How To Clean KitchenAid Coffee Maker in No Time: From Vinegar To Baking Soda

Are you wondering how to clean Kitchenaid coffee maker? Is your coffee not taste good or its bitter? Is your coffee maker flashing icons and showing error codes? Is your coffee maker not brewing well as usual? If all these signs are in your KitchenAid coffee maker then it needs to clean.

In this article, we’ll show you how to clean and descale Kitchenaid step-by-step.

It is common knowledge that almost 85% of Americans brew their coffee at home. What people don’t know is – each cup of brew they enjoy leaves a little bit of residue on the machine, which affects the taste eventually. Therefore, to enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee, it is essential to learn how to clean a coffee machine.

Just as you wouldn’t cook in a dirty pan, you shouldn’t brew coffee in a coffee maker that is not clean.

Cleaning your machine removes old coffee grounds, oils, and hard water deposits from it and maintains your brew’s quality.

Let’s dive deep into different coffee machines’ cleaning processes.

How To Clean KitchenAid Coffee Maker

How to Clean KitchenAid coffee maker step-by-step

 The Clean icon will begin to flash on the display when the coffee maker needs to run the cleaning cycle.

To Clean KitchenAid Coffee Maker:

Step1. Brew basket and gold-tone filter are dishwasher-safe on the top rack only.

Step2. Wipe the showerhead with a damp cloth to remove any splashes.

Step3. Wash the carafe and water tank by hand in warm and soapy water.

Usage of Abrasives and Scouring agents of any kind are not recommended.

Step4. Replace the brew basket and filter and the other parts to their place.

Step4. Dry these parts that you cleaned by leaving the lid open and filter basket to help the coffee maker dry quickly.

Now your coffee maker is ready to use.

How to Descale KitchenAid coffee maker?

Mineral deposits (scale) from the water will build up in the Coffee Maker over time and impair brewing efficiency and coffee quality.

The “Clean” indicator will flash in the display after completing 100 brew cycles. Then, it is time to descale the Coffee Maker.

NOTE: The Coffee Maker can be descaled using a vinegar and water solution, or by using a packaged descaling agent, like afresh. Always mix the descaling solution using cool water.

To Descale KitchenAid coffee maker:

Step1. Empty the Brew Basket.

Step2. Fill the Water Tank with 1.4 L (6 cups) vinegar and 1.4 L (6 cups) cool water.

Step3. Press the “Clean” button. Then press the Brew/Cancel button to begin the Clean cycle.

After the Clean cycle ends (approximately 30 minutes), 3 beeps will sound, and the “Clean” indicator will turn off.

Step4. Run at least 2 fresh, cool water-only cycles after the Clean cycle is complete.

NOTE: The Coffee Maker should be run through a complete Clean cycle using a full Water Tank of the descaling solution.

How to Clean KitchenAid coffee maker 14 cup?

Step1. Clean the coffee maker

1. Remove the brew basket and carafe from the coffee maker.

2. wash the brew basket and gold-tone permanent filter in hot soapy water and rinse with hot water.

Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. These parts can be also washed in the upper rack of a dishwasher.

3. unplug the coffee maker and wipe the housing with a warm soapy cloth, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.

Step2. Clean needed indicator

Calcium deposits (scale) from the water will build up in the coffee maker heat pump over time and impair brewing efficiency and coffee quality.

When the coffee maker needs to be cleaned, the “clean” indicator will flash after a brewing cycle is complete.

Once this occurs, descaling should be done as soon as possible to preserve the performance and life of your coffee maker.

Note: you may want to clean your coffee maker before the “cleaning needed” indicator flashing under heavy use or hard water condition.

How to Descale KitchenAid coffee maker 14 cup?

The coffee maker can be descaled using a packaged descaling agent or vinegar. Always mix the descaling solution using cool water.

To Descale KitchenAid coffee maker 14 cups:

Step1. Before descaling, always remove the water filter and make sure the brew basket contains no coffee or coffee filters.

Step2. Run the coffee maker through a complete clean cycle using a full tank of the descaling solution.

Note: if you do not complete the programming steps within 10 seconds, the settings will be maintained and the coffee maker will exit to the default mode.

Step3. For glass carafe models.

  • Press the MENU button 5 times to enter the clean mode.
  • The “clean”  and “ON” indicators will flash.

Note: for thermal carafe models, press the MENU button 4 times to enter the clean mode. The “clean” and “ON” indicators will flash.

Step4. Press the SET button to program the clean setting. Two short beeps will sound, indicating programming is complete.

Step5. Press the BREW button to start the cleaning cycle

  • Once the cleaning cycle is complete, the “clean” indicator will turn off.

Step6. Rinse the coffee maker by running it through 2 brewing cycles using a full water tank of fresh cool water each time.

Step7. Wash the brew basket in hot soapy water and rinse with hot water.

  • The brew basket can also be washed in the upper rack of the dishwasher.

Step8. Reinstall or replace the water filter.

  • replace the filter every 3 months under normal use.
  • Replace it more often under heavy use or hard water condition.

How to Clean KitchenAid coffee maker 12 cup?

Step1. Unplug the coffee maker and portable warming plate.

Step2. Remove the brew basket insert from the brew basket.

Step3. Wash the brew basket, brew basket insert, carafe, and carafe lid in hot, soapy water and rinse with hot water.

  • Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. These parts can also be washed in the upper rack of the dishwasher.

Step4. Wipe the coffee maker housing and portable warming plate with a clean damp cloth, and dry with a soft cloth.

  • Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

How to Descale KitchenAid coffee maker 12 cup?

Calcium deposits (“scale”) from the water will build up in the coffee maker heat pump over time and impair brewing efficiency and coffee quality.

With normal use, the scale should be removed every three months or whenever the water filter icon appears on the brew timer display.

Local water conditions, use of the coffee maker more than once a day, or use without a water filter may require more frequent descaling.

Conditions indicate an immediate need for descaling:

• the presence of loud sounds during the brewing.

• a brewing time greater than 10 minutes for 12 cups of coffee.

• the appearance of “E1” or “E2” on the brew timer display.

To Descale KitchenAid coffee maker 12 cups:

Step1. Mixing The Descaling Solution

  • The coffee maker can be descaled using a packaged descaling agent or vinegar.

• When using vinegar, mix a solution of 6 cups vinegar and 6 cups water.

Step2. Before descaling, always remove the water filter and make certain the brew basket contains no coffee or coffee filters.

Step3. Run the coffee maker through a complete brewing cycle using the descaling solution.

If the coffee maker has not been descaled for an extended period, run it through a second brewing cycle using a fresh descaling solution.

Step4. Rinse the coffee maker by running it through two brewing cycles using fresh, cool water.

Step5. Wash the brew basket, brew basket insert, carafe, and carafe lid in hot, soapy water and rinse with hot water.

  • These parts can also be washed in the upper rack of the dishwasher.

Step6. Reinstall the water filter and reset the water filter icon if necessary

Error Codes During Descaling:

If “E1” or “E2” error codes appear during descaling, unplug the coffee maker for 30 seconds to reset the display, then plug it back in and continue.

• If the brew timer display is not illuminated:

Check to see if the coffee maker is plugged in. If it is, unplug the coffee maker, then plug it back in again.

 If the brew timer display remains dark, check the fuse or circuit breaker on the electrical circuit the coffee maker is connected to and make certain the circuit is closed.

• If “E1” or “E2” appears on the brew timer display:

The coffee maker needs to be descaled. Unplug the coffee maker for 30 seconds to reset the display, then plug it back in again. See “Descaling” above.

• If “E3” appears on the brew timer display:

A button or switch is jammed. Unplug the coffee maker, press or turn each switch and button several times, then plug the coffee maker back in.

(If the coffee maker has been stored or used in a cool environment, warm the unit to normal room temperature before doing this.) If “E3” appears again on the display, repeat this procedure.

How to Reset the Water Filter Icon in Kitchenaid coffee maker?

After the water filter has been replaced.

1. press and hold the “+” Timer Adjustment Button until the water filter icon disappears.

Doing this resets the function that tracks how much coffee has been brewed.

The water filter icon will re-appear when the new filter has reached the end of its life.

How to Clean Kitchenaid cold brew coffee maker?

It is critical to thoroughly clean the Cold Brew Coffee Maker after each use. To avoid damage, do not wash in the dishwasher.

The taste of your coffee can be impacted if the brew jar and steeper assembly are not thoroughly cleaned of all grounds, coffee oil residue, or soap after each use.

To Clean Kitchenaid cold brew coffee maker:

1. Clean all parts of the Cold Brew Coffee Maker by hand only.

2. Rinse coffee residue from each part.

3. Wash with warm, soapy water, then open the tap and run warm water through until tube and tap are empty.

4. Dry each part with a dry, soft towel.

5. For occasional deeper cleaning:

  • push the clasp to release the door located on the bottom of the brew jar.

6. Gently loosen the hose nozzle from both ends to remove.

7. Twist the nut/wrench that holds the coffee drain in place and remove both of these parts.

8. using the nut/wrench as a tool, loosen the tap and remove.

9. Hand wash all parts in warm, soapy water.

10. Dry all parts thoroughly and reassemble.

11. Ensure the coffee drain seal is in place when reassembling.

How to Clean Kitchenaid espresso coffee maker?

For best results, regularly clean the Espresso Machine and accessories.

Step1.

1. Unplug the Espresso Machine before cleaning.

2. Allow the Espresso Machine and accessories to cool down.

  • Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads when cleaning the Espresso Machine, parts, or accessories.
  • Do not immerse the Espresso Machine or cord in water or other liquids.

Step2. When the Drip Tray indicator rises and becomes visible above the surface of the Drip Tray Plate.

1. empty the Drip Tray and rinse with warm water.

Step3. Wipe the Espresso Machine housing and Group Head with a clean soft damp cloth

Step4. Wash the Drip Tray, Portafilter, Filter baskets, Milk pitcher, and Drip Tray Plate in warm, soapy water and rinse with clean water.

  • Dry parts with a soft cloth.

Step5. Clean the Steam Wand after every use.

1. Toggle the Mode button to select Water.

2. Position the Steam Wand over Drip Tray or into a cup.

3.  Press the button, wait for 3 to 5 seconds. Press the button to stop.

4. Wipe down Steam Wand exterior with a soft damp cloth.

NOTE: To remove the Steam Wand press the Steam Wand Release Button.

How to Descale KitchenAid espresso coffee maker?

The descaling program enables simple and effective descaling of your Espresso Machine. Descale the Espresso Machine regularly, but at a minimum whenever the “Clean” indicator is blinking.

The frequency of descaling depends on the hardness of the water in your region. Therefore, it is important to program the Espresso Machine according to the water hardness level of your location.

NOTE: The descaling process runs in 4steps, takes approximately 10 minutes, and must be completed before the next use.

At any time during the descaling program, you can pause the cycle by pressing a button. And, resume too by pressing the button.

Only use descaling solution intended for Espresso Machines.

To Descale KitchenAid espresso coffee maker:

Fill 8.5 ounces water and 4.25 ounces descaling solution inside the Water Tank.

NOTE: The clean cycle is designed to run as per the above-mentioned water and descaling solution volumes.

The cycle cannot be completed with any less volume than mentioned above.

Step1.

1. Place a container (~ 17 ounces) on the Drip Tray below the Group Head.

2. Press the Clean cycle button for 3 seconds or until the Clean light is solid.

3. press the button to start the first phase of the decalcification cycle.

4. Start/Cancel will blink fast after the first phase is complete.

5. Empty the container.

Step2.

1. Place the container (~ 17 ounces) below the Steam Wand.

2. press the button. Start/Cancel and Water Mode lights will blink fast after the second phase is complete.

3. Empty the container.

Step3.

1. Place the container (~ 17 ounces) below the Steam Wand.

2. Empty, rinse, and refill the Water Tank with fresh water to Max fill line.

3. Replace the Water Tank.

4. Press the button. Start/Cancel will blink fast after the third phase is complete.

5. Empty the container.

Step4.

1. Place the container (~ 17 ounces) on the Drip Tray below Group Head.

2. press the button. Clean light and button light will blink fast after the fourth and final phase is complete.

3. Empty the container.

4. Press the button to complete the Clean cycle. The machine will go back into heating mode.

What happens if you don’t clean and descale your KitchenAid coffee maker?

It will cake up with gunk, mostly calcium and lime, from the water. This can do several things:

1. It will build up inside the water tank if your machine has one, and could cause hot spots that can damage the tank.

2. It will build up in the heating coil (or around your heating coil) and can cause hot spots that will burn out the coil. And if can also restrict water flow through the coil.

3. It will build up in the tubing from the tank or coil to the drip head, and water won’t flow to the head properly.

4. In a machine with a pump like a coffee pod machine or espresso machine, it can damage the pump.

5. It can impart an off taste to the coffee.

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Finally

Keeping your coffee machine isn’t one thing you’ll be able to neglect. Do the common and periodic cleaning correctly, and you’ll style the difference in your brew… Keep this piece on how to clean KitchenAid coffee maker as a guidebook.