One morning, my coffee tasted weird—kind of like metal. I didn’t know what went wrong. Later, I found out my Bonavita coffee maker needed a good clean. If your brew smells bad or runs slow, it might be time too. In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean a Bonavita coffee maker with easy steps that work. I’ll also share how to descale your Bonavita and fix simple problems. Let’s make your coffee taste fresh again.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters for Your Bonavita Coffee Maker
When my Bonavita started acting up—brewing slower, smelling odd, and tasting off—I thought it was broken. Turns out, it just needed a proper clean. A little buildup can cause a lot of trouble, and trust me, it sneaks up fast.
Regular cleaning keeps your Bonavita coffee maker running strong, tasting fresh, and lasting longer. It’s not just about looks—it’s about flavor and function too.
If you have hard water like I do, minerals slowly gather inside the machine. Over time, they clog parts, block heat, and make your coffee taste bitter. That chalky film on the showerhead? That’s calcium. And it’s one of the most common Bonavita coffee maker problems.
The good news? It’s easy to fix with a simple rinse or a cycle using Bonavita descaler or vinegar. And once you get into the habit, it takes just a few minutes.
Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to get started. In fact, most of these tools are already in your kitchen. Just a few simple supplies can keep your coffee fresh and your machine happy.
I usually go with white vinegar when I want a quick clean. It’s cheap and works great. But when I notice heavy buildup or weird smells, I use a Bonavita descaler. It’s made for the job and gives better results with less odor.
For daily cleaning, I grab a little dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. It clears out coffee stains without scratching anything. A gentle wipe every day really makes a difference.
You can also use a paper filter when running rinse cycles. It’s not required, but it helps catch gunk that breaks loose while cleaning.
Make sure you have enough clean water on hand. You’ll need it to flush the system after using vinegar or descaler. I always rinse two or three times to keep flavors clean.
Lastly, I keep a small brush or an old toothbrush just for my coffee maker. It’s perfect for scrubbing the showerhead and filter basket, where buildup hides.
Step-by-Step Guide – How to Clean a Bonavita Coffee Maker
Keeping your Bonavita clean doesn’t have to be a hassle. With just a few simple steps, you can improve flavor, avoid clogs, and make your machine last longer. Here’s how to clean a Bonavita coffee maker the same way I do—fast, easy, and with great results.
Step 1 – Daily Cleaning Routine (Post-Brew Cleanup)
After every brew, I rinse the carafe and filter basket. Doing this daily helps stop coffee oils and smells from building up, which keeps your coffee tasting clean. I run warm water through the basket and swirl a drop of dish soap in the carafe. It takes less than a minute.
I also wipe down the outside of the machine. A quick swipe with a soft cloth clears off splashes and dust, and it keeps the coffee maker looking nice on the counter. If I skip this step for a few days, I notice sticky spots forming.
Making this a habit is easier than it sounds. I clean everything while my coffee cools. It’s now part of my routine, and it saves me from doing deep scrubbing later.
Step 2 – Deep Cleaning with Vinegar or Descaler (Weekly/Biweekly)
Once a week (or every two if I forget), I do a full cleaning cycle. To descale the Bonavita coffee maker, I mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water and pour it into the reservoir. If I’m in a hurry or the buildup is bad, I use Bonavita’s own descaler—it works better and doesn’t leave a smell.
I run one full brew cycle without coffee to flush the solution through the system. This helps break down minerals that can clog the internal parts. After that, I let the machine sit for 15 minutes. The longer soak helps loosen any leftover scale inside the tubes.
Then I rinse with clean water—twice, sometimes three times. Flushing your Bonavita coffee maker fully after descaling removes vinegar or cleaner, so the next cup tastes fresh again.
Step 3 – Cleaning the Showerhead and Filter Basket
I used to ignore this part, but it made a huge difference once I started. Mineral buildup on the showerhead slows down the water flow and affects the brew. If your coffee starts taking longer, this is probably why.
I twist off the showerhead and use a soft toothbrush to scrub around the holes. Doing this weekly helps clear out any trapped scale or coffee residue. I also rinse the filter basket to make sure nothing is clogging the bottom.
It only takes two minutes, but the payoff is smoother brewing and better-tasting coffee. The brush I use is small, but it reaches the tricky spots easily.
Step 4 – Washing the Thermal Carafe Properly
After a few uses, the carafe starts to build up stains and oily film. I clean mine daily with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Regular cleaning keeps your Bonavita carafe from holding onto old flavors that can ruin a fresh cup.
Every now and then, I let it soak for 10 minutes if the stains look dark. A good soak lifts out coffee oils without harsh scrubbing.
One thing to avoid is using abrasive pads or metal scrubbers. They can scratch the inside and make it harder to clean next time. I stick with a soft sponge or bottle brush, and it always gets the job done.
Bonus: How to Use a Bonavita Coffee Maker the Right Way
Using your Bonavita the right way makes a real difference in every cup. Knowing how to use a Bonavita coffee maker properly means more than just pushing the button—it’s about small habits that lead to great coffee.
Start with fresh, filtered water and good beans. The Bonavita heats water to the right temperature, but you still need to get the basics right. I use a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio—around 22 grams of coffee for 350 ml of water. It brings out a smooth flavor without bitterness.
One trick I learned is to pre-wet the coffee grounds. This “bloom” step helps release gas and improves flavor. I used to skip it, but once I tried it, I noticed the difference right away.
Before I got serious about cleaning, I thought my coffee tasted dull because of the beans. But the real problem was inside the machine. Once I started cleaning regularly, the same beans gave me a brighter, cleaner cup.
My Go-To Cleaning Schedule
Having a cleaning schedule changed everything for me. Sticking to a simple routine keeps my coffee tasting fresh and my Bonavita running like new. Following a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning plan helps prevent clogs, buildup, and weird smells before they start—without extra effort.
Daily:
I rinse the carafe and filter basket after every brew and wipe the machine with a soft cloth. This stops coffee oils and stains from building up and keeps everything looking clean.
Weekly:
Once a week, I descale the Bonavita coffee maker using vinegar or Bonavita descaler. I also clean the showerhead and scrub the filter basket with a toothbrush. These steps stop mineral buildup from affecting taste and flow.
Monthly:
Once a month, I soak the thermal carafe to remove deep stains and polish the outside of the machine. It’s a little reset that keeps it looking brand new.
Since following this schedule, my Bonavita has been brewing faster, tasting better, and lasting longer. Before, I waited until problems showed up. Now, I clean on a rhythm—and I never go back.
FAQs
Can I use vinegar to descale my Bonavita?
Yes! Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water and run it through the machine. Vinegar helps remove mineral buildup easily and naturally.
What’s the best descaler for Bonavita coffee makers?
Bonavita’s own descaler is a great choice. I’ve also had good results with Urnex. Both are safe and work faster than vinegar with less odor.
Why is my Bonavita brewing slow or making noise?
Your machine likely needs a good descale. Slow brewing and strange sounds usually mean there’s scale buildup in the heating or water lines. Cleaning the showerhead can also help.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning my Bonavita coffee maker changed the way my mornings feel. Once I got into a regular routine, my coffee tasted brighter, my machine brewed faster, and the odd smells disappeared for good. A clean machine really does make every cup better.
If you’ve been putting off cleaning, trust me—it’s easier than it sounds. Start with one small step, like rinsing the carafe daily. Then work in the rest little by little. Your coffee (and your future self) will thank you.
