solution. For hard-to-reach spots, use a soft brush. Never submerge the main unit. If your reservoir is removable, take it off and wash it in the sink with mild soap.
A clean coffee maker is a happy coffee maker. By following these simple steps regularly, you’ll protect your investment and ensure every cup tastes its best. The whole process takes less than an hour most months, and the difference in flavor is immediately noticeable. Just remember the golden rules: use vinegar, rinse well, and don’t forget the simple daily wipe-down.