Cleaning Your Mr. Coffee Maker With The Clean Button

Quick answer

• Press the “Clean” button and let it run.
• Use a vinegar and water solution for best results.
• Regular cleaning prevents mineral buildup and bitter coffee.
• The clean cycle takes about an hour.
• Don’t skip the rinse cycle.
• Keep your Mr. Coffee brewing great coffee.

Who this is for

• Anyone with a Mr. Coffee maker that has a “Clean” button.
• Folks who want easier, automated cleaning cycles.
• People who want to extend the life of their coffee maker.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Your Mr. Coffee likely uses a cone or basket-style filter. Check the manual if you’re unsure. Using the wrong filter can lead to grounds in your cup or a messy overflow. Stick to what the manufacturer recommends.

Water quality and temperature

Tap water can have minerals that build up. If your water is hard, consider filtered water. This helps prevent scale. The machine heats the water, so you don’t need to worry about that part.

Grind size and coffee freshness

This isn’t directly about cleaning, but good coffee starts here. For drip coffee, a medium grind is usually best. Freshly ground beans make a big difference. Stale coffee can leave residue too, so start with good beans.

Coffee-to-water ratio

Again, not a cleaning factor, but it impacts taste. A common starting point is 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz of water. Too much coffee can clog things up, too little makes weak brew.

Cleanliness/descale status

This is the big one. If your coffee tastes off or takes forever to brew, it’s probably time to clean. Mineral deposits are the usual culprit. The “Clean” button is designed to tackle this.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Unplug the machine. Safety first, always.

• Good: Machine is completely powered down.
• Mistake: Trying to clean a plugged-in appliance. Avoid by double-checking the cord.

2. Remove the brew basket and carafe. Get them out of the way.

• Good: Basket and carafe are clean and empty.
• Mistake: Leaving old grounds or coffee in the basket. Dump it all out.

3. Prepare the cleaning solution. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water. Fill the water reservoir with this.

• Good: Reservoir is filled to the “Max” line with the correct solution.
• Mistake: Using too much vinegar or not enough water. This can make the cleaning cycle harsh. Stick to the ratio.

4. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate. Make sure it’s seated correctly.

• Good: Carafe is securely in place.
• Mistake: Carafe not positioned properly. This can cause spills during the cycle.

5. Press the “Clean” button. The indicator light should come on.

• Good: Light confirms the clean cycle is active.
• Mistake: Thinking the regular brew button will work. It won’t. You must press “Clean.”

6. Let the cycle complete. This takes about an hour. The machine will pause and restart.

• Good: The machine runs through its full cleaning process without interruption.
• Mistake: Turning off the machine mid-cycle. This defeats the purpose. Let it finish.

7. Discard the cleaning solution. Once the cycle is done and the machine beeps or the light goes off, carefully remove the carafe.

• Good: The dirty cleaning solution is poured down the drain.
• Mistake: Leaving the vinegar solution in the reservoir. Get rid of it.

8. Rinse the brew basket and carafe. Give them a good wash with soap and water.

• Good: All parts are rinsed thoroughly.
• Mistake: Skipping the rinse of the brew basket. You don’t want vinegar residue.

9. Run a fresh water cycle. Fill the reservoir with clean, fresh water (no coffee).

• Good: Reservoir filled with plain water.
• Mistake: Adding coffee grounds for the rinse. This is just a plain water flush.

10. Press the regular brew button. Let this full cycle run.

• Good: A full pot of clean water brews.
• Mistake: Not running a full cycle. You need to flush out any remaining vinegar smell or taste.

11. Discard the rinse water. Empty the carafe.

• Good: Carafe is empty and clean.
• Mistake: Leaving the rinse water in the carafe.

12. Repeat rinse cycle if needed. If you still detect any vinegar smell, run another plain water cycle.

• Good: Your coffee maker smells fresh and clean.
• Mistake: Settling for a lingering vinegar odor. Keep rinsing until it’s gone.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your coffee tastes bitter, then run the clean cycle because mineral buildup is likely.
• If your Mr. Coffee maker is taking longer than usual to brew, then run the clean cycle because a clogged heating element is probable.
• If you see white, chalky deposits inside the water reservoir, then run the clean cycle immediately because that’s scale.
• If you haven’t run the clean cycle in 3 months, then run it now as a preventative measure.
• If your water is particularly hard, then consider running the clean cycle more frequently, maybe every 2 months.
• If you use your coffee maker multiple times a day, then clean it more often than if you only use it once.
• If the “Clean” indicator light is on, then run the clean cycle soon because the machine is telling you it’s time.
• If you notice a funny smell when brewing, then run the clean cycle and a rinse cycle to clear out any residue.
• If you’re unsure about your Mr. Coffee model’s specific cleaning instructions, then check the user manual because details can vary slightly.
• If you just bought a used Mr. Coffee maker, then run a clean cycle and a rinse cycle before you even make your first pot.

FAQ

How often should I clean my Mr. Coffee maker with the clean button?

Generally, run the clean cycle every 1 to 3 months. If you have hard water or use it heavily, aim for the shorter end of that range.

What kind of vinegar should I use?

Plain white distilled vinegar is your best bet. It’s effective at breaking down mineral deposits without leaving strong odors.

Can I use a coffee maker descaling solution instead of vinegar?

Some Mr. Coffee models might be compatible with commercial descalers. Always check your user manual first to see what the manufacturer recommends.

What happens if I don’t clean my Mr. Coffee maker?

Mineral buildup will clog the heating element and internal tubing. This leads to slower brewing, colder coffee, and eventually, machine failure. It also makes your coffee taste bad.

If your machine is already showing signs of wear from neglect, you might need to look into Mr. Coffee replacement parts to get it back in top shape.

2-Pack Coffee Replacement Brew Basket Spring Loaded Stopper Kits Fits For Mr. Coffee Black and Decker Hamilton coffee maker parts, Parts Number 990117900 990237500 Coffee Machine Accessory

• The coffee machine spring stop kit is located at the bottom of the coffee replacement brewing basket and is suitable for 112435-000-000 185774-000-000 990117900 990237500 and other universal coffee machine models for most coffee baskets.
• We have learned from feedback from multiple users that they have received multiple complete coffee blues, but the springs at the bottom are very loose and have no elasticity at all. Our components make up for this defect. After installation, it is not only very compact and elastic, but also suitable for any coffee machine.
• This component has high compatibility and is suitable for models such as 49947, 49954, 49957, 49966, 49976 for Mr. Coffee; Black and Decker; Hamilton coffee maker parts .
• Coffee machine spring loaded stopper kits have high flexibility and can be adjusted for installation and disassembly according to user needs. After use, they are also convenient and clear, keeping the coffee machine clean at all times.
• This component is composed of high-quality plastic and springs, with extremely strong heat and wear resistance characteristics, and a long service life. It has been recognized in the coffee industry, and replacing small parts can save a lot of costs. It is definitely a high-quality choice.

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Does the clean button really work?

Yes, it’s designed to run a special brewing cycle that uses heat and the cleaning solution to dissolve mineral deposits. It’s a crucial part of maintenance.

How long does the clean cycle take?

The clean cycle typically runs for about an hour. It’s a slower process than a regular brew to allow the solution to work effectively.

Can I stop the clean cycle early?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Stopping it means the descaling process isn’t fully completed, and you might need to run it again.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Cleaning Mr. Coffee models without a “Clean” button.
• Troubleshooting specific error codes or mechanical failures.
• Advanced brewing techniques for specialty coffee.
• Deep cleaning of individual components like the permanent filter.
• Comparing different Mr. Coffee models or other coffee maker brands.