How to Clean and Descale a Keurig

Single-serve coffee makers have revolutionized our coffee consumption. Having a fresh cup of coffee in seconds is convenient and delicious. Whether your single-serve coffee maker is a Keurig or another brand, cleaning your coffee maker to remove mineral build-up, bacteria, and mold is a smart move for a great tasting cup of coffee or tea.

How Often To Clean a Keurig

The frequency of cleaning will depend upon the model you own and how often you use your Keurig. If you are using your coffee maker daily, components like the coffee mug tray and K-cup holder should be cleaned weekly. The water filter cartridge should be cleaned every other month and the coffee maker should be descaled to remove hard water minerals at least four times a year.

What You Need

Supplies

• Dishwashing liquid
• Distilled white vinegar or commercial descaling solution
• Water

Tools

• Dishcloth or sponge
• Microfiber cloth

Instructions

Weekly Keurig Cleaning

1. Disassemble Components

   After unplugging the coffeemaker, remove the coffee mug tray, coffee pod holder, and, if applicable, the water reservoir.

2. Wash in Warm, Soapy Water

   Wash removable components in warm water and dishwashing liquid to remove bacteria and mold spores. Inspect the needles for loose grounds that can cause clogs. If you use a refillable K-cup, wash it well to remove oils that can cause bitterness.

3. Rinse and Dry

   Rinse in warm water until no suds remain. Dry the components with a microfiber cloth or allow to air-dry. Do not use a paper towel or cotton cloth because they can leave lint behind.

4. Wipe Down the Exterior

   Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of the Keurig to remove fingerprints, dust, and drips. Microfiber will leave the exterior streak-free.

Bi-Monthly Cleaning

In addition to the weekly cleaning routine, if your model has a water filter cartridge, the holder should be cleaned every other month or after 60 reservoir refills and the cartridge replaced.

1. Remove Old Water Filter

   Empty the water reservoir, remove and discard the old water filter cartridge.

2. Wash the Filter Holder

   Remove the filter holder and wash it in warm water with dishwashing liquid. Rinse well and set aside.

3. Soak New Water Filter Cartridge

   Hydrate the new cartridge by soaking it in clean water for five minutes. Before installing, rinse the cartridge under running water for 60 seconds.

4. Reassemble the Water Reservoir

   Reassemble the filter holders and insert the new cartridge. Put the reservoir in place and fill it with fresh water.

Quarterly Cleaning

At least four times a year, descale the machine to remove hard water minerals that affect the taste of the coffee and the operational functions of the machine. If you live in a hard-water area, more frequent descaling may be needed.

1. Empty the Water Reservoir

   Begin the cleaning process with an empty water reservoir.

2. Fill Reservoir With Descaling Solution

   Pour 10-ounces of distilled white vinegar or a commercial descaling solution into the water reservoir.

   Tip

   If using a commercial descaler, follow the product directions—especially the number of required rinse cycles.

3. Start the Brewing Cycle

   Start the brewing cycle as usual but without a K-cup. Let the cycle run as usual and be sure to place a large mug on the pad to catch the solution.

4. Repeat with Clean Descaling Solution

   Repeat the steps with 10 ounces of fresh vinegar or descaling solution.

5. Flush the Machine

   Complete the descaling process by filling the water reservoir with 10 ounces of clean water and run a brew cycle. Toss the rinse water and your machine is ready to make fresh good-tasting coffee.

Tips to Keep Your Keurig Working Its Best

• If you live in a hard-water area, use bottled water in the coffee maker. Distilled water or softened water will not give the best flavor to your brew.
• If the brewing cycle isn't working well, inspect the two needles that punch holes in the K-cups. They can become clogged with coffee grounds. With the machine unplugged, use a paper clip or toothpick to gently remove the grounds and rinse away with fresh water.
• If you hear sputtering sounds as a cycle begins, there could be debris in the water reservoir line. With the machine unplugged, use a straw to blow air into the line to remove debris.
• If you will not be using the machine for a week or so, empty the reservoir and leave the lid open so that no moisture is trapped in the machine.