Learning how to clean a Ninja coffee maker is crucial for maintaining its performance and ensuring every cup tastes fresh. Unlike a simple rinse, a proper cleaning routine involves both regular washing of removable parts and a deeper descaling process to remove mineral buildup. This guide will walk you through both methods, ensuring your Ninja machine stays in top condition.
Method 1: The Daily/Weekly Clean
This quick and easy cleaning routine should be done regularly to remove coffee oils and prevent flavor buildup.
- Remove All Parts: Take out the carafe, brew basket, permanent filter (if you use one), and the water reservoir.
- Wash with Soap and Water: Wash all these removable parts in warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away any coffee residue. For hard-to-reach areas in the brew basket, a bottle brush works well. The carafe can be especially tricky to clean if it’s glass; use a long-handled brush for best results.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Let them air dry completely before reassembling the machine.
- Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker, including the base, control panel, and brew head. This removes fingerprints and spills, keeping your machine looking new.
Method 2: Descaling the Ninja Coffee Maker
This is the most important part of the process and should be done at least once every three to six months, or whenever the “CLEAN” light illuminates on your machine. Descaling removes the hard mineral deposits (limescale) that build up in the internal parts from tap water.
Using a Descaling Solution
- Prepare the Solution: Mix a descaling solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ninja recommends using their own descaling solution, but a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water also works well.
- Fill the Reservoir: Pour the descaling solution into the empty water reservoir up to the “MAX” fill line.
- Start the Clean Cycle: Place the empty carafe on the warming plate and press the “CLEAN” button on your Ninja coffee maker. The machine will begin a specific descaling cycle that takes about 45-60 minutes to complete. The cleaning light will stay on during the process.
- Rinse with Water: Once the cycle is finished, discard the solution from the carafe. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, clean water up to the “MAX” fill line.
- Run a Rinse Cycle: Place the empty carafe back on the warming plate and press the “CLEAN” button again to run a final rinse cycle. This ensures all traces of the descaling solution are gone.
How Often to Clean Your Ninja Coffee Maker
To keep your machine running efficiently and your coffee tasting great, follow these guidelines:
- Daily/Weekly: Wash the carafe, brew basket, and filter.
- Monthly: Do a deeper clean of all removable parts.
- Every 3-6 Months: Perform a full descaling cycle to remove mineral buildup.
By following these simple steps, you’ll not only learn how to clean a Ninja coffee maker but also ensure its longevity and ability to consistently brew a delicious cup of coffee.