If your morning brew is tasting a bit off, it might be time to learn how to clean Mr Coffee. Regular cleaning is the secret to a great-tasting cup and a machine that lasts for years. This guide will walk you through every step, from a quick daily wipe to a deep monthly clean. It’s easier than you think, and you probably have most of the supplies you need already in your kitchen.
How to Clean Mr Coffee
This main process is your comprehensive monthly cleaning routine. It tackles the mineral buildup (scale) and coffee oils that affect flavor. You should do this about once a month, or more often if you have hard water or use your brewer multiple times a day.
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar or a commercial coffee maker cleaner
- Fresh, cold water
- A soft sponge or cloth
- A small brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly)
- Mild dish soap
Step-by-Step Descaling Instructions
1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Start by mixing your solution. For most standard 12-cup Mr. Coffee machines, use equal parts white vinegar and water. So, if your reservoir holds 12 cups, you’d use 6 cups of vinegar and 6 cups of water. Fill the water reservoir all the way with this mixture.
2. Run a Brewing Cycle (Without Coffee)
Place a clean filter in the basket, but do not add any coffee grounds. Put your coffee pot in its place. Then, turn on the brewer and let it run through a full brewing cycle. The vinegar solution will flow through the internal tubes and heating element, dissolving mineral deposits.
3. Let the Solution Sit
After the cycle is complete, turn off the machine. Let the hot vinegar solution sit in the carafe and inside the machine for about 15 to 20 minutes. This pause gives the vinegar extra time to break down stubborn scale.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
This step is crucial. Empty the carafe. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water only. Run another full brewing cycle without a filter or coffee. Discard that water. Repeat this rinsing process one or two more times until you can no longer smell any vinegar in the steam or the water that comes out. Any leftover vinegar taste will ruin your next pot of coffee.
Cleaning the Removable Parts
While the descaling solution is working, you can clean the other components. Always make sure the machine is unplugged and completely cool before you handle these parts.
- The Carafe (Pot): Wash with warm, soapy water. For stained glass carafes, a paste of baking soda and water or a denture tablet can work wonders. Let it soak, then scrub gently. Avoid abrasive pads that can cause scratches.
- The Filter Basket & Lid: These can usually be removed. Wash them in soapy water, using the small brush to get into the crevices and the hole where the water drips through. Coffee oils love to hide here.
- The Warming Plate: Wipe it down with a damp cloth while it’s cool. For stuck-on stains, a paste of baking soda can help lift them off gently.
Wiping Down the Exterior
Finish by wiping the entire outside of the machine with a damp cloth. Pay attention to the area around the buttons and the water reservoir opening. Never submerge the main machine body in water.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tips
A quick daily habit prevents big messes later. It only takes a minute but makes a huge difference.
After Each Use
- Empty and rinse the coffee pot and filter basket. Don’t let old grounds or coffee sit there all day.
- Wipe the warming plate with a damp cloth to remove any coffee drips.
- Dump out any leftover water from the reservoir if you won’t be using it again soon. Stale water can lead to mold or a flat taste.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
- Give the carafe a deep clean with soap and a bottle brush.
- Inspect and clean the water reservoir. Wipe it out with a vinegar-dampened cloth to prevent slime or mold. Some models have a removable reservoir you can wash in the sink.
- Check the showerhead (the part that drips water over the grounds). If it has holes, use a pin to clear any clogs.
How to Clean a Mr Coffee with a Built-In Grinder
Machines with grinders need extra attention because coffee oils can become rancid in the grinding mechanism. This affects taste more than anything.
Cleaning the Grinder Chamber
First, unplug the machine and ensure it’s cool. Remove any whole beans. Use a small, dry brush or a dedicated coffee grinder brush to sweep out all loose grounds from the chamber. You can also use a dry cloth. Never use water or cleaner inside the grinder chamber itself.
De-greasing the Grinder
To remove oily buildup, run a handful of uncooked white rice through the grinder on the finest setting. The rice will absorb oils and help scrub the burrs. Discard the ground rice powder thoroughly. Follow this with a few tablespoons of plain, old-fashioned rolled oats to pick up any remaining dust. Always do a final brush-out to remove all residue.
Troubleshooting Common Mr. Coffee Issues
Sometimes cleaning can solve performance problems. Here are a few common issues and their fixes.
Machine is Slow to Brew or Drips Slowly
This is almost always caused by scale buildup in the internal tubes. A thorough descaling (maybe even two cycles back-to-back) should restore water flow. Also, check that the filter basket isn’t clogged with fine grounds.
Coffee Tastes Bad or Bitter
Old oils are the likely culprit. Make sure you’ve descaled recently. Then, focus on cleaning every part that touches coffee: the pot, basket, and lid. If your machine has a grinder, clean that too. Using stale coffee beans can also cause a bitter flavor.
Water Leaks from the Bottom
If cleaning doesn’t stop a leak, there may be a crack in the internal reservoir or a tube has come loose. This often requires professional repair or replacement. First, double-check that all removable parts are correctly seated and that you haven’t overfilled the water reservoir.
The “Clean” Light is On
On many Mr. Coffee models, this light is a simple timer. It usually comes on after a set number of brewing cycles (like 30 or 60) to remind you to descale. It does not sense actual dirt. After you complete a descaling cycle, you often need to hold the “Clean” button for a few seconds to reset the light.
Important Safety Tips for Cleaning
Keeping safe is just as important as getting a clean machine. Always follow these rules.
- Always Unplug: Never handle a coffee maker that is plugged into an electrical outlet.
- Let it Cool: Wait until the machine and warming plate are completely cool before you start cleaning any part.
- Avoid Submersion: Never immerse the main base unit, cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.
- Use Gentle Cleaners: Stick to vinegar, baking soda, or mild soap. Harsh chemicals like bleach can damage parts and leave dangerous residues.
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and plugging the machine back in.
FAQ Section
How often should I clean my Mr. Coffee machine?
You should do a full descaling clean with vinegar about once a month. If you have very hard water, you might need to do it every two weeks. Daily rinsing of the pot and basket is also recommended.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean my coffee maker?
Yes, you can. Lemon juice also contains acid that breaks down scale. Use the same method, with equal parts lemon juice and water. Some people prefer the smell over vinegar. However, it can be more expensive for regular cleaning.
What is the best way to clean a stained Mr. Coffee glass carafe?
For tough stains, try one of these methods: 1) Fill with hot water and drop in two denture cleaning tablets. Let soak overnight. 2) Add a spoonful of baking soda and a dash of vinegar, let it fizz, then scrub. 3) Use a bottle brush designed for carafes to reach the corners.
Why does my coffee still taste like vinegar after cleaning?
This means you didn’t rinse enough. The vinegar solution needs to be completely flushed out. Run multiple cycles with just fresh water until the steam and water no longer have any vinegar smell. It usually takes 2-3 full pots of clean water.
How do I clean the outside of my Mr. Coffee?
Simply wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth. For sticky spots, add a little mild dish soap to the cloth. Avoid getting water into any vents or openings. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubby pads on the plastic housing.
Is it necessary to clean a brand new Mr. Coffee before first use?
Yes, it’s a very good idea. Manufacturing can leave behind dust or residues inside the machine. Run at least two full cycles with just clean water through a new machine before you brew your first pot of coffee. This ensures a pure taste.
Keeping Your Machine in Top Shape
A clean coffee maker is a happy coffee maker. By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy better-tasting coffee every single day. Remember, consistency is key—don’t wait for the “Clean” light or a strange taste to remind you. A little maintenance goes a long way, and your morning self will thank you for it. If you follow this guide, your Mr. Coffee should provide you with reliable service for a long time to come.