A detailed how-to on how to clean your Keurig 2.0 brewer to make it shine and keep it running efficiently. Make these steps a habit and you will always have a coffee maker that’s in good shape + great tasting coffee.
REGULAR CLEANING, EVERY 1-2 WEEKS:
time: 10 minutes
1. Turn off the brewer
2. Remove the drip tray, water tank and the pod holder from the unit. Wash all removable parts with mild detergent and rinse well. Clean both exit needles.
3. Clean out coffee grounds or any dirt left in the unit (around the k-cup holder and the handle) using a soft toothbrush or a similar tool. Wipe the unit with soft, damp cloth.
4. Put everything back and fill the reservoir with fresh water.
CLEAN THE EXIT NEEDLE
Cleaning the exit needle can help solve problems like brewing a partial cup or getting grounds in your cup. Here’s how to do it properly:
You can also use the maintenance accessory (the little orange tool) that came with your brewer. It’s simple: turn the brewer off, fill the silicone bulb with fresh water and place the accessory in the k-cup holder. Raise and lower the handle five times to loosen any coffee grounds in the entrance needle. Remove the accessory, turn the brewer on and run one cleansing brew.
HOW TO DESCALE KEURIG 2.0
Descaling is important. It helps clean mineral build-up inside your machine and can help with poor performance. It keeps your machine in a good shape and ensures good tasting coffee.
The descaling process should be done every 3, 4 months, depending on the mineral content of the water in your area. You should also descale if the touch screen indicates Time to descale the brewer. For this purpose, you can use white vinegar, Keurig Descaling solution or a similar commercial descaler.
Here’s how to descale your Keurig 2.0 brewer:
1. Empty the water from the water reservoir and remove the water filter.
2. Turn off the brewer
3. Pour 1 bottle of Keurig Descaling solution and 14 ounces of water into the reservoir, then turn on your brewer. Place a mug/pitcher on a drip tray, open and close the handle without inserting the pod and press the brew button at 6 ounce setting for Keurig K250 or 10 ounce setting for other models: Keurig K350, K450, and K550. Wait until the solution is dispensed. Discard mug contents.
4. Repeat the brewing process until the brewer indicates “more water please”. Let the brewer stand for at least 30 minutes. Do not turn off the machine during this period.
5. After 30 minutes, remove and empty the water tank and rinse well.
6. Fill the reservoir with clean water only and again, place a mug or a pitcher on a drip tray. Press brew button to rinse. Repeat brew step until you empty an entire reservoir then refill again with fresh water only. You want to completely rinse the machine and make sure there’s no residue or smell. Two full tanks should do the job.
7. Wipe the machine with a damp cloth, rinse all removable parts (see regular weekly cleaning), fill the reservoir with clean, fresh water and you’re ready to brew.
If using vinegar, fill up about 2/3 of the reservoir with white vinegar.
REPLACE THE KEURIG 2.0 WATER FILTER, EVERY 2 MONTHS
The water filter should be changed every 2 months or 60 tank refills.
1. Remove the filter holder from the reservoir, open the holder and discard the old filter
2. Rinse the mesh on the lower filter holder
3. Take a new water filter and soak it in water for 5 minutes. Then, rinse it under running water for 1 more minute
4. Place the filter in the filter holder, close and set the date 2 months ahead to know when it needs to be replaced again
5. Place a filter holder in the reservoir and push down until in place
Keurig 2.0 brewers have a water filter alert and will indicate when it’s time to replace the filter. To set the alert, go to settings, water filter reminder, press enable then save. When it’s time to replace the filter the machine will indicate “time to replace the water filter”, press continue, replace the filter as explained above, then press yes, to reset the filter reminder.
Regular cleaning will help prevent common issues like brewing a partial cup or getting grounds in your cup. Your morning coffee will also taste much better because there are no oils or buildups that make coffee taste bitter and stale.
Here’s what else you can do to make your Keurig coffee taste great. Also, don’t forget to check our Keurig resources page for more articles and tips!
Steve
I lifted the handle and now it is stuck and wont close. I can’t see what is holding it from closing. Any ideas? Should I force it closed?
MICHAEL
Hi, My Keurig will dispense water fine but will not brew coffee when I put in a kcup. I have cleaned and descaled the machine. I have cleaned the needles.
Danijela
Hi Michael, is there any message on the touchscreen and can you choose the k-cup size?
MICHAEL
No there isn’t a message. I’ve been using the same k-cups for 8 months now
Danijela
Thank you Michael, I am not sure that any of the usual solutions will work since everything seems fine and works fine except when you insert the k-cup. Please call Keurig Customer service at 866-901-2739 to help you troubleshoot your machine. Thank you.
gerri
I took my 2.0 machine apart to clean. I removed part 3 and now can’t replace it. Please help.
Donna
I’m looking for help with this exact issue. 😱
Rodney Talbert
How come on my K55 i still have enough water for at least 2 to 3 cups of water left but it says add water is this normal
Danijela
Hi Rodney, correct, the machine will indicate “add water” even if there is still some water in the tank. However, that usually happens when there’s maybe one cup left in the tank, not 2 or 3.
If you think there’s enough water in the water reservoir, the reservoir is placed properly, but you’re still having “add water” issues, Keurig recommends cleaning the reservoir. Remove the water reservoir and discard the water. Hand wash it with mild soap and non-abrasive cloth and rinse. Fill it again to the MAX fill line (you can use tap, bottled or filtered water, do not use softened water) and return to the unit. Again, make sure it’s seated properly and please also check the energy saver to make sure it’s disabled.
If the problem persists after this, you will need to call Keurig customer service to help you troubleshoot your machine. I hope this helps.
Donovan F Curtis
After making about two cups of coffee, the machine shuts down and the reservoir lights begin to flash, indicating it is necessary to add water. I add water to the “full” line, and the lights will not stop flashing and the maching will not work. After removing and replacing the reservoir a number of times, the light stop flashing and the maching will begin to operate. It would appear that the apparatus that measures the amount of water in the reservoir is not working properly, but I cannot determine where it is located. Please help.
Danijela
I’m sorry that you’re having issues with your machine Donovan. What model do you have? It there also a “more water please” notification on the screen when this happens? Are there any sounds like the water is heating or anything? Or only the lights are blinking? Thank you.
Sheila Pierce
We have the ‘classic’ Keurig and have only used it for two months. This morning it would only drip and would not get through the brewing process. I put a new filter into the water tank. I cleaned all parts per the instructions. I did buy the descaling solution and tried running it through but still it only drips and I can’t get a full tank of the cleaning solution through the pot! My wife’s friend took it apart and removed the water tubes and mailed them back to Keurig and they replaced her unit. Is this what we need to do? This thing should not be worn out after only 2 months! Please help.
Danijela
Hi Sheila, I’m sorry that you’re having issues with your machine. Cleaning your machine is always a good idea, that’s great! Have you also cleaned the k-cup holder and both exit needles? Sometimes this can happen if the exit needle is clogged. Here’s how to clean them properly. Make sure to clean both – top and bottom needle with a paper clip and the k-cup holder. If you already cleaned them and the machine still isn’t working, please call Keurig customer service at 866-901-2739. I would not disassemble the machine on my own, especially if it’s still under warranty (or the warranty may not apply). Let me know how it went.
Sheila Pierce
Read the cleaning instructions again and remembered I had Not cleaned the little sharp needle at the top of the cop that punctures the coffee pod. That fixed it after I used a tooth-brush and I did see coffee grounds come out but thank you so much and now it’s brewing like new again.
Danijela
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for the feedback!
P.S. Here are some recipes for your Keurig. Thank you for stopping by!
Scott
I am having a problem with the machine not turning on. The on/off button appears on the screen, but it does not react to my touch. i can get a test menu on the screen, but the machine does not power up with a welcome message.
Jessica
We have a 2.0 and have been getting the water under pressure message. After cleaning the needle and descaling as instructed it would start to work again, but only for a bit. I’ve descaled that sucker 3 times in the past month, and it always works for a few days then the message comes back. When it is working, there is a loud airy sound that comes through towards the end of brewing a cup. It may have been there a little since the beginning, but now it has gotten way louder and longer. This morning I noticed that while the machine was preheating it was dispensing water. Not a ton, but certainly a steady trickle. Are all these issues connected? Anyone else have problems with the noise or the trickle of water during preheating?
EricM
Contact Keurig about your issues, your machine sounds like it’s got an issue. Or you have some serious mineral deposits in your water, try using bottled water after your next cleaning and see if your problem continues, if it does then it’s definitely a hardware problem.
Dionte
Okay my k250 will dispense coffee and water which is not a good tasting cup of coffee any suggestions. I have replaced the filter.
Danijela
What k-cups do you use? Maybe you can try finding some blend that fits your taste. To give you a head start on ideas here’s a list of the 20 most popular k-cups among our readers. If you like your coffee strong, you might want to check out this list. Also, if you like your coffee strong, brewing k-cups at smaller cup setting normally improves the taste a bit. I hope this helps.
Leann
I have a 2.0 and went crazy looking for where to replace the filter. Only to discover the piece wasn’t included with my coffee maker. Suggestions???
Danijela
Hi Leann,
you can purchase the water filter kit for your 2.0 at keurig.com or Amazon. If you have Keurig K250, you only need to buy water filters and place one filter in the original holder.
Jerry
The amount of time I spend trying to just get a cup of coffee is frustrating because I really want this damn thing to just work. From all comments on the 2.0 problems guess I will have to just buy a cheap coffee maker because at least then I can get a cup of coffee and would be cheaper to waste a whole pot then the amount of failed justifies pods I’m throwing away any ways!
Jerry
Getting water under pressure message have rescaled cleaned all needles and can not get to work. It has been doing this since first month I got but always worked if cleaned needles now nothing fixes it ?
Danijela
Hi Jerry, unfortunately this is not something you can easily fix on your own (you need to disassemble the unit and that’s not something I recommend). I think it’s best to contact Keurig Customer Service at 866-901-2739 for further assistance. Good luck!
Lois Daniels
My Keurig 2.0.500 will not stop dispensing water, regardless of choice of ounces selected.
Solution?
Danijela
Hi Lois, please try descaling your machine first it can help with this issue. You can try this too: unplug the machine, remove the reservoir, turn it upside down, shake slightly and tap the bottom few times. I know it sounds funny but it often helps. If this doesn’t work neither, the only option is to call Keurig support at 1.866.901.2739.
Nicole
I was given a kuerig 2.0 and when I attempt to use it the touchscreen only gives the option of hot water. Even with a kcup inserted only plain hot water is dispensed. I’m not sure if something is missing or not doing something right and my son seems to have thrown away the directions.
Danijela
Hi Nicole, go to this page and you’ll find the links to all 2.0 manuals (not sure which model you have). Follow the link and download a copy for your model. Although, I’m not sure why it only displays the hot water option. When you insert the k-cup and close the handle, it should display all the options for the k-cup brewing. Maybe it doesn’t recognize the k-cups for some reason. Try again with your manual and if it doesn’t work, feel free to call Keurig customer service. All the best!
Evan
My 2.0 will dispense hot water at the correct amount, but when I put in a K cup it will not dispense anything. I can’t find anything that gives me information on this specific problem. I’ve cleaned the needle and reseated the water tank and it keeps doing the same thing.
Danijela
Hi Evan, is there any message on the touchscreen? Are there any sounds like machine trying to dispense the water or absolutely nothing happens?
christine boivin
hi …i cleaned the machine like they said on the bottle ..but know im at step 3 and know nothing will drip !!!
Bob21
My kuerig screen has the message “sorry there is a problem. Water under pressure.” Anyone else have this problem?
Danijela
Hi Bob,
the “water under pressure” issue usually indicates the problem with the exit needle. Carefully open the handle, take out the pod and clean the exit needle. You can either use a paper clip or a the maintenance accessory (the little orange tool) that came with your brewer. Here’s how to clean exit needle on Keurig 2.0. If this doesn’t solve the problem, I recommend to call customer service. Thanks for stopping by!
Wendy
I ran vinegar through my Keurig 2.0 and washed all detachable pieces and cleaned needle with paper clip, as I have before, and now it says my K-cups are not compatible.
Danijela
Hi Wendy,
it probably got clogged somewhere. Can you run the rinse cycle (without inserting the pod)?! If you can, please run few rinse cycles to remove any particles left in the machine. If it still doesn’t recognize the pod, please turn off and unplug your machine for 30 minutes, turn back on and run rinse cycle again. If the problem persists, please contact Keurig customer service at 866-901-2739 to help you troubleshoot the machine. Thank you.
Brandi
This may seem like a crazy question, but is the water filter supposed to be used with bottled water or only for tap water?
Danijela
Hi Brandi, if you use bottled water the water filter is optional.
SJW
My heater seems much louder after cleaning any thought? I did have to clean the spikes and that helped the amount of fluid dispensed.
Rick E
Thank you for these instructions. Before cleaning the pump would only give two squirts then stop. Cleaning the entrance needle restored full operation!
Danijela
You’re welcome, I’m glad everything works now. :) Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Patricia kausal
I have keurig 2.0. I can not brew coffee on the normal setting. I works only get 2oz off coffee on the 8oz setting. I would sometimes get 10oz on three 4oz setting. After trying cleaning descaling and trying turning off,unplugging, holding the off button and every other tip I can find….ugh I can only get coffee off I use the hot cocoa button and it often takes a few tries to get 10 oz. No matter what amount of oz I press it is always giving me a other amount. 16oz comes out of 4oz, 2oz congress out of the 10oz, sometimes 6oz of the 6 oz but it’s like a surprise as to how much will come out. Any ideas of how to fix this. I am sure calling customer service will just have me purchase me brewer at this point I will go back to a standard coffee maker for $10.00 verses another $140.00 machine. I will not spend anymore money on broken machines. Esp after I have learned most computerized appliances malfunction within a month of its warranty this is because corporations do not make money off of working products. So they are actually programmed to malfunction. If enough consumers complain that is the only way they issue a defect and recall. I personally have had enough of this b.s.
Danijela
Hi Patricia, I would call Customer Service just in case. The machine is obviously broken so maybe there’s a small chance they will offer you a replacement especially if it’s still under warranty. If they don’t, then you can go back to a standard coffee maker. You can also try this fix: unplug the machine, remove the reservoir, turn the machine upside down, tap the bottom, and shake it a little bit. Then put the reservoir back and turn the machine on to see if it will work normally. This helps with short cup problem on classic Keurig models, maybe it can help with your model too. Let me know if you need anything else.
Karen
This happened to us at work and we realized it was only for one particular person. She was using an off brand like Maxwell House International Cafe coffees. No one else seemed to have the problem. She stopped using those pods and the problem went away.
Jon
Nice directions but I would like to see added a note on how much white vinegar to use for the de-scaling.
Danijela
Hi Jon, I would fill up about 2/3 of the reservoir with white vinegar (do not add water). That’s 30 oz of vinegar for K250, 40 oz for K350, 45 oz for K450 and around 50 oz for descaling K550. I hope this helps.