Empty the carafe and filter basket, then run water through the machine
The fastest way to clean a Mr. Coffee maker is to do it right after you brew. Empty any leftover coffee from the carafe, remove the filter basket, and throw out the used grounds and filter. Rinse the carafe and filter basket under warm running water, then put them back in place.
Next, fill the water reservoir with fresh water (no coffee) and run a brew cycle into the carafe. This flushes out loose grounds and oils that stick to the heating element and spray head. Let the water cool, then empty the carafe and repeat once more. Your machine is now clean enough for daily use.
Key Takeaways
- A daily rinse of the carafe and filter basket after each brew prevents old coffee oils from building up and affecting taste.
- Running plain water through a brew cycle once a week clears grounds and residue from the heating element and spray head.
- A deep clean with white vinegar removes mineral deposits that slow brewing and make coffee taste flat, and takes about 30 minutes total.
- The carafe, filter basket, and lid are dishwasher-safe on most Mr. Coffee models, but the water reservoir and heating element cannot be submerged.
- If your machine brews slowly or sputters, mineral buildup is usually the cause, and a vinegar clean will restore normal flow.
Deep clean your Mr. Coffee maker with white vinegar every month
If your coffee tastes flat or the machine brews slower than it used to, mineral deposits have built up inside the heating element and tubes. A vinegar descale removes these deposits and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Fill the water reservoir halfway with white vinegar (standard 5% acidity), then fill the rest with water. Place the carafe on the warming plate and run a full brew cycle. The vinegar solution will drip into the carafe. Once the cycle finishes, let the machine sit for 15 minutes without running, then run another full cycle with the same vinegar-water mix.
After both cycles are done, empty the carafe and refill the reservoir with fresh water only. Run two full brew cycles with plain water to rinse out all the vinegar. Your machine is now descaled. The whole process takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and you should do it once a month if you have hard water, or once every two to three months if your water is soft.
Clean the spray head and water tube if coffee sprays unevenly
If coffee sprays out in one spot instead of spreading evenly over the grounds, the spray head (the part that distributes water over the filter basket) is clogged. Unplug the machine and let it cool for at least 15 minutes.
Remove the filter basket and carafe, then look at the spray head — it is the plastic piece with small holes directly above where the filter basket sits. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to gently poke each hole, working from the outside toward the center. Do not force it; you are just clearing out dried coffee residue. Wipe the spray head with a damp cloth, then run a plain-water brew cycle to flush out any debris.
If the spray head is cracked or the holes are enlarged, it cannot be repaired and the spray head will need to be replaced. Most Mr. Coffee models sell replacement spray heads for $8 to $15, and they snap in without tools.
Wash the carafe and filter basket in the dishwasher or by hand
The carafe, filter basket, and lid are all dishwasher-safe on standard Mr. Coffee models. You can run them on the top rack of your dishwasher, or wash them by hand with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.
If you wash by hand, pay attention to the seam where the filter basket's stem meets the basket itself — dried coffee oils collect there and can make your next pot taste stale. Use an old toothbrush or a small bottle brush to scrub inside that seam. Rinse thoroughly under running water.
Do not put the water reservoir, heating element, or the main body of the machine in the dishwasher or submerge them in water. These parts contain electrical components and cannot be washed that way.
Wipe down the outside and warming plate
Unplug the machine and let it cool. Use a damp cloth to wipe the outside plastic body, the power cord, and the warming plate. If there are dried coffee drips on the warming plate, dampen the cloth with a little white vinegar to help dissolve them, then wipe with plain water.
Do not spray water directly onto the machine or let water run into the seams where the body panels meet. Water inside the electrical housing can damage the heating element or cause a short circuit.
Replace the water filter if your Mr. Coffee has one
Some Mr. Coffee models come with a charcoal water filter that sits inside the water reservoir. If yours has one, it looks like a small white or black cartridge that hangs from the underside of the reservoir lid. Check your machine's manual to see if it has a filter — not all models do.
If your machine has a filter, replace it every two months or according to the manual's instructions. A clogged filter slows brewing and can make coffee taste off. Replacement filters are inexpensive (usually $5 to $10 for a pack of two) and are available online or at most grocery stores. straightforward pull out the old filter and snap a new one into the same slot.
Troubleshoot common problems after cleaning
If your machine still brews slowly after a vinegar descale, run the descale cycle one more time. Stubborn mineral buildup sometimes needs two treatments. If it still does not improve, the heating element may be failing and the machine may need to be replaced.
If water leaks from the bottom of the machine during brewing, the carafe seal may be cracked or the carafe may not be sitting flush on the warming plate. Remove the carafe, wipe the warming plate dry, and check the carafe for cracks. If the carafe is intact, reseat it firmly on the plate and try again. If water still leaks, the carafe seal has failed and you will need a replacement carafe.
If the machine does not heat water at all, make sure it is plugged in and the outlet works (test it with another appliance). If the outlet is fine but the machine still does not heat, the heating element has failed and the machine cannot be repaired — Mr. Coffee makers are not designed for internal repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of vinegar to descale my Mr. Coffee?
White vinegar works best because it is cheap and has a standard 5% acidity. Apple cider vinegar and other types work too, but they cost more and may leave a stronger smell. Never use vinegar with added herbs or spices. If you do not have vinegar, you can buy a commercial coffee maker descaling solution and follow the same process — fill the reservoir halfway with the solution, run two cycles, then rinse with plain water twice.
How often should I clean my Mr. Coffee maker?
Rinse the carafe and filter basket after every brew. Run a plain-water cycle once a week to flush the heating element. Do a full vinegar descale once a month if you have hard water, or once every two to three months if your water is soft. If your coffee starts to taste flat or the machine brews slowly, descale right away — do not wait for your regular schedule.
Is it safe to drink the water that comes out during a vinegar descale?
No. Do not drink the vinegar solution or the first plain-water rinse. The vinegar solution is not toxic, but it tastes bad. Run at least two full cycles with plain water after the vinegar cycles before you brew coffee again. This ensures all the vinegar is flushed out.
What should I do if my Mr. Coffee maker stops working after I clean it?
Make sure the machine is unplugged and let it dry completely for at least two hours. Water may have gotten into the electrical housing during cleaning. Plug it back in and try a brew cycle. If it still does not work, do not attempt to open the machine or dry it with heat — this can cause electrical damage. The machine will need to be replaced.
Can I use a paper towel to wipe the inside of the spray head?
Paper towels can leave fibers behind. Use a soft cloth or an old cotton t-shirt instead. If you need to dry the spray head after rinsing, let it air-dry for a few minutes rather than wiping it, or use a lint-free cloth like microfiber.