Ever noticed your morning coffee tasting a little off lately? If your Keurig isn’t delivering fresh, flavorful cups, it might be time for a clean. Regular maintenance not only keeps your coffee tasting great, but also extends the life of your machine—something every coffee lover can appreciate.
In this article, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step guide to cleaning your Keurig, along with practical tips to keep it running smoothly. Let’s get your coffee maker back in top shape!
Related Video
How Do I Clean My Keurig Coffee Machine?
If you’re a coffee lover, your Keurig coffee machine is probably your trusted companion each morning. Like any appliance, it needs routine cleaning to keep your coffee tasting great and to help your brewer run smoothly. Wondering exactly how to clean your Keurig? Let’s break down the process step by step so you can keep your machine in top shape.
Why Cleaning Your Keurig Matters
Before diving into the steps, it helps to know why you should bother cleaning your coffee maker:
- Better Tasting Coffee: Mineral buildup and leftover coffee oils can affect the taste of every cup.
- Prolongs Machine Life: Regular cleaning prevents clogs and wear, helping your Keurig last longer.
- Hygiene: Warm, damp coffee makers can grow mold, bacteria, or mildew if left unchecked.
- Efficient Operation: A clean brewer runs smoother and more quietly.
Everyday Cleaning: Quick & Easy Steps
Some parts of your Keurig should be cleaned daily, especially if you use it often.
1. Remove and Wash Removable Parts
- Eject the K-Cup pod holder, drip tray, and water reservoir (if detachable).
- Wash these parts with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry.
2. Wipe Down the Exterior
- Use a damp cloth to wipe the outside of the machine, including around the pod holder area.
- Be sure to clean any spills or dried coffee drips as you go.
3. Run a Cleansing Brew
- After washing removable parts, fill the reservoir with fresh water.
- Run a brew cycle without a K-Cup. This “water-only” run helps flush out lingering coffee grounds and residue from inside the machine.
Do this once a day or at least a few times a week for the best results.
Deep Cleaning and Descaling: Removing Mineral Deposits
Regular deep cleaning—often called “descaling”—removes calcium and mineral buildup from the machine’s inner workings. Most manufacturers recommend descaling every three to six months, but you might need to do it more often if you have hard water or use your Keurig daily.
1. Prepare the Descaling Solution
You have two main options:
- Commercial Descaling Solution: Available at most stores selling Keurig machines.
- White Vinegar: An effective and budget-friendly alternative.
2. Empty Machine
- Turn off your Keurig and disconnect from power.
- Remove any remaining water and K-Cups from the machine.
3. Fill Reservoir with Descaler
- If using descaling solution, follow the instructions on the bottle (usually one bottle with equal parts water).
- For vinegar, use equal parts white vinegar and water to fill the reservoir halfway or to the max fill line.
4. Run the Cleaning Brew
- Place a large, empty mug on the drip tray.
- Without inserting a K-Cup, run a brew cycle (use the largest cup size).
- Pour out the collected liquid.
- Repeat this step until the reservoir is empty, pausing the machine and letting it sit for 30 minutes halfway through to allow the solution to work on stubborn buildup.
5. Rinse the Machine
- Refill the reservoir with clean, fresh water.
- Repeat the brewing process (without a K-Cup) until the reservoir is empty again. This may take several cycles and ensures no vinegar or descaling solution flavor remains.
6. Wipe and Reassemble
- Wash and dry removable parts again before putting them back.
- Give one final wipe-down to the outside and around the pod holder.
Additional Cleaning Areas Often Overlooked
Sometimes, stubborn clogs or hidden grime can form in the less obvious places.
Cleaning the Needle
- Each time you brew a cup, coffee grounds can get stuck in the Keurig’s exit needle.
- Unplug the machine, open the brew head, and carefully use a unfolded paperclip or the manufacturer’s cleaning tool to gently dislodge any debris.
- Run an empty brew cycle to ensure it’s clear.
Water Filter Replacement
- If your Keurig has a charcoal water filter in the reservoir, replace it every two months, or more often with hard water.
- Rinse the new filter under water before soaking it for a few minutes. Then install it according to your machine’s directions.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Empty the Reservoir Daily: Don’t leave water sitting for days. Always refill with clean, fresh water.
- Wash Hands Before Use: This reduces the transfer of oils and bacteria into your brewer.
- Leave the Lid Open: Occasionally leave the lid of the reservoir open to let it dry completely, which helps prevent mold growth.
- Inspect for Scaling: If your coffee starts tasting off or the machine’s performance drops, descale immediately—even if it’s ahead of schedule.
- Use Filtered Water: This can cut down on mineral buildup and improve coffee taste.
Common Keurig Cleaning Challenges (And How To Handle Them)
- Persistent Bad Taste: Run additional rinse cycles after descaling. Doing two or three fresh water cycles usually resolves lingering vinegar flavor.
- Slow Brewing: Check and clean the exit needle, and descale if needed. This often restores pressure and speed.
- Visible Mold or Mildew: Deep clean and soak affected parts in hot, soapy water. Replace water filters and let all pieces dry thoroughly.
- Keurig Won’t Power On After Cleaning: Check all cable connections and ensure no water has entered electronics.
Simple Cleaning Schedule
Here’s a handy breakdown to keep your Keurig fresh:
- Daily:
- Rinse and dry removable parts.
- Wipe machine exterior.
- Run a cleansing brew.
- Weekly:
- Clean and descale the water reservoir.
- Remove and wash drip tray and pod holder.
- Check and clean the needle if you notice slow flow.
- Monthly:
- Replace water filter as recommended.
- Deep clean and descale if you use the machine heavily.
- Every 3-6 Months:
- Full descale cycle.
Summary
A clean Keurig brews better coffee, lasts longer, and runs more smoothly. By following a simple regular cleaning routine—daily wiping and rinsing, monthly descaling, and tackling tricky areas like the needle and water filter—you’ll keep your coffee fresh and your brewer humming for years to come. Regular attention to your coffee machine isn’t just about taste—it’s about hygiene, efficiency, and getting the most from your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I clean my Keurig coffee machine?
You should give your Keurig a quick clean every day or at least several times per week. Deep cleaning and descaling are best every three to six months, but you may want to do it monthly if you use your machine daily or have hard water.
2. Can I use vinegar to descale my Keurig?
Yes, you can. Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, then run brew cycles without a K-Cup until empty. Remember to follow with several cycles of clean water to rinse out any vinegar taste.
3. Do I have to use a special cleaning solution?
You don’t have to use a commercial cleaner, but they are designed to be safe and effective. White vinegar works well for most people and is an affordable, natural option.
4. What should I do if there’s mold in my Keurig?
Disassemble all removable parts and soak them in hot, soapy water. Scrub areas showing visible mold, rinse thoroughly, and allow all parts to dry completely. Run a descaling cycle before using your machine again.
5. Why is my Keurig brewing slower than usual?
Build-up of mineral deposits or clogs in the needle can slow down your Keurig. Descale the machine and carefully clean the needle with a paperclip or the manufacturer’s tool. If the problem persists, check for further clogs or contact Keurig support.
With these tips and steps, you’ll enjoy delicious, hassle-free coffee from your Keurig every day!