I love starting my day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, and my BUNN home coffee maker has become an essential part of my morning routine. However, over time, I noticed that my coffee wasn’t tasting as good as it used to. It turns out that a dirty coffee maker can affect the flavor of your coffee, and that’s when I decided it was time to give my BUNN home coffee maker a thorough cleaning. In this simple step-by-step guide, I will share with you the techniques I used to clean my coffee maker and how you can do it too.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
Vinegar
Vinegar
White vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent that can effectively remove mineral buildup in your coffee maker. Make sure to use plain white vinegar and not any other type of vinegar.
Water
You’ll need water to rinse the coffee maker after cleaning. It’s best to use filtered water to avoid any impurities that can affect the taste of your coffee.
A soft cloth or sponge
A soft cloth or sponge will be useful for wiping down the exterior of the coffee maker.
A toothbrush or small cleaning brush
A toothbrush or small cleaning brush will help you scrub hard-to-reach areas, such as the crevices around the coffee spout or the lid.
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Coffee Maker
The first step in cleaning your BUNN home coffee maker is to ensure that it’s turned off and unplugged. Safety should always come first, and this step will prevent any accidents or mishaps during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Remove the Coffee Basket and Carafe
Next, remove the coffee basket and carafe from the coffee maker. Empty any remaining coffee grounds from the basket and discard them. Rinse the basket and carafe with warm, soapy water and set them aside to dry.
Step 3: Mix a Vinegar and Water Solution
Now it’s time to create a cleaning solution using vinegar and water. Fill your coffee pot with a mixture of half vinegar and half water. For example, if your coffee pot holds 8 cups of liquid, mix 4 cups of vinegar and 4 cups of water.
Step 4: Run the Cleaning Solution Through the Coffee Maker
Place the coffee pot back on the coffee maker and turn it on as if you were brewing a pot of coffee. Let the vinegar and water solution run through the coffee maker and into the carafe. This process will help remove any mineral buildup and residue from the internal components.
Step 5: Let the Solution Sit
Once the cleaning solution has run through the coffee maker, let it sit for about 15 minutes. This will allow the vinegar to work its magic and break down any remaining buildup.
Step 6: Rinse the Coffee Maker
After the solution has had time to sit, remove the coffee pot and empty the contents down the sink. Rinse the pot thoroughly with water to remove any traces of vinegar. You should also rinse the coffee basket and carafe again to ensure they are vinegar-free.
Step 7: Run a Water Cycle
Now it’s time to run a cycle with just water. Fill the coffee pot with clean, filtered water, and run it through the coffee maker as if you were brewing coffee. This will help remove any vinegar residue from the internal components.
Step 8: Wipe Down the Exterior
While the coffee maker is still warm, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior. Pay special attention to any areas that may have accumulated dust or spills. For hard-to-reach areas, use a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to scrub away any grime.
Step 9: Dry and Reassemble
Once you’ve finished wiping down the coffee maker, make sure to dry all the components thoroughly. You can use a clean towel or let them air dry. Once everything is dry, reassemble the coffee maker, making sure to insert the clean coffee basket and carafe.
Step 10: Enjoy a Fresh Cup of Coffee
Congratulations, you’ve successfully cleaned your BUNN home coffee maker! It’s now ready to brew a fresh, flavorful cup of coffee. Sit back, relax, and savor the aroma of your perfectly brewed coffee.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Now that you know how to give your BUNN home coffee maker a deep clean, here are some tips for maintaining its cleanliness on a regular basis:
Empty and rinse the coffee basket and carafe after each use
By emptying and rinsing the coffee basket and carafe, you can prevent the accumulation of coffee residue, which can affect the taste of your brew.
Wipe down the exterior regularly
A quick wipe down of the exterior with a soft cloth or sponge will help keep your coffee maker looking clean and presentable.
Descale the coffee maker periodically
Mineral buildup can still occur over time, even with regular cleaning. To combat this, descale your coffee maker every few months using a descaling solution specifically designed for coffee makers.
Conclusion
Cleaning your BUNN home coffee maker is a simple and essential task that should be done regularly to maintain the taste and quality of your coffee. By following these steps and utilizing the proper cleaning supplies, you can ensure that your coffee maker consistently brews delicious coffee. Remember, a clean coffee maker is a happy coffee maker, and nothing beats starting your day with a perfect cup of coffee. So go ahead, give your BUNN home coffee maker some love and enjoy the benefits of a freshly cleaned machine.