How to Clean Bunn Coffee Maker with Vinegar (Step by Step Guide)

If you own a BUNN Speed Brew coffee maker, you should give it a deep cleaning at least every three months to remove mineral deposits or slow drip issues. Here, we explain each step in pictures you need to perform perfect maintenance on your brewer.

Let’s begin

Cleaning Kit

The items you’ll need are

1. Vinegar
2. Dish
3. Soap
4. Toothpick

Let’s start now!

Step 1

Pouring Vinegar

You will take four cups of vinegar and pour them into the top. Make sure to put the carafe under the coffee maker.

NOW WAIT FOR CARAF TO FILL

Step 2

Empty the Carafe

Now, you can empty your carafe, turn off your machine (you can turn it off while it’s brewing), and unplug it.

Basically, you poured vinegar into your brewer. The vinegar then went down into your water tank, pushing out the water that was in there, which is what you just flushed.

Step 3

Let Vinegar Work

Now, vinegar will sit in your water tank and work its magic. So wait for two hours.

Step 4

Remove Spray Head

After two hours, you’ll remove the spray head from the Bunn Coffee Machine. You should not do this earlier because the spray head is hot.

Step 5

Cleaning Minerals

Now, you can look inside and see if the spray head has mineral deposits. That’s where your toothpick would come in handy. You could poke it out.

Wash it with your soap and rinse it.

Step 6

Filling Fresh Water

Now you need to fill your brewer with clean water. Use your carafe for this and pour the water into the top. But do not forget to put your brew funnel in place.

Put the carafe to place, close the lid, and wait for this to flush out.

Step 7

Rinse Properly

You’ll be getting a lot of the vinegar that was inside your hot water tank. You have to do this process about four times or until you don’t smell the vinegar anymore.

This is going to happen pretty quickly and you might even see some little flakes of hard deposits that build up inside the machine. Now go ahead and dump them out and empty this. You will have to do this four or five times or until you stop smelling the vinegar.

Step 8

Re-Place Spray Head

It’s time to replace your spray head. Remove the brew funnel and place the spray head back.

Now, put your brew funnel back in place, plug in your machine, and turn it on. That’s all you have to do. Wait about 15 minutes until your water gets hot and it’s ready to go.

DIY NOTE:

In order to clean your different model coffee maker, find more instructions in your manual book.

Cleaning Bunn Maker [Hard Way]

Fortunately, there is no difficult way to clean your Bunn coffee maker with vinegar. It’s just a transcriptive way; you can take a printout of this guide or follow each step explained in detail here. First gather your supplies: white vinegar, a measuring cup, a clean cloth, and a sponge. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then pour it into the water reservoir. Run the cleaning cycle with the coffee pot in place. After it is complete, rinse the reservoir with fresh water two to three times. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the brew basket, will keep your coffee maker in top shape. Learn other tips for keeping it spotless!

Get Things Around

Gathering supplies is common. Before starting the cleaning process, you’ll need to gather your supplies. Start with white vinegar, which is the key ingredient for effective cleaning.

Next, grab a measuring cup to ensure you use the right amount of vinegar. You’ll also need a clean, dry cloth to wipe down surfaces and a sponge to scrub any stubborn spots.

Don’t forget a bowl or container to catch any excess liquid during the cleaning. Finally, have a fresh water source ready for rinsing.

With everything at hand, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the cleaning of your Bunn coffee maker efficiently.

Prepare the Vinegar Solution

To clean your Bunn coffee maker effectively, you need to prepare a simple but effective vinegar solution.

Start by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a measuring cup. For most models, a 50/50 ratio works perfectly. If your coffee maker is heavily scaled, you might want to increase the vinegar ratio.

Once you’ve combined the ingredients, pour the solution into the coffee maker’s water reservoir. This mixture will help break down any mineral buildup and guarantee your machine runs smoothly.

Now you’re ready to move on to the next step in the cleaning process.

Run the Cleaning Cycle

Start the cleaning process by running the cleaning cycle on your Bunn coffee maker.

Pour the vinegar solution into the water reservoir, filling it to the appropriate level.

Next, place a coffee pot on the warmer plate to catch the liquid.

Turn on the coffee maker and allow it to run through the cycle completely.

This process helps remove mineral buildup and guarantees your machine functions properly.

Pay attention to any unusual noises or leaks during the cycle. These could indicate issues that need your attention.

Once the cycle finishes, you’re ready for the next step in the cleaning process.

Rinse the Coffee Maker

Once you’ve completed the cleaning cycle, it’s important to rinse the coffee maker thoroughly to remove any lingering vinegar residue.

Start by filling the water reservoir with fresh, clean water, then run a brewing cycle without coffee grounds. This helps flush out the vinegar.

Repeat this process at least two or three times, ensuring you use fresh water each time. After the final brew, let the coffee maker sit for a few minutes, allowing any remaining residue to wash away.

Finally, empty the carafe and wipe down any surfaces, ensuring your coffee maker’s ready for your next brew.

Regular Maintenance Tips

After rinsing your coffee maker, maintaining its performance becomes a priority.

Regularly clean the brew basket and decanter with warm, soapy water to remove coffee oils and residue. Check the water reservoir for any buildup and wipe it down as needed.

You should also descale your coffee maker every few months using vinegar or a commercial descaler. Replace the water filter regularly to guarantee the best taste.

Finally, keep your coffee maker in a dry, clean area to prevent dust accumulation.

Can I Use a Different Type of Vinegar for Cleaning?

Yes, you can use different types of vinegar for cleaning, but white vinegar is most effective due to its acidity.

Just guarantee whatever vinegar you choose is safe for the surfaces you’re cleaning.

How Often Should I Clean My Bunn Coffee Maker?

You should clean your Bunn coffee maker every three months for peak performance.

If you notice buildup or a change in flavor, it’s a good idea to clean the cup sooner to maintain the coffee’s quality.

What if My Coffee Maker Still Smells Like Vinegar?

If your coffee maker still smells like vinegar, run a few cycles of plain water through it.

This’ll help flush out any remaining residue.

Don’t forget to clean the carafe and filter basket, too!

Is It Safe to Use Bleach Instead of Vinegar?

Using bleach instead of vinegar isn’t safe for your coffee maker.

Bleach can leave harmful residues that might contaminate your coffee.

Stick to vinegar or other safe cleaning methods to guarantee your machine stays in good condition.

Can I Clean My Coffee Maker Without Vinegar?

Yes, you can clean your coffee maker without vinegar.

You might use baking soda, lemon juice, or commercial descaling solutions. Just mix them with water, run the brew cycle, and rinse thoroughly for best results.

Cleaning your Bunn coffee maker with vinegar is a simple and effective way to keep it running smoothly. By following these easy steps, you can enjoy fresh, great-tasting coffee every time. Remember to incorporate regular maintenance to extend the life of your machine and enhance its performance. With just a little effort, you’ll ensure your coffee maker stays in top shape, so you can savor every cup without any unwanted tastes or odors!