You love a good cup of joe; it’s what you look forward to every morning. In fact, it was you that checked out those BUNN coffee maker reviews and convinced everyone that you needed one. But all appliances get dirty at some point, and it’s essential that you don’t neglect your coffee maker when it’s time to clean your kitchen.
Looks can be deceiving when it comes to your Bunn coffee maker. Sometimes you might not even realize that your coffee maker needs cleaning, as there could be mineral deposits building up on the inside while the exterior appears immaculate. A dirty coffee maker can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned frequently.
Whether you’re in charge of the morning coffee at your office or you’re a serious caffeine junkie at home, you need to understand how to clean a Bunn coffee maker. Keep reading to learn why it’s important to clean your brew machine, how to know when it’s time to clean it, and walk through a step-by-step guide on how to keep your Bunn coffee maker sanitary and pristine on the inside and out.
How To Clean A Bunn Coffee Maker With Vinegar
There are plenty of reasons why you should clean your coffee maker on a regular basis. From a shorter brew to fewer bacteria, you can significantly benefit from a purified machine. Here are a few:
Faster Brew Time
When mineral deposits and scaling builds up within your coffee maker, it can back up the water flow. This leads to a slower drip and a longer wait time for your coffee. However, a clean machine will allow a steady flow of water and give you a quick cup of coffee to start your day.
Proper Function
As previously mentioned, the scaling buildup can hinder the flow of water necessary to brew your coffee. When the water can’t flow, it leads to problems with the machinery. A clean coffee maker will perform nicely and function correctly.
Better Tasting Coffee
No one likes a bitter cup of coffee, and filthy coffee makers are often the culprits. Sometimes dirty machines can damage the internal thermometer. When the temperature isn’t hot enough, it can leave you with a less than flavorful experience.
Longer Lifespan
Cleaning your Bunn coffee maker will ultimately protect the machinery, which will allow you the opportunity to enjoy it for years to come!
Lower Risk of Bacteria
Your coffee maker utilizes both heat and moisture when it brews your coffee. This makes your machine a prime spot for germs, yeast, and bacterial growth (sometimes even mold). This can cause allergic reactions to those with allergies and can even cause infections.
Helpful Tips to Prevent Coffee Maker Germs
- Clean out the coffee grounds, trash the filter after each use, and dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Rinse and soak the carafe in warm soapy water overnight for a clean brew in the morning.
- Open the top cover of your coffee maker to air it out and dry the moisture that could cause mold.
- Throw your carafe and basket in the dishwasher after each use for a more thorough clean.
- Disinfect the handle after each use either with a disinfectant or warm soapy water.
It’s wise to wash the coffee pot and empty the coffee grounds out of the basket each time you use it. It’s recommended that you do a deep descaling coffee maker cleanse every three months. However, this depends on how much you use it and how much mineral content is in the water you’re using. Below are the required steps in cleaning your Bunn coffee maker through the standard method. This process should be done daily or whenever you use your machine.
Step 1: Turn the Machine Off
Don’t start cleaning until you unplug the machine. This is an important step, as you don’t want to risk electrocution. You’ll be using water during the cleaning process, and there may be water still in the carafe or machine.
Step 2: Remove Coffee Grounds and Coffee Filter
Dump the coffee grounds and filter (if you have one) into the trash and rinse out the basket to eliminate any remaining grounds.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Exterior
Take a soft cloth and dip it into some warm water mixed with a tiny amount of unscented or mildly scented dish detergent. Wipe down the exterior of your machine. Then, take another damp cloth without soap and wipe your device to get rid of any soap residue.
Step 4: Clean and Soak the Carafe
Sometimes you’ll see brown rings inside the carafe. This is normal and can be removed with a good soak in some soapy water. Take a washcloth and wipe around the inside of the carafe and fill it with warm soapy water. Let it sit for a few hours, rinse, and allow it to dry.
Note: You can also run the carafe through your dishwasher, wash with baking soda, or clean with a vinegar solution.
Step 5: Clean the Spray Nozzle
Coffee makers usually come with a spray nozzle where the water trickles out. Disassemble the spray head and examine it for any obstructions. You can use a small object such as a toothpick to remove the mineral deposit or coffee grounds. Then, use a cloth to wipe down the nozzle with mild dish soap and rinse it off with some warm water.
Step 6: Clean the Spray Tube
Some Bunn models come with a metal or plastic device designed to clean the spray tube. Simply remove the brew funnel and the spray nozzle first. After this, insert the cleaning tool into the tube and push it up and down while slowly rotating it. Once you’ve removed all deposits, reassemble the brew funnel and reattach the spray nozzle.
Final Thoughts
We’ve walked you through the basic steps of how to clean a Bunn coffee maker. Hopefully, you’re feeling confident enough to take on the task. Now that you understand the process, you’ll be well on your way to a sparkling, squeaky clean machine and delicious cups of coffee! Remember that the more you clean your coffee maker, the less deep cleaning you’ll have to do and the longer you’ll be able to enjoy your machine.
Natural cleaning ingredients are always the safest way to clean machines such as this, as they can disinfect without using harmful chemicals that damage your machine and your body. And keep in mind that one of the most critical safety tips is to make sure you unplug your coffee maker before cleaning. Safety first! With regular maintenance and an occasional deep descale, your Bunn coffee maker will continue to offer beloved caffeine at your beck and call.
