How To Clean A Keurig Coffee Maker

Keurig Coffee Maker

How to Clean a Keurig Coffee Maker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your Keurig coffee maker clean is essential for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring your coffee tastes as fresh as possible. Over time, mineral buildup, coffee grounds, and other residues can affect the quality of your coffee. In this guide, we will walk you through the best way to clean your Keurig coffee maker, ensuring that each cup of coffee tastes just as good as the first.

Why Regular Cleaning is Essential

Cleaning your Keurig regularly helps prevent issues like scale buildup, clogged needles, and poor-tasting coffee. Over time, minerals from water and leftover coffee grounds can accumulate in your machine, leading to poor performance and even damage if not addressed. Regular cleaning keeps your Keurig brewing perfectly and extends its lifespan.

man cleaning keurig coffee machine with rag
keurig coffee machine being cleaned

Tools and Supplies Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to clean your Keurig:

  • White vinegar or Keurig Descaling Solution

  • Baking soda (optional for tougher stains)

  • Paper clip (for unclogging the exit needle)

  • Dish soap

  • Damp cloth

  • Large mug or coffee mug

  • Fresh water, filtered water, or distilled water

Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage your machine or leave residue that affects the taste of your coffee.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Keurig

Always start by turning off and unplugging your Keurig coffee maker. This ensures your safety and allows the machine to cool down before cleaning.

Step 2: Disassemble the Removable Parts

Remove all the parts that are easy to disassemble, including:

  • Water tank

  • K-cup holder or pod holder

  • Drip tray

Soak these removable parts in warm soapy water to clean off any coffee grounds or scale buildup. After soaking, rinse them with plain water and let them air dry or use a damp cloth to wipe them dry.

Image: A Keurig coffee maker disassembled with water tank, K-cup holder, and drip tray soaking in soapy water.

Step 3: Clean the Exit Needle and K-Cup Holder

The exit needle can become clogged with coffee grounds, affecting the brewing process. To clean it, use a paper clip to gently unclog the needle.

The K-cup holder can also accumulate coffee grounds and debris. Make sure it's free of any buildup by rinsing it in warm water and scrubbing gently with a soft brush if needed.

Image: Diagram showing the exit needle being cleaned with a paper clip.

Step 4: Deep Clean with White Vinegar or Keurig Descaling Solution

Descaling is an important step to remove mineral deposits like calcium that build up over time. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Fill the water tank halfway with white vinegar or Keurig Descaling Solution, and the other half with fresh water.

  2. Place a large mug under the brew spout.

  3. Run a brew cycle without a coffee pod, allowing the vinegar or descaling solution to flow through the system.

  4. Repeat the process until the water tank is empty.

This process helps eliminate mineral buildup that could be affecting the performance of your Keurig.

Step 5: Rinse and Run Fresh Water Through the Machine

After descaling, it’s important to run multiple brew cycles with plain water to flush out any leftover vinegar or descaling solution. Fill the water tank with clean water and run the machine until the water runs clear.

This step ensures that your Keurig is free of any lingering cleaning agents and is ready to brew fresh coffee.

Step 6: Clean the Exterior of the Keurig

Using a damp cloth, wipe down the exterior of your Keurig to remove any dust or stains. Pay special attention to the area around the pod holder and the buttons. Avoid using any harsh cleaning chemicals that could damage the finish.

Image: A person cleaning the exterior of a Keurig coffee maker with a damp cloth.

Step 7: Cleaning Tips for Reusable Filters and Accessories

If you use reusable filters, be sure to clean them regularly. Soak them in warm water and scrub with dish soap to remove any coffee grounds. This will ensure that your reusable filters continue to perform well and that your coffee tastes fresh every time.

Also, clean other accessories such as your coffee mug and water tank to ensure everything is spotless.

How Often Should You Clean Your Keurig?

To keep your Keurig functioning at its best, follow this cleaning schedule:

  • Daily: Wipe the exterior and run a plain water brew cycle after each use to clear any coffee residue.

  • Weekly: Clean the removable parts like the water tank, K-cup holder, and drip tray with warm soapy water.

  • Every 3-6 months: Perform a deep clean and descale your machine to remove mineral buildup.

Regular maintenance will help you avoid any issues with performance or coffee flavor.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Perfect Cup of Coffee

Following these cleaning tips ensures that your Keurig coffee maker stays in top condition, allowing you to enjoy a perfect cup of joe with each brew. By incorporating regular cleaning into your routine, you’ll extend the life of your machine and ensure each cup of coffee tastes as good as the first. For more cleaning tips check out our blog!

Now that you have a clean Keurig coffee machine, let Simply Immaculate help clean other aspects of your home, and get a free estimate today!