How to Clean Bunn Coffee Maker with Reservoir (6 Steps)

You know that feeling when your morning coffee tastes a bit off? It's probably your Bunn coffee maker quietly begging for some care. Many people forget that the reservoir can get grimy and affect flavor. Cleaning it doesn't have to be a hassle, and it's easier than you think. In this article, I'll guide you through simple steps to keep your coffee maker fresh and tasting great.

Fill the reservoir with a mix of vinegar and water, let it soak for a while, then run a brewing cycle. Empty the solution and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Wipe the reservoir with a soft cloth to remove leftover deposits. Wash removable parts like filters and lids separately. Repeat a water-only cycle to ensure no vinegar taste remains. Dry all parts completely before reassembling.

Prepare Your Coffee Maker for Cleaning

Before diving into cleaning, unplug your Bunn coffee maker and make sure it's cooled down. Safety first, right? Even if it looks clean, a quick wipe around the exterior can prevent spills and stains during cleaning. It's like giving your machine a little warm-up before the real work begins.

Remove the carafe and any leftover coffee grounds. Sometimes the smell of old coffee lingers, and it can interfere with the cleaning process. Think of it like clearing a table before washing dishes. You want everything out of the way so the cleaning solution reaches every corner.

Next, remove the filter and lid from the reservoir. These parts often trap oils and small particles that are easy to miss. A gentle rinse under warm water can loosen most of the buildup. For stubborn spots, a little dish soap works wonders without damaging the plastic.

Finally, check the reservoir for hard water spots or debris. Sometimes they hide at the bottom or along the edges. Using a soft brush or cloth helps reach tricky areas. It might feel a bit tedious, but seeing a spotless reservoir is oddly satisfying.

• Unplug and cool down the coffee maker
• Remove carafe, filters, and lids
• Rinse removable parts
• Inspect reservoir for debris and spots

Mix the Cleaning Solution

Start by preparing a vinegar and water mixture. The usual ratio is about one part vinegar to two parts water. Vinegar is great because it dissolves mineral deposits without harsh chemicals. It's simple, effective, and safe for your coffee maker.

Pour the solution into the empty reservoir carefully. Watch it fill slowly and evenly. You can almost imagine it working on stubborn buildup while you sip some coffee nearby. It's like giving your machine a mini spa day.

Let the mixture sit for about 15–20 minutes. This allows the vinegar to break down any scale or residue. Some people wonder if it's too long, but patience pays off. Think of it as letting a stain soak before scrubbing—it just works better.

Stir gently if you notice residue floating. A soft brush or even a clean spoon can help lift deposits from corners. Avoid using anything abrasive that could scratch the reservoir. Your coffee maker will thank you with better-tasting coffee.

• Mix vinegar and water 1:2
• Pour into the reservoir
• Let it soak 15–20 minutes
• Stir gently if needed

Run a Brewing Cycle with the Solution

Once the vinegar mixture has soaked, run a full brewing cycle without coffee. It's like tricking your machine into cleaning itself. Watch the solution flow through the machine, imagining all the gunk leaving with it.

Keep the carafe in place to catch the solution. It may smell strong at first, but don't worry—that's the vinegar at work. Running it slowly ensures all areas of the machine get cleaned thoroughly.

After the cycle ends, pour out the used solution carefully. Some people like to repeat the cycle if they notice stubborn deposits. A second run can make a noticeable difference in cleanliness. It's a bit like double-washing dishes—you feel extra confident.

Finally, rinse the carafe and reservoir with warm water. Make sure no vinegar lingers, or it could affect your coffee's taste. A quick rinse or two is usually enough. You'll start noticing your coffee tastes fresher immediately.

• Run a brewing cycle with the vinegar solution
• Place carafe to catch liquid
• Repeat if necessary for stubborn buildup
• Rinse reservoir and carafe thoroughly

Rinse with Fresh Water

After the vinegar cycle, fill the reservoir with clean water. This step is crucial to remove any lingering vinegar taste. Think of it as a fresh start for your next cup.

Run another brewing cycle with just water. The water will flush out any remaining solution. Your machine is basically resetting itself, and your coffee will taste pure again.

Empty the carafe and repeat the rinse once or twice. Some people even like to taste a small cup to check if the vinegar flavor is gone. It's a little experiment but fun to see the difference.

Finally, wipe the reservoir with a soft, dry cloth. This removes any remaining residue or water droplets. Everything should now feel smooth and clean, ready for the next coffee run.

• Fill reservoir with fresh water
• Run a water-only brewing cycle
• Repeat rinse if needed
• Wipe dry with soft cloth

Clean Removable Parts Separately

While the reservoir is rinsing, wash the carafe, filter, and lid separately. Warm water and mild soap are usually enough. Think of it like giving your coffee maker team their own spa day.

Scrub gently to remove coffee oils and residue. Old coffee can leave a film that affects flavor, so thorough cleaning matters. A soft sponge works best; avoid anything too rough.

Rinse each piece thoroughly to remove soap. Soap residue can be just as unwelcome as old coffee. A clean rinse ensures your next brew tastes right.

Dry everything completely before putting it back. Moisture left behind can lead to mold or odors. Once dry, assemble everything carefully. Your machine is ready to serve fresh coffee again.

• Wash carafe, filters, and lids
• Use warm water and mild soap
• Rinse thoroughly
• Dry completely before reassembling

Maintain Regular Cleaning Habits

To keep your coffee tasting great, clean your Bunn regularly. Once a month is usually enough if you brew daily. It's easier to stay on top than deal with heavy buildup later.

Keep an eye on the reservoir for any discoloration or scale. A small visual check saves a lot of trouble later. You'll also notice subtle changes in taste if cleaning is neglected.

Consider using filtered water to reduce mineral buildup. It's a simple tweak but prevents frequent deep cleaning. Many coffee lovers swear by this tip for smoother coffee and easier maintenance.

Finally, enjoy the process as part of your coffee routine. A clean machine makes your morning ritual even better. It's small care for a big reward: fresh, flavorful coffee every time.

• Clean monthly for regular maintenance
• Check reservoir for scale or discoloration
• Use filtered water to prevent buildup
• Enjoy a fresh coffee routine

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your Bunn coffee maker with a reservoir doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple steps and regular care, your coffee will taste fresh every day. Vinegar and water work wonders for removing deposits. Rinsing well ensures no flavor is left behind. Regular maintenance keeps your mornings smooth and your coffee machine happy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it necessary to use vinegar for cleaning a Bunn coffee maker?

Yes, vinegar is highly effective at removing mineral buildup and coffee residue. It dissolves scale that regular water can't. You can also use lemon juice as an alternative. The acidity helps keep the reservoir and brewing system clean, ensuring your coffee tastes fresh. Regular use of vinegar prevents stubborn buildup, saving time and effort in the long run. Always rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any taste.

Can I use dish soap instead of vinegar?

Dish soap alone won't remove mineral deposits effectively. It's good for cleaning removable parts like the carafe or filter, but hard water buildup requires something acidic like vinegar. Using soap helps with oils and coffee stains, but combining both methods ensures a fully clean coffee maker. Think of it as a two-step cleaning: vinegar for scale, soap for grime.

Do I need to unplug the coffee maker before cleaning?

Absolutely, unplugging is crucial for safety. Even if the machine is off, unplugging prevents accidental heating or electrical issues. Coffee makers have hot elements that could cause burns. Safety first makes cleaning less stressful and more effective. Always let it cool down before touching the reservoir or removable parts.

Is it safe to drink coffee after cleaning with vinegar?

Yes, as long as you rinse thoroughly. Running a couple of fresh water cycles ensures no vinegar taste remains. Many people even taste a small cup after rinsing to make sure it's gone. The coffee flavor returns to normal after proper rinsing. Skipping this step could leave a slight tang in your coffee.

Can I clean the Bunn coffee maker weekly?

You can, but monthly deep cleaning is usually sufficient. Weekly rinsing of the carafe and reservoir with water is enough for most users. Frequent cleaning is only necessary if you notice residue buildup or strong flavors. Over-cleaning doesn't harm the machine but may be unnecessary. Regular checks keep your coffee tasting great.

Do I need to remove the reservoir for cleaning?

Not always. Most Bunn models allow you to clean the reservoir in place. Removing it can make reaching corners easier, but soaking and rinsing in place is often enough. Use a soft brush or cloth to reach tricky spots. It depends on your comfort level and model design.

Is filtered water better for cleaning?

Yes, filtered water reduces mineral deposits and makes cleaning easier. Hard water causes scale that vinegar must dissolve. Using filtered water keeps your machine running longer and improves coffee taste. It's a small change with a noticeable difference. Regular maintenance plus filtered water is a winning combination.

Can I use other acids besides vinegar for cleaning?

Yes, citric acid or lemon juice can work well. They dissolve mineral buildup safely. Vinegar is most common because it's inexpensive and widely available. Other acids may need different soaking times. Always rinse thoroughly after using any acid to avoid affecting coffee flavor.