How To Clean A Mr. Coffee Drip Coffee Maker

A person wiping a drip coffee maker on a home kitchen counter. — Illustrative coffee-maker care photo by RDNE Stock project/Pexels; the pictured brewer is not identified as the article model.

Table of Contents

Start with the right button

Before you begin, check whether your Mr. Coffee model has a dedicated CLEAN button. If it does, use that button for the vinegar cycle. If not, press Brew Now to run a regular brew cycle. The exact button sequence is always in the model’s manual, so refer to that for any variations.

Daily part cleaning

After each use, wash the carafe, the reusable filter (if you use one), and any other removable coffee‑contact parts. This simple step keeps buildup from accumulating and is recommended by Mr. Coffee for every brew.

Monthly deep clean with vinegar

A sponge, soft cloth and a glass of water beside a kitchen sink. — Illustrative cleaning supplies; use the cleaning materials recommended for your brewer and parts.

Empty the carafe and rinse it. Discard the paper filter or rinse the reusable filter before starting the cycle.
Add a solution of about one part white vinegar to two parts water in the reservoir. Use the capacity and safety instructions for your exact model.
Run the CLEAN function if your model has it; otherwise press Brew Now to complete a full brew cycle.
When the cycle finishes, let the vinegar solution sit in the carafe for 15–30 minutes.
Discard the solution, rinse the carafe and filter, and return the empty carafe to the brewer.
Run two full water‑only brew cycles, discarding the water between each cycle, to flush out any remaining vinegar.

These steps are the official “easy‑clean” guide from Mr. Coffee and are supported by the manufacturer’s own documentation.

Mr. Coffee cleaning checklist showing one part vinegar to two parts water and fresh-water rinses. — Mr. Coffee cleaning checklist from current manufacturer guidance; follow your model manual.

Adjust for hard water

If you live in a hard‑water area, you may need to perform the deep clean twice a month or use filtered water. Calcium deposits can show up as rings in the carafe, indicating that more frequent cleaning is needed.

Choose the right cleaning solution

Mr. Coffee recommends using white vinegar, a coffee‑maker cleaner, or mild unscented soap. Avoid harsh or heavily scented soaps, as they can leave a lingering flavor. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are alternatives, but apple cider vinegar may leave a stronger taste, so rinse with two water cycles afterward. A baking soda solution (one part baking soda to four parts warm water) is another option; dissolve the baking soda before adding to avoid clumps.

Electrical safety

Mr. Coffee’s guide for its Dishwashable Coffee Maker says that the electrical base, cord, and plug are not dishwasher-safe and should not be immersed in water. Check your own model’s manual before cleaning its parts.

Reader decision checklist

Does my model have a CLEAN button? Check the manual.
Did I wash removable parts after each use? Daily cleaning.
Am I cleaning monthly with the vinegar method? Vinegar steps.
Do I need to clean more often because of hard water? Hard‑water guidance.
Am I using a safe cleaning solution? Solution options.
Have I checked my model’s instructions for keeping electrical parts dry? Electrical safety.

Follow these manufacturer‑backed steps to keep your Mr. Coffee drip coffee maker running smoothly and producing clean, fresh coffee every time.