How To Clean Cuisinart Coffee Maker? – Detailed Instructions

You might want to know how to clean Cuisinart coffee maker if you have this coffee machine at home. Whether you utilize the machine regularly or not, both the outside and inside areas need occasional cleaning. 

Thoroughly cleaning can keep the coffee machine in tip-top condition, providing you with flavorful cups of coffee for years. Today, we will share a comprehensive guide to keep the maintenance process as easy as pie.

How To Clean Cuisinart Coffee Maker

#Method 1: Cleaning The Water Tank

Step 1: Decalcifying The Coffee Machine Every 1-6 Months

If you utilize the machine multiple times per day, you might need to have the water tank cleaned monthly to eliminate hard water with minerals in the machine. 

Still, you can wait for six months between water tank cleanings if you utilize it less regularly. 

Your tap water’s hardness is another fact that impacts how often you clean the coffee maker. 

Generally, if the coffee starts to taste bitter or too light, it is probably time to decalcify the water reservoir. 

If your Cuisinart coffee maker comes with a Clean button, it can start flashing when the coffee maker needs decalcifying.

Step 2: Remove The Grounds And Carafe

If the carafe has any coffee remaining, it is best to discard the leftover and thoroughly rinse it with water. Eliminate the basket from the coffee maker and remove coffee grounds and paper filters.

Step 3: Fill The Water Tank With Vinegar And Water Mixture

You can mix tap water and white vinegar to fill the water tank to its full capacity. Utilize the carafe for measurement and pour the liquid. The proper amount of vinegar and water you utilize depends on your machine’s size. 

For the conventional 12-cup coffee machines, you need four white vinegar cups and eight ones of water to fully fill the water tank. 

Step 4: Press Clean Button If Any

Once the Clean button light glows, you need to press the power button to start this cleaning cycle. The light steadily shines to show the coffee maker has turned into a cleaning mode. 

Once the clean cycle is completed, the coffee maker will beep to notify you and automatically turn off. The cycle takes twice or triples longer than the conventional brew since the coffee maker pauses between every coffee cup it makes.

Step 5: Manually Run A Brewing Cycle If The Machine Does Not Come With Self-Clean Mode

Once you fill the water tank, simply turn the coffee maker on to start a cycle as if you are making a pot of coffee. 

For deep cleaning, please turn off the machine in the middle of the cycle and leave it to sit for 60 minutes. Switch on the machine and let the cycle complete.

Step 6: Repeat If You Still See Minerals Build-Up In The Tank

A cycle with a mixture of vinegar and water might be enough to wash the coffee maker. 

That said, if your coffee maker is extremely dirty, you might need to repeat the cleaning cycle. Once the solution finishes running and the coffee maker cools, check the tank’s inside. 

If there is any build-up left inside, leave the coffee maker to completely cool and run another cleaning cycle with a fresh mixture of water and vinegar. 

If the coffee maker features a self-clean mode, turn on your machine again after the first clean cycle. When the light still flashes, you had better clean the tank again.

Step 7: Run A Fresh Cold Water Cycle To Rinse

After the cleaning cycle has finished, discard the liquid from the pot, followed by letting the machine and carafe slightly cool. Then you need to fill the reservoir with fresh cold water with no vinegar. 

Run the cycle to rinse. To ensure your tank is completely free of vinegar, it is best to repeat the water cycle 2-3 times.

Method 2: Washing Other Parts Of The Coffee Maker

Step 1: Turn Off The Machine And Unplug The Electricity

If you just utilize the coffee maker, let it cool prior to eliminating all pieces and washing them. 

Most coffee makers take about half an hour to cool entirely. Regardless, some might take longer. You can check yours by touching your hand back to the water tank’s body after around 30 minutes. 

As the base of your coffee machine has an electrical heating system, it might be risky to clean the coffee maker when it is plugged in. Otherwise, you can get a nasty electrical shock or damage to the machine.

Step 2: Eliminate The Filter Basket And Carafe 

On various Cuisinart coffee makers, the filter basket can lift or slide out from the brewer. Discard the coffee grounds that remain in the carafe. 

If your machine has an integrated coffee grinder, take out the basket. Several machines might come with a detachable water reservoir lid you can take off. 

Step 3: Wash All Detachable Item In Soapy Warm Water

Utilize warm soapy water with a sponge to wash the carafe, filter basket, and other parts in the sink. Avoid applying scouring agents and harsh cleansers. Thoroughly rinse the items and let them perfectly dry before putting them back. 

If you notice various chemical build-ups on removable items, it is imperative to fill the sink with water and dishwashing liquid and soak them for several minutes before washing. Otherwise, you can also wash them in the dishwasher’s top rack. 

Once they are clean, allow them to air-dry as it is quite hard to dry them with a towel fully.

Step 4: Wipe Down The Coffee Machine

Once the detachable pieces fully dry, utilize a damp cloth to clean the remaining in the machine. If your Cuisinart coffee machine has an integrated grinder, avoid splashing water onto the grinder’s engine at all costs when cleaning it. 

Utilize a damp cloth to wipe only. Do not immerse the unit containing the electrical equipment in liquid.

Step 5: Eliminate Stains From The Plate With A Damp Cloth And Soap

Wipe the heating plate with dishwashing soap and a damp cloth. Once you remove any remaining coffee stain, thoroughly rinse the cloth and wipe it again with water to completely remove the soap. 

Again, remember to unplug your coffee machine and let it cool before touching the plate. 

Step 6: Reinstall The Coffee Machine

Once all parts of the coffee maker are cleaned and completely dry, you reassemble them. Alter the filter basket by sliding it back or reinserting it and leave the carafe back onto the plate. 

Then replace the basket in the coffee maker if there is an integrated grinder. Remember to put the carafe lids and the reservoir back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Cleaning Work For All Cuisinart Coffee Makers?

Maybe. Still, it is best to check the manual for specific guidelines.

How Often Should You Clean Cuisinart Coffee Makers?

Relying on your water’s quality and the quantity of coffee you prepare, the cleaning schedule can change. 

We highly recommend you clean the machine every six months at least. If you make various coffee cups every day, it might require a monthly cleaning routine.

Why Do You Need To Utilize White Vinegar To Clean Cuisinart Coffee Makers?

Your coffee maker will surely accumulate mineral and hard water build-up. Only using water cannot completely remove them. White vinegar can significantly decalcify the water tank, making it look new.

Can I Use Other Substitutes For White Vinegar To Clean Cuisinart Coffee Machine?

Of course. Any solution with the acid constitution can deliver a decalcifying result. Below are some alternatives you can consider:

• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Lemon juice
• Vodka

Wrapping Up

So now you know how to clean Cuisinart coffee maker. In a nutshell, you need to clean the water reservoir first and the remaining parts of the coffee maker later. 

Importantly, when you clean the machine’s body, remember to unplug it from the electrical outlet for your safety. 

We hope our article is helpful for you. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to let us know. Thank you for reading.

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