Not only is a clean coffee maker more sanitary, but it also makes a better cup of coffee. Not sure how to clean a Keurig properly? Here are step-by-step instructions.
Not only is a clean coffee maker more sanitary, but it will make a better tasting coffee.
While most people clean their Keurig from time to time and maybe run a rinse pod once a week, I encourage you to invest just a little extra effort in this process.
I know – what we can’t see, we don’t always clean. Generally, that can be fine and pretty harmless, but there are times it can be, well, pretty gross.
I recommend having a weekly or monthly cleaning routine. You might not feel like you have time for this, but cleaning your Keurig completely might not take as long as you think. It only takes 15, 20 minutes and it will have a huge impact.
You will not need to worry about germs and yeast in the water tank, and the brew head won’t be full of grounds and oils that are left behind. You will also prevent issues with the water flow and clogged exit needles on time.
I like to do this weekly but you can do it once a month if that’s too much. Just do it when you can. Here’s my process for deep-cleaning Keurig coffee maker:
HOW TO CLEAN KEURIG COFFEE MAKER
What you’ll need:
Mild soap
Water
Clean, dry cloth
A toothbrush or paper towels
A paper clip
Instructions:
1. Unplug the machine
2. Remove and wash removable parts
Remove the drip tray, water tank, and pod holder from the unit. To remove the k-cup holder, hold the top and push up the bottom with the other hand.
Wash all the parts with mild detergent and rinse well.
3. Clean the k-cup holder and both exit needles
To do this, pull the bottom part of the holder to remove the funnel. Don’t put your fingers inside the k-cup holder because of the needle.
Insert a paper clip into the exit needle from the bottom to push out grounds if there are any. Rinse everything and put the funnel back on.
Make sure to also clean the top exit needle placed under the handle using a paper clip. People often forget the top exit needle.
Here’s a video showing how to do all these steps
4. Wipe the unit
Clean out coffee grounds or any build-ups left in the unit using a toothbrush or a paper towel. Pay attention to the area around the k-cup holder and the handle. Wipe the rest of the unit with a damp cloth.
Reassemble and turn on the brewer.
4. Add water and rinse
Fill the water tank with fresh water and run two or three brew cycles without inserting to pod just to make sure everything is rinsed nicely, and you’re all done. Now you can make coffee that doesn’t taste like feet!
Extra step: If you are worried about germs and yeast, you can occasionally run a vinegar rinse if you like. You can do it before you clean your machine or after, whichever you prefer.
To clean Keurig with vinegar, combine equal parts of white vinegar and water. You don’t need to fill an entire tank just make sure you have enough solution to run 3 or 4 brew cycles. Run few brew cycles, then remove and wash the water tank. Refill with fresh water and rinse until the vinegar smell is completely removed.
Descaling
Descaling should be done every 3 – 4 months, depending on the mineral content of the water in your area. Descaling helps clean mineral build-up inside your machine and can help with poor performance. Here’s how to descale your Keurig brewer.
Replacing Keurig Water Filter
The water filter should be changed every 2 months or 60 tank refills. Here’s how to replace the Keurig water filter:
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. Next, rinse it under running water for 1 more minute.
4. Place the filter in the filter holder and close the bottom.
5. Place a filter holder in the reservoir and push it down in place.
Any amount of time spent cleaning your coffee maker is going to be time well-spent. It’s definitely a better use of time than, say, doom-scrolling on your phone! It takes only 15 minutes and it is sure to pay off.
Plus, here are seven tips to help you make better k cup coffee.
Related: Keurig 2.0 Cleaning Instructions
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