Quck answer
To clean a Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 coffeemaker, follow these simple steps:
1. Unplug the coffeemaker and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the water filter and the coffee grounds from the coffeemaker.
3. Wash the removable parts, such as the carafe, filter basket, and water reservoir, with warm, soapy water.
4. Use a small brush or toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas, such as the coffee spout and the filter basket holder.
5. Rinse all the parts thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
6. Wipe the exterior of the coffeemaker with a damp cloth.
7. Reassemble all the parts and plug in the coffeemaker.
Regular cleaning will help maintain the performance and longevity of your Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 coffeemaker.
The Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 Series Coffeemaker is a fast and programmable way to brew up to 12 cups of coffee. Cuisinart has designed the coffeemaker with a “Self Clean” flashing indicator and cycle, a wipe-clean exterior, a warming plate and reservoir, and a washable dishwasher-safe filter basket and carafe. This makes cleaning the Cuisinart coffee maker easy and fast, without requiring any proprietary cleansers or harsh chemicals like bleach to remove stains or scale (calcium or other mineral deposits).
Why Cleaning the Cuisinart Coffee Maker is Important
Keeping the Cuisinart coffee pots clean ensures that the coffee tastes fresh and doesn’t have a bitter edge to it. Bitterness in coffee can result from mineral and oily sludge buildup on a dirty coffeemaker. Fortunately, the Cuisinart Brew Central is a self-cleaning coffee maker that will alert you when it’s time to clean it, even if some of the gunk is hidden deep inside the machine.
How to De-scale the Unit
When the flashing “Self-Clean” indicator on the front of the unit comes on, finish brewing your coffee in the Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 Coffeemaker to empty the water reservoir. Turn off the unit and let it cool.
- Switch the coffee filter. After the unit has cooled, open the reservoir cover and lift out the filter basket. Remove and discard the coffee grounds and used filter, replace with a clean filter, and then lower the filter and basket into the reservoir.
- Mix 4 cups of white vinegar and 8 cups of water in your carafe to make a de-scaling solution. This should fill the carafe to the 12-cup line.
- Pour the solution into the reservoir, close the reservoir cover, and then put the carafe back on the warming plate.
- Press the “Self-Clean” button. When the light shines steadily, flip the “ON/OFF” switch to turn the unit on and start the cycle. When the cycle ends, the unit should beep five times and automatically shut off.
- Flip the “ON/OFF” switch to turn the unit back on and then check the “Self-Clean” indicator. If the indicator is still flashing, clean again with a fresh batch of the de-scaling solution. If the indicator is not lit, turn the unit off, replace the filter again, pour fresh water into the reservoir, and run the cycle again to remove any remaining vinegar residue from the coffeemaker.
General Coffeemaker Cleaning
- Turn off and unplug your DCC-1200 Coffeemaker after emptying the reservoir completely.
- Remove and dispose of the coffee grounds and filter from the reservoir. Remove the carafe from the warming plate.
- Wash the filter basket and carafe. Wash by hand with a warm, soapy, lint-free microfiber cloth and then rinse under warm tap water and air dry; or place in a dishwasher on the top rack and clean.
- Wipe the interior of the reservoir and the warming plate with a damp, lint-free cloth. Air-dry the reservoir and wipe the warming plate dry.
- Clean the exterior. Clean with a damp cloth and then wipe dry. If necessary, remove smudges or stains by washing with a warm, slightly soapy cloth, rinsing with a damp cloth, and wiping dry.
- Reassemble the unit.
FAQ
1. How often should I clean my Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 Coffeemaker?
You should clean your Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 Coffeemaker after every use to ensure optimal performance and taste. Regular cleaning also prevents the build-up of mineral deposits and coffee residue that can affect the flavor of your brewed coffee.
2. What is the best way to clean the carafe and lid?
The carafe and lid of the Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 Coffeemaker can be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher. To clean by hand, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry. If using a dishwasher, place the carafe and lid on the top rack and select a gentle cycle.
3. How do I clean the water reservoir?
To clean the water reservoir, remove the charcoal water filter (if applicable) and discard. Wash the water reservoir with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Allow the reservoir to air dry before placing it back into the coffeemaker.
4. Can I use vinegar to descale the coffeemaker?
Yes, you can use vinegar to descale the Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 Coffeemaker. Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Run a brew cycle without coffee grounds. Once the cycle is complete, run two more cycles with clean water to rinse out any vinegar residue.
5. How often should I replace the charcoal water filter?
The charcoal water filter should be replaced every 60 days or after brewing approximately 60 pots of coffee, whichever comes first. Replacing the filter ensures that your brewed coffee is free from impurities and has a better taste.
6. Can I clean the coffee filter basket in the dishwasher?
Yes, the coffee filter basket of the Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 Coffeemaker is dishwasher safe. It can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Alternatively, you can also clean it by hand using warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
7. How do I clean the heating plate?
To clean the heating plate, allow it to cool completely first. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any coffee stains or residue. For stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry.