The Mr. Coffee machine requires regular cleaning. If your morning coffee is tasting a little odd, it could be an indication that your coffee machine is dirty. Water deposits gradually accumulate in coffee makers, which can be removed by using a vinegar solution and the cleaning function on the machine. You should also regularly clean the carafe, filter basket and lid.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning After Each Use

  1. 1
    Clean the carafe. Pour out the old coffee. Spray the interior of the carafe with tap water. Add a bit of mild dish soap. Swish the soapy water around the interior of the carafe. Empty and rinse the carafe so it is clean for your next brew.[1] [2]
    • If you see any stains, sprinkle baking powder into the carafe. Scrub off the stains with a dishwashing brush or sponge and some warm water.[3]
  2. 2
    Empty and clean the filter basket. Open the lid on top of the Mr. Coffee machine. Pull out the filter basket and empty the contents into the compost. Use the spray nozzle or tap in your kitchen sink to rinse out the filter basket. You can use some mild dish soap and warm water to remove any stains. Rinse out the filter and put it back in your coffee machine.[4]
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  3. 3
    Clean the lid. The inside of your coffee lid should be cleaned on a daily basis. Use a sponge to wipe off the inside and outside of the lid on your Mr. Coffee machine.[5] On the inside of the lid, you will see the spray heads that pour water onto the coffee grounds. You should use a clean rag or sponge to thoroughly clean these spray heads.[6]
  4. 4
    Wipe off the spout. The coffee pours into the carafe from a spout. Remove the carafe and use a clean sponge or rag to wipe off the spout. You can use warm water and some mild dish soap. Then, rinse it off with a clean sponge and replace the carafe.[7]
  5. 5
    Polish the outside of the machine. Use a clean sponge to clean the outside of the machine, such as the control panel and the base of the coffee machine. Dry it off with a clean towel.[8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Doing a Deep Cleaning

  1. 1
    Do a deep cleaning once per month. Hard water deposits gradually build up in your coffee maker. Yeast, mold and bacteria also tend to accumulate in coffee makers. Once per month, you will need to decalcify minerals and remove grime with water and vinegar.[9]
  2. 2
    Unplug the machine. Let the machine cool off for a few minutes. Then, get your cleaning supplies together, such as your sponge, vinegar and dish soap.[10]
  3. 3
    Empty the carafe and the filter. Start by emptying the leftover coffee from your carafe. Then, empty the contents of the filter. Use a clean sponge, hot water and mild dish soap to clean the carafe and the filter. Replace the filter when you are done cleaning it.[11]
  4. 4
    Mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. To get the hard water out of your coffee maker, you will need to mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. If your carafe has measuring indicators, you can use it to mix the solution. Then, pour the solution into the reservoir.[12] [13]
    • You could also use a measuring cup to mix the vinegar and water solution.
  5. 5
    Use the cleaning function to remove hard water deposits. Put a new filter in the filter basket. Put the carafe in the warming tray. Then, press the “select” button on your Mr. Coffee machine until it lights up the clean function. Once it is selected, your Mr. Coffee machine will start cleaning the machine. The process takes one hour.[14]
  6. 6
    Rinse your coffee maker. Remove the filter from the filter basket. Empty the vinegar from the carafe. Pour clean water in the reservoir. Then, press “brew.”[15] After one brewing cycle is complete, you can empty the water from the carafe. Finally, rinse out the carafe.[16]
    • If you like, you can repeat this step to get the machine well rinsed.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do you get a coffee pot clean?
    Ashley Matuska
    Ashley Matuska
    Professional Cleaner
    Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services.
    Ashley Matuska
    Professional Cleaner
    Expert Answer
    Start by disassembling your coffee machine, and clean any removable parts with soap and water. Then, fill the tank with water and vinegar. Let it soak, then run a cycle through with the vinegar to clean the inside of the machine. Pour out the vinegar, then fill the container with clean water. Keep running the water through until all of the vinegar is gone.
  • Question
    How do I get the red clean light to go off after cleaning?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    When that happened I just turned the coffeemaker off and back on. I just had to readjust the time, but the light went off.
  • Question
    What to do if my coffee maker does not have a cleaning function?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can run white vinager diluted with water through the coffee machine. It will kill the germs. Just be sure to run just water through it at least one time before you use it again.
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Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar
  • Mild dish soap
  • Clean sponge
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Coffee filters

About This Article

Ashley Matuska
Co-authored by:
Professional Cleaner
This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska. Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. This article has been viewed 151,886 times.
19 votes - 73%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: September 17, 2022
Views: 151,886
Article SummaryX

To clean a Mr. Coffee machine, clean the carafe after each use by filling it with tap water, adding some dish soap, and shaking it around. Pour out the soapy water and rinse the carafe with water. For the filter, pour the contents into the compost before rinsing the filter basket. Then, wipe the lid with a sponge and use a rag to clean the spout with water and dish soap.Finally, polish the outside of the machine, including the control panel and base, with a clean sponge. For tips on how to clean your coffee machine once a month with water and vinegar, read on!

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