How to Clean Ninja Coffee Maker with Clean Button (6 Steps)

You wake up excited for your fresh coffee, but your Ninja Coffee Maker is acting weird. The taste is off, the flow is slow, or maybe it flashes the ‘Clean’ light. Sounds familiar? You are not alone. Many coffee lovers deal with this, but there is a simple fix. Use the clean button the right way and you'll get that perfect coffee again. In this article, you'll learn exactly how to clean your Ninja Coffee Maker using the clean button, with easy steps that anyone can follow.

Gather All Things You Need First

Before you start cleaning your Ninja Coffee Maker, you need to get a few things ready. This will make the whole process smooth and fast. Having all your tools in one place saves time and avoids mess. So, let's talk about what you need.

First, you need white vinegar. This is the most important item. Vinegar helps break down the hard minerals inside the machine. These minerals build up over time and can block the water lines or change the taste of your coffee. You can find vinegar in any grocery store.

Next, get clean water. You will need it to mix with vinegar and also to rinse the machine after cleaning. It's best to use filtered water if you have it, but tap water also works fine.

You'll also need a clean, soft cloth. This is for wiping the outside of the machine. The outside can get dusty or sticky over time, especially near the buttons and carafe area. A soft cloth will help you clean without scratching the surface.

Then, grab a large sink or a wide bowl. You'll need this to wash removable parts like the carafe and filter holder. A sponge and mild dish soap are also good to have. Make sure you do not use strong cleaners or bleach, because they can damage the parts and leave bad smells.

Some people like to use descaling solution instead of vinegar. That's okay too. Descaling solution is made especially for coffee makers, but vinegar works just as well and is cheaper.

Now that you have everything, place them all on a clean counter. Make sure the coffee maker is unplugged and has cooled down. Never try to clean it while it is still hot.

Here is a simple list to remember what you need:

• White vinegar or descaling solution
• Filtered or tap water
• Clean soft cloth
• Mild dish soap
• Sponge
• Sink or bowl
• Dry towel for drying

Getting everything ready helps you clean faster and better. When you start with all the tools, you won't have to stop halfway to look for something. Now, you’re all set for the next part.

Fill the Water Reservoir with Vinegar and Water

Now it's time to prepare the cleaning solution for your Ninja Coffee Maker. The mix of vinegar and water will break down the hard mineral buildup inside the machine. Let's go over how to do this slowly and clearly.

Start by removing the water reservoir from your Ninja Coffee Maker. If there is any old water inside, pour it out. Rinse the reservoir with clean water to make sure it's fresh.

Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. For example, if your reservoir can hold 12 cups, pour 6 cups of white vinegar and 6 cups of water. You can use a measuring cup to be exact. This mix is strong enough to clean inside the machine but safe for the parts.

Now, slowly pour the vinegar-water mix into the water reservoir. Fill it all the way to the max line if you want a deep clean. Make sure you pour it carefully to avoid spills.

Do not add coffee or filter during this step. You are cleaning the machine, not making coffee.

Place the empty carafe back onto the warming plate. Make sure it is under the brew basket. The machine will drain the liquid into the carafe later.

Now your machine is ready to start the cleaning cycle. But wait — do not press the regular brew button. You must press the ‘Clean’ button for this process to work right.

Here’s what you need to remember:

• Remove old water from the reservoir
• Mix equal parts vinegar and water
• Fill the reservoir to the max line
• Do not add coffee or filter
• Place empty carafe under the basket

When the reservoir is full and the carafe is in place, you’re ready for the real cleaning process using the clean button. Get ready to press it and let the machine do its magic.

Press the Clean Button and Let It Run

This is the most important part of the whole cleaning process. The clean button on your Ninja Coffee Maker is there for a reason. When you press it, the machine goes into a special mode. It runs slower and deeper, cleaning inside areas you can't reach by hand.

To begin, make sure the coffee maker is still plugged in. Double check that the water reservoir is filled with the vinegar-water mix. The carafe should be empty and in place.

Now look at the control panel. Find the ‘Clean’ button. On most Ninja models, this button is near the brew button or on the front panel. It usually lights up when the machine knows it needs cleaning.

Press and hold the ‘Clean’ button for about 5 seconds. You'll hear a small sound and then the machine will start. The clean cycle usually takes 8 to 10 minutes, but it can take longer depending on your model. During this time, do not unplug or turn off the machine.

What happens during this time? The machine slowly pushes the vinegar-water mix through the internal tubes. It stops and starts in cycles. This helps loosen and remove all the mineral deposits inside. You may hear short pauses and bubbling sounds — that's normal.

After the cycle ends, you'll see that the carafe is filled with the dirty vinegar-water solution. This means the cleaning is working. Now, you must throw away that water. Do not use it again.

Some newer models might blink the clean light again after the cycle. This means you should repeat the cleaning cycle one more time for better results. Just refill the reservoir with fresh vinegar and water, and press the clean button again.

Important things to keep in mind:

• Press and hold ‘Clean’ button for 5 seconds
• Let the full clean cycle finish (around 10 mins)
• Do not unplug or stop the process
• Throw out used water after cycle ends
• Repeat if the clean light stays on

Letting the machine do its full clean cycle will make sure it works like new again. You'll taste the difference in your next cup of coffee.

Rinse with Fresh Water After Cleaning

Now that the cleaning cycle is done, it’s time to rinse your coffee maker. This is a super important part. If you skip this, your next coffee might taste like vinegar. No one wants that. So let's go through this part with care.

First, take out the carafe. Empty the dirty vinegar water. Rinse the carafe with warm clean water to remove any leftover smell. You can even wash it with mild soap if you want.

Now remove the water reservoir again. Rinse it well with clean water. Make sure there is no vinegar smell left inside. Fill the reservoir with fresh water only — do not add vinegar this time.

Put the reservoir back in place and make sure it clicks in. Place the empty carafe back on the warming plate under the basket.

Now, press the ‘Classic Brew’ button or the ‘Brew’ button, depending on your model. Let the machine run just like you’re making a full pot of coffee, but without any coffee grounds. This rinses the inside of the machine.

Once it's done, throw out the hot water in the carafe. Repeat this fresh water rinse one more time just to be safe. Doing this two times makes sure all vinegar is removed from the tubes.

Your coffee maker should now smell clean, look clean, and be ready to use again.

Things to remember for the rinse:

• Empty and wash the carafe
• Fill reservoir with clean water only
• Run a full brew cycle with water only
• Repeat the rinse cycle one more time
• Make sure no vinegar smell is left

After this, your machine is fresh and safe for brewing tasty coffee again. The inside is clean, and you won't taste anything weird in your next cup.

Clean the Removable Parts and Outside

While the inside of the machine is being cleaned, don't forget about the outside and the removable parts. These parts also collect coffee stains, dust, and oils. Cleaning them keeps your coffee maker looking new and working well.

Start by removing the filter holder and the permanent filter, if your machine has one. Take out any used coffee grounds. Wash these parts with warm water and mild dish soap. You can use a soft sponge to scrub gently. Don't use anything sharp that can scratch the parts.

Now, check the carafe lid, the water reservoir lid, and the drip stop lever. These parts also need washing. Make sure to rinse off all the soap and let them dry on a towel.

For the outside of the machine, use a soft cloth. Dip it in warm soapy water and wring it out so it's not too wet. Wipe down the surface, control panel, and warming plate. If you see stains or dried coffee, scrub gently until it comes off.

Never put the main unit in water or run water directly on it. Always wipe it with a damp cloth only. Water getting into the machine can break it.

Once everything is dry, put all parts back in place. Make sure everything fits correctly so your machine is ready to brew again.

Quick things to do:

• Wash filter basket, filter, and lids
• Use soft sponge and mild soap
• Wipe the outside with a damp cloth
• Let all parts dry fully before putting back
• Never soak or rinse the main unit

A clean machine outside and inside will not just look better, but also last longer.

Run Regular Cleaning to Keep It Fresh

Cleaning your coffee maker once is not enough. You need to make it a habit. Over time, water and coffee oils will always build up inside your machine. So regular cleaning will keep your Ninja Coffee Maker working better and longer.

How often should you clean? A good rule is to use the clean button every month if you use the machine daily. If you live in an area with hard water, clean it more often. You'll also know when to clean if the ‘Clean’ light turns on.

For daily use, you can also do small clean-ups:

• Empty and rinse the carafe after every brew
• Remove and wash the filter basket daily
• Wipe the warming plate once it cools down

These quick habits help prevent buildup and bad smells.

Use filtered water when you can. It has fewer minerals, which means less buildup inside the machine. This also helps your coffee taste better.

You can also keep vinegar or a descaling solution nearby so you always have it ready for the monthly clean.

Here are easy tips to remember:

• Use the clean button once every month
• Clean more often with hard water
• Rinse carafe and filter daily
• Use filtered water when possible
• Keep vinegar ready for cleaning

Doing these things often will give you fresh coffee every time and keep your machine in top shape.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your Ninja Coffee Maker with the clean button is not hard. It just needs a few steps and a little time. If you do it right, your machine will work like new and your coffee will taste better. Don't wait until it breaks or the coffee tastes bad. Make cleaning part of your regular coffee routine and you'll enjoy every cup with no worries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to clean my Ninja Coffee Maker with vinegar?

Yes, it is safe. Vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down mineral deposits inside the coffee maker. It does not harm the machine if used correctly. Just mix it with equal parts of water and always rinse your machine after the cleaning cycle. Make sure to remove all vinegar before brewing coffee again. Two rinse cycles usually remove all the smell and taste of vinegar. It is cheaper than buying descaling solutions and works just as well.

Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?

You can use lemon juice, but it is not as strong or effective as white vinegar. Lemon juice can help clean a little, but it may not remove hard mineral deposits completely. Also, lemon juice can sometimes leave behind a strong smell that's harder to rinse out. Vinegar is better for deep cleaning your Ninja Coffee Maker, especially if the clean light is on. If you don't have vinegar, it's better to use a real descaling solution instead of lemon juice.

Do I have to use the clean button?

Yes, if your Ninja Coffee Maker has a clean button, you should use it. The clean button runs a slower, deeper cycle that helps clean inside parts better than a normal brew cycle. If you just run water through a normal brew, it won't clean as well. The clean button makes the water sit longer inside, which helps loosen hard deposits. Always press and hold it for a few seconds to start the cycle. Let it run fully.

Is it okay to clean the coffee maker more than once a month?

Yes, it's perfectly okay. In fact, if you use your machine every day or live in an area with hard water, you should clean it more often. Some people clean their machine every two weeks. There is no harm in cleaning often. It helps keep your coffee fresh and your machine in good shape. Regular cleaning also helps your machine last longer and keeps the clean light from coming on too often.

Can I skip the rinse cycle after using vinegar?

No, never skip the rinse. If you skip it, the vinegar might stay inside and make your coffee taste sour. After you use the clean button with vinegar, always run at least two full rinse cycles with clean water. This makes sure all the vinegar is gone. If the vinegar smell is still strong after rinsing once, do it again. It's better to take a little extra time than drink bad-tasting coffee.

Do I need to take apart the whole machine to clean?

No, you don't need to take it all apart. Just remove the parts that are meant to be removed, like the water reservoir, filter basket, and carafe. These parts are easy to wash with soap and water. The inside is cleaned using the clean button and vinegar. Never try to open the inside of the machine yourself. That can damage it. Just follow the cleaning steps and you'll keep it working well.

Is it better to use descaling solution than vinegar?

Descaling solution is made for cleaning coffee makers, so it's very good. But white vinegar works just as well and is cheaper. Both will clean your machine and remove mineral buildup. Some people prefer descaling solution because it has no strong smell. If you use vinegar, just make sure you rinse well. In the end, both are good. It depends on what you like and what you have at home.

Can I clean it while the machine is still hot?

No, you should always wait for the machine to cool down before cleaning. Hot parts can burn you, and vinegar in hot areas can create steam that smells strong. Also, the machine works better when it's cool during the clean cycle. So always unplug it, let it cool, and then start cleaning. This keeps you safe and helps the cleaning work better.