How To Clean A Bunn Coffee Maker

If you want your morning coffee to taste its best, you need to know how to clean a bunn coffee maker. A clean machine brews better coffee and lasts much longer, so this simple routine is essential for any coffee lover.

Let’s walk through the entire process. We’ll cover daily care, weekly cleaning, and the deep descaling your machine needs every few months. It’s easier than you think, and you probably have most of the supplies at home already.

This is your complete guide to keeping your Bunn in top shape. We’ll break it down into simple steps you can follow. Regular cleaning prevents mineral buildup and old coffee oils from ruining your cup.

Why Cleaning Your Bunn is Non-Negotiable

Bunn coffee makers are built for speed and durability. But that constant hot water means limescale builds up fast. Old coffee oils turn rancid. This leads to bitter, off-tasting coffee and can even clog your machine.

A clean brewer protects your investment. It ensures every pot is as good as the first. You wouldn’t cook in a dirty pan, so don’t brew in a dirty coffee maker.

What You’ll Need for Cleaning

Gather these items before you start. You won’t need everything for every clean.

White vinegar or a commercial coffee maker descaler
Fresh, cold water
Mild dish soap
A soft cloth or sponge
A small brush (an old toothbrush works)
A measuring cup
Optional: Paperclip for clearing the spray head

Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routine

This quick upkeep takes just minutes. It makes a huge difference in maintianing flavor.

After Each Use (The 30-Second Habit)

Get into this habit. It’s the easiest way to keep things fresh.

Dump the used coffee grounds and filter.
Rinse the coffee pot and lid with warm water.
Wipe the warming plate with a damp cloth to remove any spills.
Leave the brew funnel (the part that holds the filter) empty and open to air dry.

The Weekly Deep Clean

Once a week, give your brewer a more thorough cleaning. This focuses on coffee oils.

Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
Remove the brew funnel and coffee pot. Wash them in the soapy solution. Rinse them thoroughly.
Use the damp soapy cloth to wipe the entire exterior of the machine, including the warming plate.
Dampen a paperclip and gently poke it into the holes of the spray head (under the brew funnel) to clear any clogs. Be gentle.
Let all parts air dry completely before reassembling.

The Essential Descaling Process

Descaling removes hard water minerals. You should do this every 3-6 months, or more often if you have hard water. Here’s the step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare the Descaling Solution

You can use white vinegar or a descaler. For vinegar, mix equal parts white vinegar and fresh cold water. For a commercial descaler, follow the package instructions.

You’ll need enough to fill your coffee pot to its full capacity. For most Bunn models, that’s about half vinegar and half water.

Step 2: Run a Descaling Cycle

Ensure the brew funnel is in place but do not use a coffee filter.
Pour the vinegar solution into the water reservoir of your coffee maker.
Place the empty coffee pot on the warming plate.
Turn the brewer on. Let the entire cycle run, so the solution goes through the system and into the pot.
Once the cycle is done, let the solution sit in the carafe for 15-20 minutes. Don’t let it sit for hours, as this can damage seals.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly

This step is crucial. You must remove all traces of vinegar or descaler.

Discard the vinegar solution from the coffee pot.
Rinse the pot thoroughly with fresh water.
Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water only.
Place the clean pot back on the warmer and run a full brew cycle. Discard this water.
Repeat the rinse cycle with fresh water 2-3 more times until no vinegar smell remains.

Cleaning Specific Bunn Parts

Some parts need special attention. Here’s how to handle them.

The Spray Head

The spray head distributes water over the coffee grounds. If it’s clogged, you’ll get uneven extraction.

Locate the small holes on the underside of the unit.
Use a dampened paperclip to gently clear each hole.
You can also use a small brush with soft bristles to wipe it clean.

The Water Reservoir

Mold or slime can sometimes grow in the tank. To clean it:

Unplug the machine.
Create a mild soapy solution or a mix of baking soda and water.
Use a soft cloth to wipe the inside of the reservoir thoroughly.
Rinse with a clean, wet cloth multiple times to remove all soap residue.
Leave the lid open to air dry completely.

The Coffee Pot (Especially Glass)

Stained glass pots are common. To restore them:

Make a paste of equal parts vinegar and coarse salt or baking soda.
Scrub the inside of the pot with the paste using a soft sponge.
For tough stains, let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Never use abrasive scrubbers on glass, as they can cause scratches.

Troubleshooting Common Bunn Issues

Cleaning often solves these common problems.

Slow Brewing

If your brewer is slow, it’s almost always a clog from scale. Perform a descaling cycle immediately. If it’s still slow after two cycles, the internal tubes may be severely clogged, and you may need to contact Bunn.

Coffee Tastes Bad or Bitter

This is usually rancid coffee oils or mineral scale. Give the machine a full weekly clean followed by a descaling cycle. Always use fresh, cold water for brewing.

Leaking Water

Check that the brew funnel is properly seated and locked into place. Ensure the gasket around the spray head is clean and intact. If the problem persists after cleaning, a part may need replacement.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Good habits reduce how often you need to deep clean.

Always use fresh, cold water in the reservoir. Never use hot tap water.
If you have very hard water, consider using filtered or distilled water for brewing.
Never run your Bunn coffee maker without water in the tank.
Keep the brew funnel clean and dry when not in use.
Wipe up any spills on the warming plate right away to prevent baked-on stains.

FAQ: Your Bunn Cleaning Questions Answered

Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to descale my Bunn?

Yes, you can. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which also breaks down mineral deposits. Use the same method: a 50/50 mix of lemon juice and water. Be aware it may not be as effective on heavy buildup as vinegar or commercial descaler.

How often should I clean my Bunn coffee machine?

It depends on use. Daily: rinse the pot. Weekly: clean the pot and funnel with soap. Every 3-6 months: perform a full descaling cycle. If you brew multiple pots daily or have hard water, you may need to descale more often.

Why does my coffee maker still smell like vinegar after rinsing?

You likely didn’t rinse enough. Run several fresh water brew cycles until the smell is completely gone. Using a mix of baking soda and water for one final cycle can help neutralize any lingering odor—just be sure to rinse that out thoroughly too.

What’s the best way to clean a Bunn velocity brewer?

The process is very similar to standard models. The key is ensuring the spray head and funnel area are kept clear of coffee grounds and oils. Always refer to your specific model’s manual for any unique disassembly instructions for cleaning.

Is it safe to use commercial descaler in my Bunn?

Absolutely. In fact, Bunn often recommends them. Just make sure you choose a descaler safe for coffee makers and follow the package instructions carefully. They are formulated to be effective and often rinse out more easily than vinegar.

My Bunn is brewing coffee that’s not hot enough. Will cleaning help?

It might. Mineral scale can insulate heating elements, reducing efficiency. A good descaling can sometimes restore proper temperature. If the problem continues after cleaning, the thermostat or heating element may need service.

Keeping your Bunn coffee maker clean is the secret to great-tasting coffee every day. It’s a simple series of habits that takes little time but makes a massive difference. By following this guide, you’ll ensure your machine runs smoothly and your morning cup is always at its best. Start with a descaling if you’ve never done one, then get into the routine of weekly and daily care. Your taste buds will thank you.