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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Question

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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Question

Where do I get a replacement filter?

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

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Question

My coffee maker lets me know when to clean it. I go through all the steps you have outlined and don't see residue coming out. Looks clear. Any ideas why this may be?

7ornado.al

Community Answer

It is likely that the coffee maker alerts you after a certain number of brewing cycles instead of any kind of residue sensor. The reason you don't see residue is because not enough has built up due to frequent cleanings. Nothing wrong with a clean coffee maker!

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Question

My Cuisinart coffee maker has a red cleaning light that will not go off even after I have cleaned it with vinegar.

Iris Rose

Community Answer

Fill to the max and run with just water, then make another water/vinegar mixture and fill to the max and run again, then run one more time with just water to rinse. There could just be a large buildup in the system that it's having trouble cleaning. If this does not work, try contacting Cuisinart customer service and see what they recommend.

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When running the vinegar/water mixture through the coffee maker, should we remove the charcoal filter or let it run through the charcoal filter?

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Removing your charcoal filter may be beneficial, to prevent water that runs through the filter afterwards from picking up any leftover vinegar.

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Question

Do Keurig Coffee makers need to be cleaned due to mold?

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Yes, a deep cleaning process known as descaling is recommended every three to six months.

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Question

How do you clean a electric hot water maker?

Rudra prajapati creative

Community Answer

Descale the kettle with vinegar. Fill the kettle about one-half full with a 1:1 solution of water and distilled white. Descale the kettle with lemon juice or citric acid powder. You can substitute freshly-squeezed or bottled lemon juice. Unplug and disassemble the kettle. Before you clean any further, unplug the cooled kettle. If it has a water filter, clean or replace the water filter. If your model has a water filter or water filter cartridge, clean the removed filter.

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Question

I did the vinegar and water and my coffee maker would only do a 4 cup brewing and then shut off. I cannot get it to finish the brewing cycle, what do I do?

Ashley M. Paxton

Community Answer

Once your coffee maker shuts off, you'll need to start a new brew cycle to ensure the entire contents of the reservoir is used. Basically, you'll need to run two or more "brew cycles"; If you continue to have issues, try checking the manual that came with your coffee maker for the "troubleshoot" section. If you no longer have the manual, a quick online search should easily provide you with an electronic version of it.

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Question

May I use cleaning vinegar in place of white vinegar?

Ashley M. Paxton

Community Answer

Yes, just be sure to run at least two full rinse cycles through your machine afterward.

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How can I clean my Keurig coffeemaker with vinegar?

Community Answer

A Keurig won't need an internal rinse with vinegar, but will need descaling every now and then. If you would like to do it anyway, check out How to Clean a Keurig with Vinegar .

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