The Easiest Way to Clean (and Descale) a Cuisinart Coffee Maker, According to the Pros

Cuisinart has become one of the most recognizable names in small kitchen appliances, and that includes their popular coffee makers. The brand’s workhorse machines boast convenient and beautiful features like stainless steel carafes, programmable functions, and even (in some cases) built-in bean grinders, all for a steal of a price. What’s not to love?

But all coffee makers have to be cleaned from time to time. According to Kayla Stavridis, a former Starbucks barista and current head of marketing at baristahq.com, “Proper maintenance and cleaning of your coffee maker are crucial not only for the longevity of the appliance, but also to ensure the best-tasting coffee.”

If you’ve ever wondered how to clean a Cuisinart coffee maker, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, experts will teach you the process of keeping your brew machine in top shape with both regular cleanings and periodic deep-cleanings and descalings.

Your coffee carafe, whether glass or stainless steel, should be cleaned daily. Other parts of your coffee maker that get regular use, like the basket, should be cleaned with dish soap and water at least once or twice per week, according to appliance pros, although some do clean these parts daily as well. 

Cleaning experts recommend a deep-cleaning at least once each month if you use your coffee maker daily. While some people follow a regular cleaning schedule, others wait for signs that it’s time to clean yours. Here are some things that could indicate your coffee maker needs a deep-cleaning.

• It’s taking longer to brew.
• You feel an oily residue on some of the parts.
• The cleaning indicator light comes on (on newer models).
• You see any sort of buildup in the water reservoir.
• Coffee brews incorrectly all of a sudden.
• It’s started making strange noises you didn’t notice before.

Some of Cuisinart’s coffee maker models are relatively straightforward, meaning they consist of a basket that brews directly into a carafe, while others have more bells and whistles. Regardless of the model you have for your morning Joe, it’s imperative to keep it clean. 

The good news? It’s super simple to keep a coffee maker clean! All you need is a bit of dish soap for regular maintenance. Stavridis shares her step-by-step method for cleaning a coffee maker with dish soap and warm water. After ensuring the machine is turned off, empty, and cooled down, remove the filter basket and carafe, and do the following:

1. Wash the removable parts (carafe and filter basket) with warm, soapy water and mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the surfaces.

2. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

3. Wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker and the warming plate with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. Ensure the fabric is only mildly damp to avoid water seeping into the electrical components.

4. Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling the coffee maker.

Over time, mineral deposits and oils from coffee beans can build up on your coffee maker. Some Cuisinart models are able to warn you when this has occurred, while older models might not include this feature. “Hard water can leave mineral deposits (scale) inside your coffee maker, hindering performance and affecting coffee flavor,” Stavridis says. She advises you descale your Cuisinart coffee maker every three to six months depending on your water hardness and frequency of use. 

You can purchase a commercial descaling agent online and in stores, but it’s equally effective to use vinegar to descale your Cuisinart coffee maker. Stavridis shares how to clean a Cuisinart coffee maker with vinegar below. 

1. Fill the water reservoir with equal parts of white vinegar and water.
2. Place a paper filter in the machine’s empty basket. The carafe will then be placed in place, ready to brew.
3. Start the brew cycle and allow the vinegar solution to run through half. Turn off the machine and let it sit for about an hour.
4. Turn the coffee maker back on after an hour and complete the brew cycle. Discard the vinegar solution and filter.
5. Rinse the machine with clean water at least twice, using a new paper filter to remove vinegar traces.