How to Clean a Coffee Maker | Simple Step-By-Step

Clean a coffee maker by descaling the interior with a vinegar solution and washing the removable parts in warm soapy water.

A dirty coffee maker doesn’t just brew stale-tasting coffee — it can harbor mineral scale and old oils that slow brewing and shorten the machine’s life. Cleaning comes down to two jobs: washing the parts that touch your cup and descaling the inside you can’t see. Do both on a regular schedule, and your machine keeps brewing like the day you bought it.

What You Need Before You Start

• White vinegar (or a manufacturer-approved descaling solution)
• Warm, soapy water
• A soft cloth or sponge
• Baking soda for burnt-on stains

Always unplug the machine and let it cool completely before washing removable parts or wiping the exterior. Never submerge the appliance itself in water — that applies to drip machines across every major brand, including KitchenAid and Mr. Coffee.

How Often Should You Descale?

Run a descaling cycle every 1 to 3 months, depending on your water. Consumer Reports recommends descaling every three months, more often with hard water, while Wirecutter suggests monthly cleaning or every 100 cups. Check your owner’s manual for the exact interval. Hard water leaves more calcium buildup, meaning more frequent descaling. If you notice slower brew times or a faint burnt smell, descale regardless of the calendar.

Descaling With Vinegar: The Full Process

Descaling removes mineral scale from the internal heating element and water lines. The process takes about 45 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the solution. Fill the reservoir with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Mr. Coffee recommends a 1:2 vinegar-to-water ratio if you prefer a milder solution. Remove any water filter before descaling — the vinegar will damage it.

Step 2: Run the brew cycle. Place a clean carafe in position and run a full brew cycle. If your machine has a “clean” cycle, use that instead.

Step 3: Let it sit. After the cycle, let the vinegar solution sit in the carafe for 15 to 30 minutes (up to an hour for heavily scaled machines). This soaking time breaks down mineral deposits.

Step 4: Rinse, rinse, rinse. Empty the carafe, fill the reservoir with fresh water, and run at least two full brew cycles with plain water, emptying the carafe between each. This flushes out lingering vinegar taste. If your machine has a “Cleaning Needed Indicator,” KitchenAid notes you may need to repeat the vinegar cycle until it turns off.

Washing the Removable Parts

After descaling, wash every removable part: the carafe, lid, filter basket, and reusable filter. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry with the reservoir lid and filter basket left open. Some parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe, but never assume — check your owner’s manual. KitchenAid says some parts qualify, while others are hand-wash only. When in doubt, hand-wash to avoid warping plastic.

For burnt-on stains on the warming plate or carafe, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply with a soft cloth, let sit a few minutes, scrub gently, and rinse. It lifts stains without scratching glass or ceramic. Finally, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, paying attention to the warming plate and sprayhead. Keep water away from the control panel and cord connections.

If you’re shopping for a new machine because yours is beyond saving, our tested coffee maker roundup covers the best options for every budget and brewing style.

One habit makes the biggest difference: rinse the brew basket immediately after each use and discard the grounds. For persistent odors after descaling, run one more cycle with fresh water and a squeeze of lemon juice — the citric acid neutralizes any vinegar smell without adding flavor.