The clean light signal on a Mr. Coffee coffee maker has many purposes, including reminding us when the device needs extra attention. But when the clean light continues to blink, no matter how hard you try to find a solution, it can get annoying.
Luckily, thousands of Mr. Coffee machine owners have experienced the same frustrating flashing light. Over time, we have collected several solutions for this particular issue.
In the following article, we have included the best methods for how to turn off a flashing clean light on Mr. Coffee machines. Read on to learn about the ways to turn off that light and get back to enjoying the delicious coffee you deserve!
Why Is the Flashing Clean Light On?
First of all, you should know that Mr. Coffee automatic-drip coffee maker owners have reported issues with clean lights, faulty lights, and problems related to the clean light misfiring for years.
The clean light is a helpful trigger for many users to remind them to run a deep cleaning cycle. But the clean light has a history of being touchy.
So, it’s a widespread issue, and you shouldn’t feel the need to purchase a replacement. There are many fixes available. Here are a few ways to narrow down the causes of why your clean light is flashing.
Inspect the Machine for Scale Buildup
The most common cause of a flashing light is excessive scale deposits in the machine. If your home has hard water, scaling is even more likely the cause of a flashing light. Open the machine, water container, carafe, and filter basket and check for grey-white (sometimes bluish) calcium deposits. If you find some, it’s a sign to do a deep clean.
Pull the Plug
If you don’t find scale buildup, the next test is an age-old one: unplug the machine, let it sit for a minute, and plug it back in. You would be surprised how often this simple fix actually works. If the clean light dims, your machine probably needed a simple electrical reset.
Check Your Warranty
If neither of the above tips works, turn to your machine’s warranty. Coffee machines don’t last forever, and Mr. Coffee (like other manufacturers) offers one-year limited warranties that may be able to cover repairs on your device within that time frame.
Cleaning Your Mr. Coffee Machine: The Easy Step-by-Step Procedure
If you’re reading this article, the odds are you tried the troubleshooting methods above and came up empty. Don’t worry; most Mr. Coffee users have found success by giving their machines a simple deep clean.
Calcification from hard water and infrequent cleanings can cause any device to malfunction from time to time. Here’s how to clean your machine.
Read the Instruction Manual
User manuals give users many instructions on how frequently to clean the machine (every 80-90 brew cycles or 40 brew cycles if you live in a hard water area). But they also lay out the instructions for how to do a deep clean. Turn to your machine’s manual before starting any cleaning.
Collect Your Tools
You will need the following items before a deep clean:
- Water
- A dishcloth
- A sponge
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Liquid dish soap
Unplug the Machine and Empty the Filter
Anytime you’re working with water and electricity, remove the plug from the power source. Then, remove the water reservoir and filter from the machine.
Discard any excess coffee grounds from the carafe and wipe all the surfaces clean with warm, soapy water, and a clean sponge. Don’t handle the parts too firmly, or else you might damage the filter. After everything is clean and dry, rebuild the machine.
Prep for the Deep Clean
Now that you’ve returned the filter to the machine, it’s time to begin the deep clean. In most Mr. Coffee user manuals, the manufacturer recommends using vinegar for a deep cleaning to remove hard water deposits. Others prefer a lemon juice and baking soda solution. We’ll cover both methods.
If you prefer vinegar, double-check the amount needed in your user manual. Most machines call for a 50/50 mix of vinegar and hot water to run a cleaning cycle.
If you prefer lemon juice and baking soda, add two tablespoons of baking soda to the carafe. Then, add a 50/50 mixture of water and lemon juice. Add enough water to fill the reservoir for a cleaning cycle.
Clean
With your cleaning solution ready, put a new filter in the machine and return the carafe to the warming tray. Locate the correct button for a cleaning cycle on your machine. Some devices have dedicated “Clean” buttons, while others have “Select” buttons.
You might have to press the button three times until the cleaning light stays red and stops blinking. As always, consult your user’s manual for clarification.
The cleaning process should last approximately 60 minutes. The machine may rest halfway through. Don’t remove the carafe or unplug the appliance until the cleaning cycle finishes. Ending the cleaning cycle mid-way may not get rid of the blinking clean light.
Rinse and Refill the Reservoir
Now it’s time to determine if you’ve solved your blinking clean light issue. Flush the machine of the cleaning solution—as you might imagine, vinegar and lemon juice isn’t the most pleasant taste to have in your cup of coffee.
Remove the filter, rinse the coffee carafe, refill the reservoir with clean water, and run through at least one brew cycle.
By now, the flashing light should be gone. If not, run through another deep clean, unplug and reconnect the machine to a power source, and clean the lid and exterior of the device. These tips have also proven effective for unruly clean lights in Mr. Coffee machines.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen above, blinking clean lights in Mr. Coffee machines are a widespread occurrence. They can signal that scaling buildup is too high, but they can also misfire. A simple deep clean with a vinegar or store-bought cleaning solution will do the trick in most cases.
If you’re interested in more Mr. Coffee products, check out our rundown of their espresso maker!
Happy Caffeinating!
