A Keurig coffee machine is so hands off and fuss-free that often we forget that the machine needs regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it spic-and-span. According to NSF International, a household keurig coffee maker is probably the dirtiest appliance in any home and an average appliance has more than 50,000 germs per 10 sq. cm (1.55 square Inches).

The coffee machine can have the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, yeast, and also a build-up of minerals and oil that can affect the performance of your machine, not to mention, make your coffee very bad tasting and unsafe to drink.

So, if you think that your coffee is tasting off or you don’t remember the last time you gave your Keurig a good clean, then it may be time to roll up your sleeves and get cleaning.

But if you don’t know where to start, in this article, we give you a simple step-by-step guide on how to clean a Keurig in no time and ensuring that it is working in peak condition at all times.

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How to Clean a Keurig – Simple Steps to Follow

Cleaning a Keurig is really simple and requires just a few steps. We have sorted our cleaning steps in easy to understand sections so that you can follow along easily. Here’s what you need to do:

The Exterior

Over time, dust and grime can collect on your Keurig which must be cleaned by washing. You can do this by unplugging the machine and removing the water chamber and drip tray. Then, wash the machine using a clean, damp cloth. Finally, wipe it with a dry cloth.

The Lid, Tray, and Funnel

Remove the lid of the machine, the funnel, and the tray. Wash the tray and lid using soap and water and rinse properly. The funnel should be washed using only water. Ensure all the components are adequately dried and then replace them in the coffee maker.

The Needles

The needle of the Keurig is a very important component of the appliance and it is what turns the ground coffee into the brewed coffee.

If the needles have any residue or the coffee grounds have clogged them, then you must clean them properly to understand the inner workings of the machine. The coffee needle is very delicate and so you must take care to clean it carefully.

The Keurig needle can be cleaned by unplugging the machine and then removing the water tank. Removing the pack holder from the machine and then from its housing. Cleaning any residue of clogging on the needle using a paper clip and then rinse it with clean water.

Cleaning the Needle with A Cleaning Tool

Unplug the Keurig and remove the water chamber. Place the cleaning tool, also known as a rinse pod, in the machine that has water and then pump the lid. Remove, rinse, and store the cleaning tool. Rinse the Keurig water and the machine is ready for use.

The K-Cup Holder

Unplug the machine, lift the handle, and remove the holder. Using warm water and mild dish soap, wash the cup holder. Rinse with water and ensure that the soap is completely washed out. Allow the holder to dry properly and then replace it in the Keurig.

How Often Should You Clean Your Keurig?

It is a good idea to give your Keurig a good cleaning once a month, which includes cleaning the needle, K-cup holder, and the area around the K-cup holder.

Depending on the hardness of the water in the area where you live, you should descale the coffee maker once every 3 to 6 months to prevent buildup caused by hard water.

The water reservoir of the machine must be cleaned at least every week and it’s a good idea to rinse the reservoir quickly with clean water every morning before you fill it.

Every Week

The moving parts of the Keurig must be cleaned every week. Cleaning these parts is quite easy and you can follow these steps:

  • Unplug the coffee machine and remove the lid, water reservoir, drip tray, and cup holder.
  • Using soap and water, wash the cup holder and tray.
  • Clean the lid, water reservoir, and filter using a damp cloth.
  • Wash the lid and water reservoir and allow them to dry thoroughly.
  • Using a damp sponge or cloth, clean the exterior of the Keurig.
  • Put back all the components, plug the machine, and get brewing.

Every Month

The water filter cartridge of the Keurig must be replaced every month with a new water filter cartridge. This will ensure that your coffee tastes fresh and delicious all the time. The filter cartridge can be replaced by following the steps below:

  • Put a new cartridge in water and let it soak for around 5 minutes.
  • Rinse it with clean water.
  • The lower filter mesh must be washed thoroughly.
  • Insert the filter cartridge into the filter holder and replace the lid.
  • Place the filter holder into the water tank.

Once in 3-6 Months

You should descale your Keurig once every 3-6 months because the water can cause a build up of minerals, including calcium deposits, in your machine, clogging it up. If you don’t descale your coffee machine, it will reduce the performance efficiency of the machine and over time, damage the appliance completely.

How to Descale Your Keurig

Before descaling your Keurig, remove the K-cups, cup holder, water reservoir, and funnel from the machine.

Turn off the auto-shut feature of the coffee machine because the Keurig must be turned on during the entire descaling process.

Next, we have to discuss the different ways by which you can descale your Keurig, including using a vinegar solution or distilled water.

Using Descaling Solution

You can use the Keurig Descaling Solution to clean your Keurig by using the following steps:

First, fill the water chamber of the Keurig with half descaling solution and half water. Place a large-sized mug under the dispenser.

Brew the water and collect it in the mug. Lift the handle, wait for a few seconds, and lower it. Press the “brew” button and once the mug is filled empty it out.

Repeat the process until all the water is over. When the coffee maker shows the “add water” sign, wait for 30 seconds, while keeping the machine on.

This will clean all the clogged particles in the coffee machine. Wash the water tank thoroughly until there is no solution left and clean the machine using fresh, cool water.

Repeat the brewing method to ensure that there is no solution left behind. Make sure to do this several times until the solution has been completely rinsed out. Your Keurig has been descaled and is now ready to use.

Using Citric Acid

This is a simple method that works quite well to descale the coffee maker, using the following steps:

First, mix 2 tablespoons of citric acid in a liter of water and ensure that the citric acid is completely dissolved. Then, pour this solution into the water tank of the coffee maker and allow it to rest for a while. This will remove any line build-up or residue in the reservoir.

Place a large-sized mug in the machine’s tray and brew a cup. This will ensure that any residue in the machine will dissolve and when the mug is filled, discard the liquid. Keep repeating the process until the coffee machine is cleaned properly.

Next, fill the reservoir with fresh water and place it in the coffee machine.

Flush the water out and repeat the process 2-3 times until there is no acid left. Brew a cup of hot water so that if there is any residue or citric acid left inside, it will get cleaned out. Brew a few cups until the water you get is completely clean.

Clean the coffee machine with a cloth and you’re all set to brew your coffee.

Using Vinegar and Water

Vinegar is a great way to descale your Keurig. It is not only safe to use, but also quite cheap and breaks down the scale build up in the coffee machine effectively.

However, you must ensure that the white vinegar you use is distilled because pure vinegar may be too strong and damage your machine. The steps to descale your coffee maker using vinegar and water include:

  • Remove any water from the water tank of the coffee machine and any pods. Then, remove the various components of the machine, rinse with clean water, and clean them.
  • Using a damp cloth, wipe any dirt or residue properly and then, put back all the parts.
  • Turn on the Keurig and pour vinegar into the water tank until the maximum fill level. Place a mug in the machine’s tray, brew the vinegar, and lift the handle.
  • Select a long brew cycle and put the handle down. Start brewing and discard the brewed liquid.
  • Repeat this step until there is no vinegar or residue left in the machine and the reservoir is clean.
  • Fill the reservoir with filtered water and run for a few cycles so that there is no vinegar remaining.

Now your Keurig coffee maker is clean and ready for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Way to Clean a Keurig?

The best way to clean a Keurig is by first unplugging the machine and disassembling any removable parts. Then clean the exterior with a damp cloth, descale the machine using vinegar or a descaling solution, and finally, run a few cycles of water through the machine to rinse it thoroughly.

What Does the Descale Button Do?

However, in general, the “Descale” button on a Keurig machine is used to initiate the descaling process. Descaling is important for removing mineral buildup and calcium deposits that can accumulate over time and affect the performance of the machine.

Final Thoughts

A Keurig can be a great accessory in your kitchen, especially if you’re a coffee lover. It is extremely simple to use, practical, and easy to maintain. Nevertheless, keeping your Keurig 2.0 clean and well maintained is very important.

It is very easy to clean and descale your Keurig on your own. And, we hope that with our in-depth cleaning and descaling tips, you can get your coffee machine clean and sparkling in no time, so that you have a fantastic coffee drinking experience each time.