If you have picked up one of Cuisinart’s best machines, you should use it for as long as possible. They are one of the finest brand presents, and if you take care of them properly, they should last long until you need a replacement.
Proper hygiene is the secret to having a coffee maker that will last long. Whether your coffee maker has a self-cleaning option or not, you should clean your coffee maker regularly. You can start the cleaning process by decalcifying the water reservoir with vinegar and washing the other parts with warm, soapy water. You must be careful to ensure you don’t destroy the material used. If you maintain the coffee makers well, you are assured that they will last long.
Steps to clean Cuisinart coffee makers.
Step 1: Cleaning the water reservoir
It is essential to clean the water reservoir to help maintain the coffee machine. In most instances, you must decalcify your coffee maker every 1-6 months. However, if you use it often, more than once a day, you need to clean it once a month to decalcify it, to remove hard water and mineral build-up from the coffee machine.
One indicator that the coffee machine needs to be decalcified is if your coffee tastes bitter. Hence, ensure you decalcify the coffee machine reservoir. Most of the Cuisinart coffee machines have a clean button. It will just begin to flash when the device needs to be decalcified. Also, check on how to backflush your espresso machine.
Step 2: Empty the carafe and grounds
If you have any remaining coffee in the carafe, discard it and rinse it with water. You must remove the basket from the machine and dump any coffee grounds. Also, if there are any paper filters, it is wise to eliminate them. You must ensure that no impurities are left to keep your coffee machine intact.
Step 3: Fill the water reservoir
You must fill the water reservoir with white vinegar solution and water in a ratio of 1:2, respectively. Also, mix enough white vinegar with the tap water to fill the reservoir. You can also use the carafe to measure and pour the solution. However, it would be best if you had emptied the carafe. Moreover, the ratio of vinegar and water solution will depend on the size of your coffee maker. For example, if you have a standard 12-cup coffee maker, you will need 4 cups of vinegar and 8 cups of water to help fill the reservoir.
Step 4: Press the Clean Button on your coffeemaker
Well, not all coffee makers have the clean button. However, if it has a clean button, press it to help clean the coffee maker. You need to master how to use it. Once the self clean light glows, press the on/off button to begin the cleaning cycle. If you want to know whether the process is over, the machine will beep five times and turn off. Another unique thing about this is that the clean cycle takes 2-3 times longer than your regular brew. Also, while using it, you will note that your coffee maker pauses between every few cups it makes.
Step 5: Run a brew cycle manually
You must run the cycle manually if your coffee maker has no self-clean function. Once you have filled the reservoir, turn the machine on to run the process. This is needed if you are making a regular pot of coffee. It also depends if you want a deep or shallow cleaning. Turn off the coffee maker midway through the brew cycle if you want a deep clean. Allow it to remain that way for an hour. Then, turn on the coffee maker after a while and let the brew cycle finish.
Step 6: Clean using the vinegar solution and water mixture
If there is still build-up inside the reservoir, a cycle of the vinegar mixture will help and be enough. How many times you allow washing cycles depends on the dirt in the coffee makers. It would help if you only inspected the coffee maker once the mixture had finished running and the machine had cooled. This will be the best time to examine the inside of the tank. If there is still dirt, let the machine cool fully and then run another cycle with a fresh vinegar-water mixture. If your device has a self-cleaning feature, turn it on again after the first cycle.
Step 7: Run a cycle of fresh cold water
Once the brew cycle is over, discard the vinegar-water solution from the pot. Allowing the coffee maker and carafe to cool silently would be best. The next step is filling the water tank with fresh, clean water. Repeat the cleaning cycle several times to ensure it is sparkling clean.
Step 8: Wash the rest of the machine
Once you are done washing the coffee maker’s interior, cleaning the rest of the machine is essential. Before trying to wash it, ensure you turn off and unplug it from the wall. If you used the machine a few minutes ago, allow it to cool fully before dismantling the coffee maker and then start washing. If you want to know whether it has completely cooled, wait 30 minutes. However, before cleaning, ensure it is completely cooled. Also, ensure you don’t pour water on it when still plugged in. It can short the internals of the brewer.
Step 9: Remove the filter basket and carafe
Most filter baskets easily lift or slide out from the machine. Also, ensure no remaining coffee is in the carafe and dispose of any impurities. You can clean the removable items in warm, soapy water and let them dry thoroughly. You can use a sponge, soap, and water to clean the coffee maker equipment. Avoid using harsh cleansers that may affect your Cuisinart coffee maker. Also, even if something refuses to get out, don’t use a scouring agent such as steel wool to clean it. If there are severe build-ups, fill the sink with warm water soapy water, and soak the items before washing.
Step 10: Airdry the equipment parts
Once the parts are squeaky clean, allow the removable pieces to air dry. This is because there is also the alternative of using a towel to dry it. However, it may not be possible because of the shapes. Also, wipe down the body of the coffee maker and use a damp dishcloth to clean the rest of the coffee maker. While cleaning, avoid splashing water onto the grinder motor as you clean. Instead, use a damp dishcloth.
Step 11: How to remove stains
If you use your Cuisinart coffee maker for a while, it may develop stains. Hence, you can remove stains from the heating plate using soap and a damp cloth. Also, wipe the area where the carafe sits using a wet cloth and your usual gentle dishwashing soap. Once you have removed coffee stains, ensure you rinse off the soap.
Related: Easy way to clean your Jura coffee machine!
How often should I clean my Cuisinart coffee maker?
Well, you don’t need to worry about it anymore. Modern coffee machines let users know when they need to be cleaned. In the case of Cuisinart coffee makers, they flash the self-clean light to inform you that they need cleaning. If you have an older model and it does not have the self-cleaning indicator, then Cuisinart recommends you decalcify your machine every 3-6 months. Calcium deposition can occur quickly compared to soft water in areas where hard water is used. Another factor to consider is how often you use your machine. If it is used less frequently, you can decalcify it less regularly. The bottom line is to clean your device regularly so that it can last longer!
If you are still not sure about the process, you can refer to the manufacturer manual over here for your machine.
Conclusion
Once all the machine elements are arid, you can assemble the pieces. You can replace the filter basket by reinserting or sliding it back in and placing the carafe onto the heating plate. Always wash your Cuisinart coffee maker with extreme care to ensure it isn’t destroyed easily. Clean the Cuisinart coffee maker perfectly to ensure it lasts long and offers service to you.