Press the clean button and run the cleaning cycle with vinegar solution
The clean button on a Mr. Coffee maker starts an automatic cleaning cycle designed to flush vinegar or cleaning solution through the machine's internal tubes and heating element. You fill the water reservoir with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, press the button, and let the machine run through its cycle — usually 10 to 15 minutes — without coffee grounds or a filter in place. The solution flows through the same path your water normally takes, breaking up mineral buildup and old coffee residue.
This is different from a manual cleaning. The button automates the process so the solution stays in contact with the heating element and tubes long enough to actually dissolve deposits. Without pressing it, you would have to manually pour solution through the machine, which does not reach all the internal surfaces the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, then press the clean button to start an automatic cycle that runs 10 to 15 minutes.
- Run the cycle with no coffee grounds or filter in the basket so the solution flows freely through all internal passages.
- After the vinegar cycle finishes, fill the reservoir with plain water and run the clean cycle two more times to rinse out vinegar taste and smell.
- Use the clean cycle once a month if your water is hard, or every two months if your water is soft, to prevent mineral clogging.
- If your Mr. Coffee has no clean button, you can still descale by pouring vinegar solution directly into the reservoir and letting it drip through slowly.
What you need before you start
Gather white vinegar, water, and an empty cup or carafe before you begin. You do not need special descaling powder — white vinegar works as well as any commercial cleaner and costs less. Some Mr. Coffee models come with a small packet of cleaning solution, but vinegar is a standard substitute that produces the same result.
Check that your carafe is empty and your coffee basket is empty. If you have a reusable filter, remove it. The clean cycle needs to run with nothing blocking the water path from the reservoir down through the heating element and out the brew spout.
Step-by-step cleaning with the clean button
Step 1: Mix the solution. Pour white vinegar into a measuring cup until it reaches the halfway point of your water reservoir's capacity. Add an equal amount of water. For a 12-cup Mr. Coffee, this is usually about 6 ounces of vinegar and 6 ounces of water. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Fill the reservoir. Pour the vinegar-and-water mixture into the water reservoir at the back of the machine. Fill it to the line marked on the side, or to the top if there is no line. Do not overfill — the solution needs room to expand as it heats.
Step 3: Position the carafe. Place your empty carafe under the brew spout. The solution will flow out during the cycle, so you need something to catch it. Do not use a cup you plan to drink from — this is a cleaning run.
Step 4: Press the clean button. Locate the button on the front or side of your machine. It is usually labeled "Clean" in white or red text. Press it once. The machine will beep or light up to confirm the cycle has started.
Step 5: Let it run. The cycle takes 10 to 15 minutes. The machine will pause partway through — this is normal. Do not interrupt it or unplug the machine. When the cycle finishes, the machine will beep again or the light will turn off.
Step 6: Empty the carafe. Carefully pour out the used vinegar solution. Rinse the carafe with hot water and set it aside.
Rinsing out the vinegar smell and taste
After the vinegar cycle, your machine still has vinegar residue inside. If you brew coffee now, it will taste sour. You need to run the clean cycle two more times with plain water only to flush out the vinegar completely.
Fill the reservoir with fresh tap water — no vinegar this time. Press the clean button again and let the cycle run. Empty the carafe when it finishes. Repeat this water-only cycle one more time. After the second water rinse, the smell should be gone and the machine is ready to brew.
If you still notice vinegar taste after two water cycles, run the clean cycle a third time with plain water. This is more common in machines that have not been cleaned in several months.
How often to clean your Mr. Coffee
The frequency depends on your water hardness. Hard water — water with high mineral content — builds up deposits faster. If you live in an area with hard water, run the clean cycle once a month. If your water is soft, every two months is usually enough.
You can tell your machine needs cleaning if the brew cycle takes longer than usual, if the coffee tastes weak or bitter, or if you see white or brown crusty buildup around the heating element area. These are signs that minerals have accumulated inside.
Regular cleaning extends the life of your Mr. Coffee. Mineral buildup makes the heating element work harder and can eventually cause it to fail. A machine cleaned monthly can last five to seven years; one that is never cleaned may fail in two to three years.
What to do if the clean button does not work
If you press the clean button and nothing happens, check that the machine is plugged in and turned on. Some Mr. Coffee models have a separate power switch. If the machine is on but the button does not respond, the button itself may be stuck or the machine may need repair.
If the button is stuck, try pressing it firmly several times. If it still does not work, you can still descale the machine manually. Fill the reservoir with vinegar-and-water solution, place the carafe underneath, and let the solution drip through slowly by gravity. This takes longer — 30 to 45 minutes — but it cleans the machine just as well.
If the machine does not turn on at all, check the power cord and outlet before assuming the machine is broken. Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to confirm the outlet works.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use vinegar that is too strong. Some people use undiluted vinegar thinking it will clean faster, but this can damage the heating element and leave a strong vinegar taste that takes many water cycles to rinse out. The 50-50 mix is the right ratio.
Do not skip the water rinse cycles. Running the clean button once with vinegar is not enough. You must run it at least twice more with plain water, or your next pot of coffee will taste like vinegar.
Do not clean the outside of the machine with vinegar solution. Use a damp cloth with a tiny bit of dish soap instead. Vinegar can damage the plastic housing and labels over time.
Do not assume the clean cycle removes old coffee grounds stuck in the basket or brew spout. Empty the basket and wipe the spout with a dry cloth before you start the cleaning cycle. The clean cycle handles mineral buildup, not debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple cider vinegar or cleaning vinegar instead of white vinegar?
White vinegar works best because it is 5 percent acidity and will not stain or leave residue. Apple cider vinegar can leave brown stains inside the machine. Cleaning vinegar is 10 percent acidity and may be too strong for the heating element. Stick with standard white vinegar from the grocery store.
What if my Mr. Coffee does not have a clean button?
Older Mr. Coffee models do not have a clean button. You can still descale by filling the reservoir with vinegar-and-water solution and letting it drip through slowly into the carafe. It takes longer but works the same way. After the vinegar runs through, fill the reservoir with plain water and let that drip through twice to rinse.
How long does the clean cycle take?
Most Mr. Coffee clean cycles run 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The machine may pause in the middle — this is normal and part of the cycle. Do not interrupt it. If the cycle takes longer than 20 minutes, the machine may have a blockage and may need manual cleaning or repair.
Can I brew coffee right after the clean cycle finishes?
No. You must run the clean cycle at least two more times with plain water to rinse out the vinegar. If you brew coffee when ready after the vinegar cycle, your coffee will taste sour. Wait until you have completed the water rinse cycles.
Is the clean button the same as a brew cycle?
No. The clean cycle runs slower and hotter than a normal brew cycle, and it is designed to let the solution sit in contact with the heating element longer. A regular brew cycle is faster and does not give the cleaning solution time to dissolve mineral deposits.