Q&A for How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Vinegar

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The single serving mechanism is clogged and will not feed water from the reservoir. I have used the needle process for cleaning the spout. That isn't the problem. It is clogged somewhere else.

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If your machine is clogged or fails to brew coffee, you may need to take it in for repairs or replace it.

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Can I clean the machine with cleaning vinegar?

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Yes! As long as the vinegar is white (transparent, no color) and you dilute it with water beforehand.

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Is distilled white vinegar distilled with 5% acidity okay to use?

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Yes! So long as the vinegar is white and diluted with water, it's safe to use in your machine. Use 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water if you worry the vinegar might damage the machine.

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Do I place a new filter in prior to the vinegar cleaning?

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You don't need to use a coffee filter while cleaning with vinegar. Simply run the brew cycles and rinse cycles without one.

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Can I use white wine vinegar instead of distilled white vinegar to clean my Kerrigan coffee maker?

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Unfortunate, no. Other vinegars may have particulate or lingering flavors that can contaminate your machine.

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How does one clean the "heater-plate" that the carafe sits on during the brew/serve cycle? My heater plate is "bumpy" and rough-to-the-touch from the drippings that have fallen on it while hot.

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Use a sponge and about 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to scrub away any residue on the hot plate.

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I went to brew my coffee and nothing but drips came out. Set up the water and vinegar solution but it's not going through the coffee maker, either. Help!

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Your machine may be clogged by grounds or hard water buildup. If liquid can't run through it, or it's not properly taking up water from the reservoir, you may have to replace the machine. Clean your machine regularly to avoid clogs!

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Does the vinegar have to be white to clean a coffee maker?

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Yes, white works best. The other types of vinegar like balsamic, apple cider, red wine, etc., have more particles in them that can make the coffee maker dirtier.

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Where do I get a replacement filter?

Community Answer

You can get one from your local hardware store and even some grocery stores.

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Should I remove the coffee filter before cleaning the coffee maker with vinegar?

Liora

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You can remove the filter, but it's not essential for cleaning your coffee maker.

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Do I need to place a coffee filter in the basket for each rinsing?

Liora

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No, it's not necessary. The filter collects dirt and grime for easy disposal, but you can also let it go into the carafe and dump it in the sink when you're done. Both methods work well.

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Why do I find coffee grounds in my coffee?

Liora

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It may be due to a faulty filter or some grounds spilling behind the filter and into the pot.

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Question

How much vinegar should I use for a small 4-cup automatic coffee maker?

Liora

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Use 1 cup of vinegar mixed with 2 to 3 cups of plain water.

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Question

Should the clean indicator light shut off after cleaning the single brew?

Teddy23

Community Answer

Yes, the clean indicator light should shut off after a successful cleaning cycle. If it stays on, it might mean the cleaning wasn’t completed properly or the machine still detects buildup. Try repeating the cleaning process, and consult your coffee maker’s manual for reset instructions if needed.

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Will the descale light turn off when I finish the process?

Vihar Gadhesariya

Community Answer

Yes, the descale light will go out, but only if you complete the entire descaling process correctly in descale mode. Make sure to enter descale mode, run the descaler, refill with clean water, and run a rinse cycle. If you skip any steps, the light will stay on. Check your machine’s manual for the exact sequence.

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What should I do if my coffee maker is clogged and nothing comes out when I turn it on?

Teddy23

Community Answer

It may be clogged with mineral deposits. Try running a cleaning cycle with a mixture of vinegar and water to clear the blockage.

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Will the vinegar solution clean the reservoir?

Parker Nyenhuis

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Yes, vinegar disinfects, and hot water loosens the buildup. It will clean the reservoir and all of the tubes.

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Should I remove the permanent coffee filter before running the vinegar and water through the coffee maker?

Ngamich

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You can leave the permanent coffee filter in the coffee maker while cleaning it with vinegar, as this will help clean the filter as well.

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Is there a difference between white vinegar labeled "cleaning vinegar" and regular white vinegar?

jenna

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Cleaning vinegar is 20% more powerful than distilled white vinegar, because it contains more acidity.

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Should I clean the coffee maker with vinegar without a filter in the basket?

Thomas conner

Community Answer

It doesn't matter if you use a filter or not, as the vinegar will clean effectively either way. The filter may slightly slow the process but won't prevent the vinegar from doing its job.

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How much vinegar should I use to clean my coffee maker?

Thomas conner

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Use a 1:1 ratio. So for a 10-cup machine, use 5 cups each of vinegar and water.

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Question

Shouldn't you add water first and then vinegar? I was taught in the chemical industry to always add acid to water.

Thomas conner

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It doesn't really matter for this task, so you can follow your training or add water first if you prefer.

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Do I have to shake or stir the water and vinegar, or will they naturally mix after pouring?

Thomas conner

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You don't have to shake or stir them; pouring one on top of the other will allow them to mix naturally.

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Question

How can I clean the buildup on a hot plate?

Amir Gh

Community Answer

Turn off and unplug the coffee maker. Wipe it with a damp cloth to remove loose debris. Apply a baking soda paste to tough spots and scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry. Repeat as needed for stubborn buildup.

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Should the filter basket be in the coffee maker or left out when using the vinegar solution?

Alexander Martin

Community Answer

While descaling with a vinegar/water solution, leave the filter basket in the drip coffee maker to aid in the removal of mineral deposits. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, insert the empty basket, fill the reservoir with the solution, and brew without coffee grounds. Then discard the solution.

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Should I use a full pot of diluted vinegar in a 10-cup coffee maker?

Thomas conner

Community Answer

Use 5 cups of vinegar mixed with 5 cups of water, then run a full pot of just water through the machine once or twice to make sure no vinegar residue remains.

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Why should I not use apple cider vinegar to clean a coffee maker?

Liora

Top Answerer

White vinegar is a better option than apple cider vinegar because it is a disinfectant and can be used to clean all kinds of things, while apple cider vinegar is better suited for cooking than cleaning.

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Should I remove the filter pod when cleaning my Keurig?

Amir Gh

Community Answer

Yes, to prevent it from getting wet or clogged during the process.

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How much vinegar and water should I use to clean a coffee maker?

Thomas conner

Community Answer

For a 10-cup coffee maker, mix 5 cups of vinegar with 5 cups of water. Then run it through the machine once or twice to rinse it thoroughly.

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I accidentally used cleaning vinegar in my coffee maker, resulting in lots of suds. I rinsed it twice with clear water, but the carafe still has some sediment. Is it okay to use the machine?

Amir Gh

Community Answer

Rinse the machine 2-3 more times with clean water. If any sediment remains, clean the filter and reservoir. It should be safe to use after that.

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