Six Common Coffeemaker Cleaning Questions and Overflowing Issues.

 

1. How do I clean my coffeemaker?

Always turn off, unplug and allow the coffeemaker to cool before cleaning.

Remove the filter basket, permanent filter (not on all models), decanter and decanter lid and wash them in a solution of hot water and mild liquid soap.

Never use abrasive cleansers, steel wool pads or other abrasive materials.

Dishwasher top rack safe parts: glass decanter and lid, filter basket and permanent filter. The water filter disk is not dishwasher safe.

CAUTION! Never immerse the coffeemaker itself in water, in any other liquid or place in the dishwasher.  Consult your instruction manual for specific details on cleaning your coffeemaker.

 

2. What type of filter can I use for my coffeemaker?

A coffeemaker uses a basket or cone style filter. Below is a list of filter types for your specific coffeemaker cup size.

Basket Filters: (paper or permanent)
4 cup filter - 4 cup coffeemaker
8-12 cup filter - 8, 10 or 12 cup coffeemaker

Cone Filters: (paper or permanent)
# 2 cone filter - 4 cup coffeemaker
# 4 cone filter - 8, 10 or 12 cup coffeemaker

 

3. Why is my coffeemaker leaking from the bottom?

  1. Make sure the filter is properly in position and that the brew basket is fully closed.
  2. If the coffeemaker is equipped with a removable water reservoir ensure that the reservoir is properly installed.
  3. Avoid overfilling the water reservoir. The coffeemaker is equipped with an overflow slot near the top of the water reservoir. If too much water is added it will flow out of this slot and collect near the base of the unit.

4. Why does my coffeemaker brew slower than it used to?

The unit may require cleaning to remove mineral deposits that build up over time.

 

5. What would cause my coffeemaker to overflow?

  1. If the decanter is removed for more than 30 seconds while the unit is brewing it may cause the coffeemaker to overflow. Make sure the decanter is replaced promptly after removing.
  2. The decanter may not have been properly positioned under the brew basket. Be sure the decanter is centered directly under the brew basket.
  3. Using too much coffee grounds may cause the coffeemaker to overflow.
  4. The filter may have become folded over. Make sure the filter is properly centered in the brew basket. Try wetting the edges to prevent filter collapse.
  5. The brew basket may not have been closed completely. Check to make sure the brew basket is fully closed and (on some models) latched.
  6. Using coffee that is too finely ground can sometimes result in overflow. Use only coffee that is ground for automatic drip coffeemakers.

6. What can I do about my coffee filter collapsing and causing an overflow?

When using a paper filter, there might be times that the filter will collapse and may cause an overflow. If the filter is collapsing in your coffee brewer, first make sure you are using the correct size and shape filter in the unit.

Basket Filters: (Paper or Permanent)
4 cup filter - 4 cup coffeemaker
8-12 cup filter - 8, 10, or 12 cup coffeemaker

Cone Filters: (Paper or Permanent)
# 2 cone filter - 4 cup coffeemaker
# 4 cone filter - 8, 10, or 12 cup coffeemaker


If you are using the correct size, try the following:

  1. Wet the sides of the filter before adding the coffee and sticking them to the sides of the filter basket.
  2. A permanent filter would also solve this problem.