If you want a great cup of coffee every morning, you need to know how to clean Mr. Coffee coffee machine. A clean machine is the secret to better flavor and a longer-lasting appliance. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from daily care to a deep monthly clean. We’ll cover everything you need, including descaling, cleaning the carafe, and handling those easy-to-miss parts. Let’s get started.
How To Clean Mr. Coffee Coffee Machine
Your Mr. Coffee machine works hard for you. Over time, mineral deposits from water (scale) and coffee oils build up. This can make your coffee taste bitter or sour. It can also slow down brewing and even cause your machine to fail. A regular cleaning routine prevents these problems. It’s simpler than you might think and doesn’t require fancy products.
What You’ll Need for Cleaning
Before you begin, gather these supplies. You probably have most of them at home already.
- White vinegar or a commercial descaling solution
- Fresh, clean water
- Mild dish soap
- A soft sponge or cloth (non-abrasive)
- A small brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly)
- A paperclip or similar thin object
- Optional: Lemon juice (as an alternative to vinegar)
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Tasks
These quick habits make the big deep cleans much easier and keep your coffee tasting fresh.
After Each Use: The Carafe and Filter Basket
Get into the habit of cleaning the carafe and filter basket right after you pour your last cup. Don’t let old grounds sit. First, discard the used coffee filter and grounds. Then, wash the carafe, lid, and filter basket with warm, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly. This prevents stubborn stains and oily residue from building up. A quick wipe of the warming plate with a damp cloth is also a good idea to remove any coffee drips.
Weekly: The Water Reservoir and Exterior
Once a week, give the machine a more thorough wipe-down. Unplug the machine and empty any water from the reservoir. Wash the reservoir with warm, soapy water, rinse it well, and dry it. Use a damp cloth to clean the entire exterior of the machine, including the cord. Pay attention to the area around the buttons and the drip tray. This keeps your machine looking new and prevents grime buildup.
The Monthly Deep Clean & Descaling Process
This is the most important process for maintaining your machine. Descaling removes mineral scale that affects taste and performance. Plan to do this every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use the machine and your water hardness.
- Prepare the Vinegar Solution: Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of half white vinegar and half fresh water. Do not use soap.
- Run a Brew Cycle: Place a clean carafe (without a coffee filter or grounds) on the warming plate. Start a full brew cycle as if you were making coffee.
- Pause and Soak: Halfway through the cycle, turn off the machine. Let the vinegar solution sit in the system for 15-20 minutes. This helps break down heavy scale deposits.
- Complete the Cycle: Turn the machine back on and let it finish brewing the vinegar solution into the carafe.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Dump the vinegar water from the carafe. Fill the reservoir completely with fresh, clean water. Run multiple brew cycles with just clean water until the vinegar smell is completely gone. This may take 2-3 full reservoirs of water.
Cleaning Specific Parts of Your Mr. Coffee Machine
Some parts need special attention to ensure no hidden gunk is affecting your brew.
The Coffee Carafe (Glass or Thermal)
For glass carafes, stains can be tough. Make a paste of baking soda and water, scrub the stained areas gently, and rinse. For persistent stains, you can add a spoonful of rice with soapy water and shake vigorously—the rice acts as a gentle abrasive. For thermal carafes, avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the interior lining. A bottle brush and warm soapy water are your best tools.
The Filter Basket and Area
Coffee oils love to hide here. Remove the filter basket and wash it with soapy water. Use the small brush to scrub the small holes in the bottom. Also, look up into the showerhead (where the hot water comes out). If you see any blockages, use the paperclip to gently clear them. Wipe the entire basket area with a damp cloth.
The Warming Plate
Spilled coffee can bake onto the warming plate. Make sure the machine is completely cool and unplugged. Dampen a cloth with a mix of water and a little vinegar. Place it on the stained area for a few minutes to loosen the residue, then gently scrub. Do not pour water or cleaner directly onto the plate.
Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Issues
- Machine is Slow to Brew: This is almost always caused by scale buildup in the internal tubes. A thorough descaling (you might need to run the vinegar cycle twice) should fix it.
- Coffee Tastes Bad or Sour: Old coffee oils are likely the culprit. Ensure you are cleaning the carafe, filter basket, and all removable parts after every use. Run a vinegar descale cycle to clean the internals.
- Water Doesn’t Get Hot Enough: Scale can insulate the heating element. Descaling can often restore proper temperature. If the problem persists, the element may be failing.
- Leaks Under the Machine: Check that all parts, especially the filter basket and carafe lid, are correctly assembled and seated. A missing or misaligned seal could be the cause.
Important Safety Tips and Best Practices
Always unplug your coffee maker before cleaning any part of it, especially if you are using water or a damp cloth. Never immerse the main unit base in water. It’s an electrical appliance. Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling and using the machine again. For your safety, never use harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive scouring pads, as they can damage the machine and leave harmful residues.
Maintaining Your Clean Machine
Consistency is key. Stick to the daily and weekly habits. Use filtered water if your tap water is very hard; it will significantly reduce scale buildup and mean you need to descale less often. If you machine has a charcoal water filter (some models do), remember to replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually every 2 months or 60 brew cycles. A clean machine makes better coffee and will serve you reliably for years to come.
FAQ Section
How often should I clean my Mr. Coffee maker?
You should clean the carafe and filter basket after every use. Descale the machine with vinegar every 1 to 3 months, depending on use and water hardness.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean my coffee machine?
Yes, lemon juice is a good natural alternative. Use the same method: a half-and-half mixture of lemon juice and water for the descaling cycle.
What is the best way to get rid of coffee stains in the carafe?
For glass carafes, a paste of baking soda and water works well. Let it sit for a bit before scrubbing gently. You can also try a denture cleaning tablet dissolved in warm water—it’s surprisingly effective.
Why does my cleaned coffee maker still smell like vinegar?
This means you didn’t rinse it enough. Run several more cycles with only fresh water until the odor is completely gone. The smell will transfer to your coffee if you don’t.
How do I clean the outside of my Mr. Coffee machine?
Simply unplug the unit and wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth. For tougher spots, a tiny bit of mild soap on the cloth can help. Dry it immediately afterwards.
Is it safe to run vinegar through my coffee maker?
Yes, white vinegar is a safe and recommended method for descaling. It’s important to follow it with thorough rinsing cycles to remove all vinegar residue.
My coffee tastes bitter even after cleaning. What’s wrong?
Bitterness can come from using water that’s too hot (over-extraction) or from extremely old coffee grounds. Ensure your machine is functioning correctly and that you’re using fresh, good-quality coffee. Also, check that you’re cleaning all parts, including the showerhead.