How to Clean a Bunn Coffee Machine
When it comes to coffee, Bunn is one of the most trusted brands on the planet. Restaurants, hotels and other foodservice establishments rely on their commercial coffee makers to brew warm, delicious coffee in just minutes. In order to keep them running at peak performance, routine cleaning and maintenance is expected. Whether it's daily or weekly, below are instructions for how to clean a Bunn coffee machine.
The cleaning tips are recommended for several Bunn machines, including CT, VP, Single/Dual SH and AXIOM models.
Supplies You Need:
- Soft cloths
- Mild liquid detergent or soap
- Deliming tool
- Spray head cleaning tool
- Distilled water (descaling)
- White vinegar (descaling)
How to Clean a Bunn Commercial Coffee Maker
At the very least, you should be cleaning your Bunn coffee makers a few times a week. However, in areas with hard water, try to do this daily. The video steps are demonstrated on a Bunn VPR coffee maker.
- Step 1. Power down the unit - Turn off the tank and heaters, unplug the power cord and wait for the unit to cool down before starting to clean.
- Note. Not all models have a tank power switch.
- Step 2. Remove accessories - Slide out the brew baskets and remove any carafes so they can be washed in a dishwasher or by hand at a sink.
- Note. If you plan to wash the carafe by hand, consult our guide on how to clean a Bunn coffee pot.
- Step 3. Clean the exterior - Use a damp cloth and dish soap to clean the exterior surface of the coffee maker.
- Step 4. Rinse the exterior - Use a damp cloth to rinse the unit exterior and let it air dry.
- Step 5. Clean the spray head - Remove the spray head and use the Bunn spray head cleaning tool to remove debris from the holes. Then clean and rinse the spray head with dish soap and water.
- Step 6. Delime the coffee maker - Insert the Bunn deliming tool into the spray head fitting and rotate to clean off any mineral deposits.
- Step 7. Clean the bypass fitting - Insert the Bunn deliming tool into the bypass fitt and rotate to clean it.
- Note. Not all models will have a bypass fitting.
- Step 8. Clean mineral deposits - Pour water into the tank to allow the unit to flush out any loosened mineral deposits.
- Step 9. Install spray head - Twist the spray head into place to reinstall it.
- Step 10. Reinstall the brew funnel - Slide the brew funnel back into place to reinstall it.
Descaling a Bunn Coffee Machine
Besides just knowing how to clean a Bunn coffee machine, you need to know how to descale the unit as well. Descaling is a process that helps remove mineral and hard water deposits throughout the machine. This should be done at least once a week, especially in areas with hard water. It’s possible to descale a coffee machine with vinegar. Follow the proper instructions below:
- Step 1. Mix vinegar with distilled water – Mix white vinegar with distilled water and fill it into an entire coffee pot. Be sure to split the mixture into 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 distilled water.
- Step 2. Start a brewing cycle – Pour the descaling solution in the water reservoir, and start a brewing cycle. This will let the mixture remove lime and mineral deposits from inside the coffee machine.
- Step 3. Discard the brewed cleaner – Once the pot is full of your brewed descaling solution, dispose of it.
- Step 4. Clean the spray head and fittings – Turn the coffee maker off, and unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Then, clean the spray head and its open fittings. Start by removing the head and using the pointed end of the spray head cleaning tool to remove deposits from the open holes. Next, use the long head of the tool to clean the spray head and bypass fittings.
- Step 5. Perform rinse cycles – Reattach the spray head, and plug the machine back into the power outlet. Once it's turned back on, fill a pot with distilled water and pour it into the machine's reservoir. Start another brew cycle to help remove any lingering odors or flavors left by the descaling solution. Repeat if necessary until aromas subside.
Looking for more Bunn resources like how to clean a Bunn coffee grinder? Check out our collection of Bunn manuals for additional tips and instructions.