Cleaning your Bunn coffee maker, particularly descaling it to remove mineral buildup, is a straightforward process essential for maintaining performance and taste. The core method involves using a cleaning agent to dissolve deposits within the water tank and brewing system.
Here's how you can effectively clean out your Bunn coffee maker:
Steps for Descaling Your Bunn Coffee Maker
The primary cleaning needed for a Bunn coffee maker is descaling, which removes mineral buildup like calcium. Follow these steps based on common methods:
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: You can purchase a commercially available liquid descaling agent specifically designed for coffee makers. Alternatively, you can create a natural cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and distilled water, or using lemon juice mixed with distilled water.
- Add the Solution to the Tank: Open the flip lid (pour-in feature) on your Bunn coffee maker. Carefully pour the prepared cleaning agent into the empty water tank.
- Initiate a Brew Cycle: Close the lid and place the coffee pot under the brew basket. Start a regular brew cycle as you normally would with water. The machine will dispense the cleaning solution through the internal hot water tank and brewing pathway into the pot.
- Allow Solution to Work: Once the cycle is complete and the pot is full of the cleaning solution, remove the pot. Let the cleaning agent sit in the internal hot water tank and the dispensing pathways for 10-15 minutes. This allows the descaler to break down mineral deposits effectively.
- Discard and Rinse: After the waiting period, discard the pot of brewed cleaner solution. To remove any residual cleaner and loosened mineral particles, refill the water tank with fresh, clean water and run several full brew cycles using only water. Discard the water after each rinse cycle until the water runs clear and there is no smell of the cleaning agent.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean out your Bunn coffee maker's internal components, ensuring fresh-tasting coffee and extending the life of your machine. Regular descaling is recommended, especially in areas with hard water.
