The Proper Way to Clean Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Although single-serve machines like the Keurig are incredibly convenient, they still need regular maintenance, especially when it comes to cleaning. Without routine care, harmful bacteria and mineral deposits can accumulate inside your machine.

Cleaning your Keurig involves washing its removable parts (such as the tank and tray), changing the water filter regularly, and descaling. If your coffee isn't tasting as good as it used to, or if you can't remember the last time you cleaned it, it's a sign that it's time to refresh your machine. Here's a guide to cleaning and descaling your Keurig.

How Frequently Should You Clean a Keurig Coffee Maker?

To maintain your Keurig, unplug the machine and wash the removable components like the drip tray, water reservoir, and cup holder with warm, soapy water once a month. Don't forget to change the water filter every few months.

When it comes to descaling, Keurig recommends doing so every three to six months to remove calcium buildup inside your machine. The frequency depends on the mineral content of your water. If you have hard water (water with higher mineral levels), you'll need to descale more often. Similarly, how frequently you use your Keurig also plays a role—if you only use it weekly, descaling every six months should be sufficient.

What You'll Need

Required Items

Instructions

Steps for Cleaning a Keurig Coffee Maker

Wondering where to start when cleaning your coffee maker with so many components? We consulted Keurig's experts for quick and efficient tips on cleaning each part of the machine.

Remove all parts.

Remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and K-cup holder.

Take out the filter.

Take the filter out from the water reservoir and set it aside for later.

Wash all the parts in the sink using soapy water.

Fill the sink with warm water and dish soap. Clean all the removable parts of the coffee maker in the soapy water. Be sure not to submerge the main coffee machine in water!

Rinse and dry.

Rinse all the parts with clean water and dry them using a towel.

Clean the exterior.

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the outside of the machine, then dry it with a towel.

Reassemble everything.

Place all parts back into their proper positions, including the filter.

How to Replace the Water Filter

Although replacing the water filter isn't strictly considered cleaning, it's an essential part of maintaining your coffee maker. Here's the process:

Remove the old filter.

Open the filter compartment inside the water reservoir, remove the old filter, and dispose of it. (You may want to check with your local waste management to see if it's recyclable.)

Prepare the new filter cartridge by getting it ready for use.

Soak a fresh water filter cartridge in clean water for 5-10 minutes, then give it a thorough rinse for 60 seconds.

Clean and scrub the filter holder to ensure it is free of debris.

Wash the filter holder thoroughly with hot, soapy water, ensuring to rinse it well afterward.

Place the cleaned filter back into the holder and secure it in position by snapping it into place.

Place the cartridge into the filter holder and return the holder to its original position in the reservoir. Great job!

How to Descale a Keurig Coffee Maker

Learn how to descale your coffee maker using a simple household item you likely already have: white vinegar.

Empty the reservoir and fill it with vinegar.

Switch off your Keurig, take out the water filter, and empty any remaining water. Then, pour white vinegar into the machine until it reaches the halfway mark, and fill the rest with water.

Run the coffee maker until the reservoir is completely empty.

Place a mug on the drip tray, power up the Keurig, and lift the handle to ensure there isn't a pod inside. Choose the largest cup setting and run a brewing cycle without inserting a K-Cup. Discard the hot contents into the mug and repeat the process until the reservoir is empty.

Rinse with water.

Allow the coffee maker to rest for at least four hours after you've emptied the reservoir in the previous step. Then, remove and thoroughly clean the reservoir. Refill it with fresh water, and continue running brew cycles until all the water is used up. This will ensure any leftover vinegar is completely removed (and who wants that in their coffee?).

Replace the filter and reservoir.

Reassemble the parts and you're all set to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can you clean a Keurig without using vinegar?

  If vinegar isn't your preferred cleaning method, you can use Keurig's Descale Solution instead. This will help remove calcium build-up and keep your machine running smoothly.

• How do you clean the needle in your Keurig?

  Unplug the machine and take out the pod holder from the funnel. Straighten a paper clip and use it to scrape away any debris stuck in the pod holder’s tube. Reassemble the pod holder and run two cups of water to clean out the needle.