how do i clean the inside of my mr coffee bvmc zh1b? it's starting to smell funky.

Diagnosis

The funky smell is caused by a combination of mineral scale (from water hardness) and rancid coffee oils that have built up inside the internal water lines, reservoir, and heating element. This buildup is not visible from the outside but harbors bacteria and molds, creating the odor and can affect your coffee's taste.

How to Fix It

You need to descale and deodorize the machine using a vinegar solution. Ensure the machine is off and cool.

1. Fill the water reservoir with a 50/50 mix of white household vinegar and cold water up to the 6-cup line.
2. Insert a clean paper filter (or a permanent filter) into the empty brew basket.
3. Place the empty glass carafe back onto the warming plate.
4. Start a full brew cycle. When the carafe is about half full, press the "Pause" button. Let the vinegar solution sit inside the hot machine for 30 minutes to dissolve scale and oils.
5. Press "Pause" again to resume and complete the brew cycle. Discard the vinegar water from the carafe.
6. Thoroughly rinse the carafe. Run 2-3 complete brew cycles using only fresh cold water and no coffee to flush all vinegar residue from the system.

If That Didn't Work

If the odor persists after a vinegar cycle, the internal buildup may be severe. Use a commercial coffee maker cleaner (like Urnex) designed to break down coffee oils more aggressively than vinegar. Follow the product's instructions precisely. Alternatively, disassemble and clean the removable parts: wash the brew basket, lid, and carafe with warm soapy water, and use a small brush to clean the showerhead (where water drips into the basket) if it's clogged.

Heads Up

Never use soap or abrasive cleaners inside the water reservoir or on the heating element, as residues can damage the machine and ruin your coffee. For maintenance, perform this cleaning cycle every 1-3 months depending on your water hardness and usage frequency.