Easy Ways To Clean A Cuisinart Coffee Maker: 13 Steps - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow The Best Way to Descale and Clean a Cuisinart Coffee Maker PDF download Download Article An easy guide to deep cleaning your machine & washing it daily Co-authored by Marcus Shields and Devin McSween

Last Updated: March 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Marcus Shields and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 255,754 times.

With regular use, your Cuisinart coffee maker starts to form mineral deposits that can cause it to not work as well or your coffee to taste off. Luckily, it’s super easy to deep clean your coffee maker with simple household products like white vinegar. Whether your Cuisinart has a self-cleaning option or a simple “On/Off” switch, we’ll show you how to descale your machine and give it daily cleanings to keep it in tip-top condition. Keep reading to learn how to maintain your Cuisinart coffee maker!

Cuisinart Coffee Maker Cleaning

To descale your machine, fill the water reservoir with 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. Press and hold the “Clean” button, or start a regular brew cycle. Then, run a brew cycle with water to flush out the vinegar. For daily cleanings, wash the carafe and filter basket with warm water and dish soap.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Descaling & Deep Cleaning a Cuisinart Coffee Maker

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  1. Step 1 Empty the carafe and grounds. 1 Empty the carafe and grounds. If you have any coffee remaining in the carafe, discard it and rinse the carafe with water. Remove the basket from the machine and dump out the paper filter and any coffee grounds.[1]
  2. Step 2 Remove the charcoal water filter if your machine has one. 2 Remove the charcoal water filter if your machine has one. Open your coffee maker’s water reservoir and look for the long, black water filter holder on the side of the machine. Then, pull it out of the reservoir and set it on a clean cloth or paper towel while you descale your machine.[2]
    • Keeping the charcoal filter in the machine can affect its ability to filter your water. It can also get soaked with the descaling solution, making your coffee taste vinegary.
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  3. Step 3 Fill the water reservoir with 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. 3 Fill the water reservoir with 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water.[3] Use the carafe to measure and pour enough white vinegar and regular tap water to completely fill the reservoir. The exact amount of vinegar and water you use depends on the size of your coffee maker.[4]
    • For a standard 12-cup coffee maker, use 4 cups (0.9 l) of vinegar and 8 cups (1.9 l) of water to fill the reservoir.
    • Vinegar removes calcium deposits and other mineral buildup inside the reservoir and the brewing components. It also helps prevent mold and bacteria from growing.[5]
  4. Step 4 Press the “Clean” button if your coffeemaker has one. 4 Press the “Clean” button if your coffeemaker has one. For Cuisinart coffee makers with the self-cleaning feature, simply press and hold the “Clean” button until it glows. Then, press the “On/Off” button to start the descaling process. The “Clean” light shines steadily to indicate that the machine is in CLEAN mode.[6]
    • When the clean cycle is finished, the machine beeps 5 times and then turns off.
    • The cleaning cycle usually takes 3 to 4 times longer than your normal brew. The machine pauses between every few cups it makes to allow the vinegar solution to soak and remove the mineral deposits.[7]
  5. Step 5 Run a brew cycle if your machine doesn't have a “Clean” button. 5 Run a brew cycle if your machine doesn't have a “Clean” button. For Cuisinart coffee makers without a self-cleaning feature, simply turn on the machine and run a regular brewing cycle just as if you were making a pot of coffee.[8]
    • For a deeper clean, turn off the coffee maker halfway through the brew cycle and let it sit for 1 hour.[9] This gives the vinegar solution time to soften the mineral deposits. Then, turn the coffee maker on again and let the brew cycle finish.[10]
  6. Step 6 Repeat the cleaning process if you still see build-up in the reservoir. 6 Repeat the cleaning process if you still see build-up in the reservoir. One cycle of the vinegar-water mixture is usually all you need to clean the machine. However, you may need to run it again if you have a particularly dirty coffee maker. Inspect the inside of the tank for any remaining buildup. Then, let the machine cool fully before adding fresh white vinegar and water to the reservoir and starting the cleaning cycle.[11]
    • If your machine has a self-cleaning feature, turn it back on after the cleaning cycle finishes. If the “Clean” light is flashing, your machine is still dirty and needs another cleaning cycle.
  7. Step 7 Run a brew cycle with water to rinse out the vinegar solution. 7 Run a brew cycle with water to rinse out the vinegar solution. Discard the vinegar-water solution inside the carafe. Then, fill the water reservoir with plain fresh water. Simply run a regular brew cycle to flush out the vinegar and any loosened mineral deposits.[12]
    • Optional step: Repeat the water-only cycle 2 to 3 times to ensure all of the vinegar is rinsed out.[13] Otherwise, your coffee may have a tangy, vinegary taste.[14]
    • Let the coffee maker and the carafe cool slightly before running a brew cycle after the cleaning process, especially if you have a glass pot.
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Section 2 of 3:

Cleaning a Cuisinart Coffee Maker After Each Use

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  1. Step 1 Turn the coffee maker off and unplug it from the wall. 1 Turn the coffee maker off and unplug it from the wall. If you just used your machine, let it cool fully before removing any pieces and cleaning them. Most machines take at least 30 minutes to completely cool once they are turned off and unplugged, but some can take longer.[15]
    • Test if your machine is cool by lightly touching the back of your hand to the body of the water reservoir after 30 minutes.
    • Since the base of the coffee maker includes electrical heating equipment, it can be dangerous to get the machine wet while it's plugged in. If you clean the machine while it's plugged in, you might damage your coffee maker or receive an electrical shock.
  2. Step 2 Discard the coffee grounds and any leftover coffee. 2 Discard the coffee grounds and any leftover coffee. On most Cuisinart models, lift up the reservoir lid and either pull or slide out the coffee filter basket. Throw out any remaining coffee grounds, or place them in your compost. Then, pour out any remaining coffee in the carafe.[16]
  3. Step 3 Wash the carafe and filter basket with dish soap and warm water. 3 Wash the carafe and filter basket with dish soap and warm water. Fill your sink with warm water and several drops of dish soap. Simply use a soft sponge or cloth to wash out the carafe and coffee filter basket. Then, rinse the pieces thoroughly with clean water to remove the soapy residue.[17]
    • Set the clean parts on a dish towel to air dry before putting them back in your machine.
    • Alternatively, wash the carafe and filter basket on the top rack of your dishwasher.[18]
    • To remove stubborn build-up, soak the pieces in the soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes.[19]
    • If you have a model with a built-in coffee grinder or removable reservoir lid, take those pieces out and wash them with soapy water, too.[20]
    • Avoid using harsh cleansers or scouring agents, such as steel wool, to clean your coffee maker. They can damage your machine.
  4. Step 4 Wipe the filter basket cavity and machine exterior with a damp cloth. 4 Wipe the filter basket cavity and machine exterior with a damp cloth.[21] Wet a clean, soft cloth with water and wring out the excess moisture. Use it to wipe out the area where the filter basket sits to remove any coffee grounds. Then, wipe down the top, sides, and base of the machine to clean off any dust and debris.
    • To remove stubborn stains and fingerprints, wipe the outside of your coffee maker with a damp, soapy cloth.
    • If you have a Cuisinart with a built-in grinder, avoid splashing water onto the grinder motor as you clean it. Use only a damp dishcloth.[22]
    • Never immerse the base unit (which contains electrical equipment) in water or any other liquid.
  5. Step 5 Clean the heating plate with a damp, soapy cloth. 5 Clean the heating plate with a damp, soapy cloth. Dampen a soft cloth with water and a small amount of dish soap. Then, wipe the heating plate to remove any stubborn coffee stains. Rinse out the cloth and wipe the plate again with clean water to remove the soap.[23]
    • Ensure the coffee maker is fully unplugged and cooled before touching the heating plate.
  6. Step 6 Reassemble the coffee maker when all the parts are dry. 6 Reassemble the coffee maker when all the parts are dry. Place the coffee filter basket back into its cavity in the water reservoir. Then, put the lid on the carafe and slide it back onto the heating plate. If you removed and cleaned the reservoir lid, put it back on the machine.
    • If you have a model with a built-in grinder, place the hopper back into the machine.
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Section 3 of 3:

How Often to Clean a Cuisinart Coffee Maker

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  1. Step 1 Decalcify your coffee maker every 1 to 6 months. 1 Decalcify your coffee maker every 1 to 6 months.[24] If you use your coffee maker more than once a day or you have hard water, you may need to clean your machine once per month to remove mineral buildup.[25] If you use it less frequently or have soft water, descale it every 3 to 6 months.
    • It’s a sign to descale your coffee maker when it starts to work less quickly or your coffee starts to taste bitter or off.
    • If your machine has a “Clean” button, it will begin flashing when the machine needs to be decalcified.
    • The hardness of your tap water influences how often you need to clean your machine. Hard water contains more minerals than soft water, which leads to quicker buildup inside your machine.
  2. Step 2 Wash the carafe, filter basket, and machine exterior after each use. 2 Wash the carafe, filter basket, and machine exterior after each use. To keep your Cuisinart coffee maker in great condition, clean it after each pot of coffee you make. Cleaning the carafe, filter basket, and outside of your machine prevents stains from forming and helps ensure each brew tastes fresh.[26]
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Tips

  • If you have hard water, brew your coffee with distilled water to prevent mineral deposits from building up as quickly. Or, install a water softening system in your home. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • If your Cuisinart Coffee Maker has a charcoal water filter, replace it every 60 days or after brewing 60 pots of coffee. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Do not dry the water reservoir with a cloth, as this can leave behind lint that might get into your coffee. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 3
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Warnings

  • Always unplug the coffee maker from the wall before cleaning the appliance or removing any parts. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Never immerse the base unit (which contains electrical equipment) in water or any other liquid. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Avoid using harsh cleansers or scouring agents (such as steel wool) to clean any part of your Cuisinart. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

Descaling and Deep Cleaning a Cuisinart Coffee Maker

  • White vinegar
  • Water

Cleaning a Cuisinart Coffee Maker After Each Use

  • Dish soap
  • Non-abrasive sponge or soft dishcloth

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-a-coffee-maker-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-200908
  2. ↑ https://www.kohls.com/media/digital/ecom/pdfs/pdf/CuisinartDCC-3200InstructionBooklet_Warranty.pdf
  3. ↑ Marcus Shields. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bqsmtMac1g
  5. ↑ Marcus Shields. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bqsmtMac1g
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/qjpV6wVnaYA?t=117
  8. ↑ https://www.williams-sonoma.com/netstorage/pdf/Cuisinart-5-Cup-Coffeemaker-Stainless-Steel-User-Manual.pdf
  9. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
More References (17)
  1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-a-coffee-maker-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-200908
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bqsmtMac1g
  3. ↑ https://www.cuisinart.ca/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-ca-cuisinart-Library/en_CA/dwdeb8e0f7/Instruction%20Booklet/DCC-1200C_en.pdf
  4. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Marcus Shields. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bqsmtMac1g
  7. ↑ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1PAyTHb3kS.pdf
  8. ↑ Marcus Shields. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://pdf.lowes.com/useandcareguides/086279013828_use.pdf
  10. ↑ Marcus Shields. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  11. ↑ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1PAyTHb3kS.pdf
  12. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  13. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/13419509/how-to-clean-a-cuisinart-grind-brew
  14. ↑ https://www.cuisinart.ca/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-ca-cuisinart-Library/en_CA/dwdeb8e0f7/Instruction%20Booklet/DCC-1200C_en.pdf
  15. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  16. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a26565/cleaning-coffee-maker/
  17. ↑ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1PAyTHb3kS.pdf

About This Article

Marcus Shields Co-authored by: Marcus Shields House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Marcus Shields and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area. This article has been viewed 255,754 times. 10 votes - 68% Co-authors: 5 Updated: March 24, 2025 Views: 255,754 Categories: Cleaning Kitchen Appliances | Coffeemakers In other languages Spanish Indonesian German Dutch Japanese
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