If you want a great cup of coffee every morning, you need to know how to clean a mr coffee brewer. A clean machine is the secret to better flavor and a longer-lasting appliance. Let’s walk through the simple steps to keep your brewer in top shape.
It’s easy to forget about cleaning your coffee maker. But over time, mineral deposits from water and oily residue from coffee build up. This can make your coffee taste bitter or sour. A regular cleaning routine fixes this. It only takes a little time and some basic household items.
This guide covers everything you need. We’ll go through daily upkeep, weekly cleaning, and a monthly deep clean. You’ll learn what supplies to use and what to avoid. Your next pot of coffee will thank you.
How to Clean a Mr Coffee Brewer
This is your main monthly cleaning process. It descales and removes built-up oils. You should do this about once a month, or more often if you have hard water. The whole process takes under an hour, but most of that is just letting the solution run through.
Supplies You’ll Need
- White vinegar or a commercial descaling solution
- Fresh, cold water
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A mild dish soap (for exterior parts)
- A soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Instructions
1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Start by mixing your descaling solution. For most Mr. Coffee models, a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water works perfectly. Fill the water reservoir halfway with vinegar, then top it off with fresh water. This creates a 50% solution that’s strong enough to break down scale but safe for your machine.
2. Run a Brew Cycle Without Coffee
Place a clean carafe or a large mug on the warming plate. Make sure there is no coffee filter or grounds in the basket. Then, start a full brew cycle just as you normally would. Let the vinegar solution run completely through the machine. The vinegar will dissolve mineral deposits inside the internal tubes and heating element.
3. Let the Solution Sit
After the cycle finishes, turn off the brewer. Let the hot vinegar solution sit in the carafe and inside the machine for about 15 to 20 minutes. This soaking time is crucial. It allows the acid in the vinegar to work on tougher scale build-up.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Now, discard the vinegar water from the carafe. Fill the reservoir completely with fresh, cold water. Place the clean carafe back on the warmer. Run two to three full brew cycles with only fresh water. This rinses out any remaining vinegar taste. It’s important to do multiple cycles to ensure no vinegar is left behind.
5. Clean Removable Parts
While the rinse cycles are running, focus on the removable parts. Take out the filter basket and the permanent gold-tone filter if your model has one. Wash them in warm, soapy water. Use the soft-bristled brush to scrub any stubborn grounds or film. Rinse them well and let them air dry.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
Between deep cleans, a quick weekly wipe-down keeps things fresh. Unplug your brewer first for safety. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth dipped in a little soapy water. Never immerse the main unit in water. Clean the warming plate with a paste of baking soda and water if there are any stains. Rinse the cloth and wipe away any residue.
Also, give the water reservoir a good wipe with a clean, damp cloth. This prevents slime or mold from starting to grow. Let all parts dry completely before you reassemble your coffee maker.
Daily Maintenance Habits
Good daily habits make big cleanings easier. After each pot of coffee, discard the used filter and grounds immediately. Rinse the carafe and filter basket with hot water. Let them air dry upside down on a dish rack. This simple step prevents old oils from going rancid and affecting tomorrow’s brew.
Always empty any leftover water from the reservoir. Stagnant water can develop off-flavors. It’s best to use fresh, cold water for each brewing session.
Cleaning Specific Mr. Coffee Brewer Parts
Each part of your brewer needs specific attention. Here’s how to handle the common components.
Cleaning the Glass Carafe
Coffee oils stick to glass. To remove them, use a mixture of coarse salt and ice cubes. Swirl the mixture around in the carafe, then rinse. For tougher stains, soak the carafe in a solution of warm water and baking soda for an hour. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the glass.
Cleaning the Filter Basket
The plastic or metal filter basket can trap old grounds and oils. Remove it from the machine. Soak it in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes. Use a small brush to clean the small holes where water drips through. This ensures an even flow during brewing.
Descaling the Internal System
Descaling is the most important part of internal cleaning. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can use citric acid or a store-bought descaler made for coffee makers. Follow the package instructions. If your brewer has a “Clean” light that comes on, it’s signaling that it’s time for this descaling process. Don’t ignore it.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Brewer
Some cleaning methods can cause damage. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your machine safe.
- Do not use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleansers. They can damage plastic parts and leave harmful residues.
- Do not submerge the main coffee maker base in water. This can damage the electrical components and create a safety hazard.
- Avoid using steel wool or metal scouring pads on any part, especially the carafe. They will cause scratches.
- Don’t run a cleaning cycle with soap. It will create massive suds and can clog the internal system.
- Never skip the rinse cycles after using vinegar. Leftover vinegar will ruin your next several pots of coffee.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, cleaning can solve performance problems. Here are a few fixes.
Brewer is Slow to Drip
This is almost always caused by mineral scale clogging the internal tubes. A thorough descaling with vinegar or citric acid should restore normal flow. If the problem persists, the showerhead (where water comes out) might be clogged. Use a pin or needle to gently clear its tiny holes.
Coffee Tastes Bad or Sour
A bad taste usually means oils have built up. Clean the carafe, basket, and run a vinegar cycle. Also, try changing your coffee brand or grind size. Old coffee beans can also be the culprit.
The “Clean” Light Won’t Turn Off
On many Mr. Coffee models, the “Clean” light is on a timer. It typically comes on after a certain number of brew cycles. Running a full descaling cycle as described above should reset the light. Consult your manual for the specific reset procedure for your model, as it can vary.
FAQ Section
How often should I clean my Mr. Coffee machine?
You should do a deep clean with vinegar about once a month. If you have very hard water, you might need to do it every two to three weeks. Wipe the exterior weekly and rinse the carafe daily.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean my coffee maker?
Yes, lemon juice is a good alternative. The citric acid also breaks down mineral scale. Use the same method: a mixture of half lemon juice and half water. Run it through, then run several cycles with clean water to rinse.
Why does my coffee taste like vinegar after cleaning?
This means you didn’t rinse enough. The vinegar solution is still in the internal lines. Run two or three more full brew cycles with only fresh water until the smell and taste are completely gone. Always use a clean carafe for the rinse cycles.
How do I clean a Mr Coffee pot that has brown stains?
For a stained coffee pot, make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Apply it to the stains and let it sit for a while. Then, scrub gently with a soft sponge. You can also try denture cleaning tablets; fill the pot with warm water, drop in a tablet, and let it soak overnight.
Is it safe to run vinegar through my coffee maker?
Yes, it is perfectly safe for Mr. Coffee brewers. White vinegar is a mild acid that dissolves minerals without harming the machine’s internal parts. Just be sure to follow it with a thorough rinsing. Always check your owner’s manual for any specific warnings.
How can I make my Mr. Coffee brewer last longer?
Regular cleaning is the number one thing. Also, always use fresh, cold water. Avoid leaving old coffee sitting in the pot or water in the reservoir. Handle the carafe and glass lid carefully to prevent cracks. With proper care, your brewer can last for many years.
A clean Mr. Coffee brewer is a reliable one. By following this simple routine, you ensure every pot tastes as good as the first. The process becomes quick and easy once you get used to it. You’ll notice the difference in your cup immediately. So grab your vinegar and give your machine the refresh it deserves. Your morning routine will be better for it.