Don’t skip this one! A detailed guide on how to clean Keurig 2.0 and how to descale Keurig 2.0 and make it running efficiently again!
Image source: Keurig .com
Here’s the thing about coffee makers: They get way grosser than we realize. Over time they can collect hard water buildup, mold, bacteria or clogs. In addition to that, they can accumulate oil buildups and make your coffee taste bitter or burnt.
How often should you clean your Keurig? Give your coffee maker a nice clean once a month. This includes cleaning the k cup holder, exit needles and the area around the k-cup holder. The descaling process should be done every 3, 4 months, depending on the mineral content of the water in your area. Clean the water tank more often, at least once a week. For the best tasting coffee, quickly rinse the tank and fill it with fresh water every morning.
So, let’s take a little time and clean the coffee maker! I’ll walk you through it:
monthly cleaning routine
About once a month, it’s a good idea to give one of your most-appreciated appliances a quick clean to ensure your coffee taste great and keep your machine running well.
Spot-cleaning after spills and drips is easy, but what you really want to do is clean the exit needles, the area around the k-cup holder and the water tank. The water tank will be shiny and clean, and since there will be no oil buildups your coffee will taste much better.
This will take 10 – 15 minutes. Do this once a month. I would wash the tank more often, at least once per week. Tip: Quickly rinse the tank and fill it with fresh water every morning, for the best tasting coffee.
How to clean the keurig 2.0
What you need:
Mild soap
Water
Clean, dry cloth
A toothbrush or paper towels
A paper clip
Instructions:
1. Unplug the machine.
2. Remove the tank and the drip tray: Remove the drip tray and water tank and wash them with mild detergent. Rinse. Check the valve at the bottom of the tank and on the machine where the tank goes to make sure the valve is nice and clean too.
3. Clean the k-cup holder and exit needles. While you can use needle maintenance tool to clean top exit needle, this won’t really clean the unit inside. What you need to do is take out the k cup holder and the diffuser so you can clean them properly.
To do this, turn off the brewer and take out the k-cup holder and the tray that sits under the k cup holder. Press the buttons on the k cup holder to separate the holder and housing. Use a paper clip to remove debris and grounds from the bottom exit needle, then wash the holder with water. Be careful, the needle is sharp. Next, wash the housing and the diffuser to remove any oils or coffee grounds. Here’s a video showing exactly how to do it.
4. Wipe the unit: Clean out coffee grounds or any dirt left in the unit – especially around the top exit needle and handle, using a toothbrush or a paper towel. Wipe the rest of the unit with a damp cloth. Return all the removable parts and plug in the machine.
5. Add water and rinse: To finish, fill the tank with fresh water and run one or two rinse cycles.
HOW TO DESCALE A 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.
What you need:
Water
large mug/ bowl
Descaling solution
Instructions:
1. Prepare the brewer: Empty the water from the water reservoir, remove the water filter and turn off the brewer.
2. Add descaling solution: Pour 1 bottle of Keurig Descaling solution and 14 ounces of water into the reservoir, then turn on your brewer.
3. Descaling rinse: 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 rinse 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. After 30 minutes, remove and empty the water tank and rinse well.
5. Fresh Water rinse: 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.
6. Wipe the unit and wash removable parts: Wipe the machine with a damp cloth, wash all removable parts with mild soap and return them to the unit. Don’t forget to clean the exit needle and the k-cup holder for the best result (explained at the beginning of this post). Fill the tank with fresh clean water and use as usual.
How to descale Keurig 2.0 with vinegar
If using vinegar, fill up about 2/3 of the reservoir with white vinegar and fill the rest of the tank with water up to MAX fill line.
REPLACE KEURIG 2.0 WATER FILTER
The water filter should be changed every 2 months or 60 tank refills. The water filter on Keurig 2.0 is located inside the water tank, on the valve at the bottom of the tank.
There are two types of filter holders for Keurig 2.0 models. The rear reservoir filter holder for K200, and side reservoir filter holder that works with K300, K400 and K500. The filter cartridges are the same for all Keurig 2.0 models.
Here’s how to replace Keurig 2.0 water filter:
1. Remove the water tank from the unit, discard water and remove the filter holder from the tank.
2. On the bottom of the holder, press in the tabs on both sides of the base at the same time and pull down to separate. Discard the old filter.
3. Rinse upper and lower filter holder with water.
4. Take a new water filter and soak it in water for 5 minutes. Then, rinse it under running water for 1 more minute.
5. Place the prepared filter in the upper part of the filter holder, close with the bottom part of the holder and set the date 2 months ahead to know when it needs to be replaced again.
6. Place the filter holder into the tank and push down until in place. Be sure to push firmly all the way down to correctly attach the filter.
Keurig 2.0 brewers have water filter alert and they 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.
Best water for Keurig 2.0: Keurig recommends using bottled or filtered water in their machines or using a water filter. Do not use softened water in your Keurig machine.
Refill the tank every morning: I strongly recommend refilling your water tank with fresh water each morning. Quickly rinse the tank with water and refill. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you need to waste water or your money. If you have an 80 oz reservoir and you use bottled water for example, don’t fill it all the way up. If you brew 4 cups a day you can add 40 ounces maybe and pour fresh water the next morning. Also, make sure to wash the tank with soap and water at least once every week. Fresh clean water is really important for a good cup of coffee.
Keurig 2.0 needle maintenance: As mentioned, for a really clean Keurig, I recommend cleaning exit needles at least once a month using a paper clip. But, you can use needle maintenance tool as a quick solution if the top needle seems clogged (maybe you’re getting Sorry, brew interrupted message) and you don’t have the time to do a full cleaning routine. How to use a needle maintenance tool? 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. This only cleans top exit needles.
Keurig rinse pods: If you’re brewing different types of beverages like tea and hot chocolate, you can use Keurig rinse pods between brews. For example, to remove coffee taste before making tea or to clean your machine after hot chocolate. Keurig recommends using rinse pods once a week or after flavored teas or hot chocolate. Keep in mind, these pods can’t replace proper cleaning (they can’t remove clogs, coffee grounds, or clean the unit inside), their purpose is only to improve the coffee taste.
Great tasting coffee starts with a clean coffee maker. Keep your machine shiny and oil-free, and brewing the best coffee at home will be much easier.
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Donna
I was pleased with the Keurig 2.0 K500 series until it stopped working properly after the 1 yr warranty expiration. Purchased 12/1/2018 it stopped functioning properly January 2020. I was diligent in caring for this coffee maker. I followed all the troubleshooting tips & steps, nothing worked, it kept brewing less and less until it only brews 4 oz. of water no matter what. I have spent days following all your tips, nothing works. I won’t waste my money again on another Keurig.
Ricky Isom
I have bought 3 Keurig 2.0 and all have had the same issue after just a few months of use. The machine will brew a complete cup but will not finish the cycle. It stays on a screen reading not to open the lid. I have to turn it off every time. I have cleaned everything, I use filtered water and use keurig descaling solution but nothing works. My classic Keurig have never had any problems at all, but this is my third 2.0 with the exact same issue on all three of them.
Mary Ann
I bought a Keurig from Facebook market, so I’m not sure how it was maintained or cleaned. Is there any suggestions as to how I can sanitize the machine?
Danijela
Hi Mary, I recommend cleaning and descaling your machine as explained in this post, and then you can do a vinegar rinse if you want. I would first clean the tank, k cup holder, exit needles and the area around the k cup holder to remove any dirt and coffee grounds.
For descaling, you can either use commercial descaler and then do quick vinegar rinse, or you can descale your machine with vinegar. If using commercial descaler use 1 bottle of Keurig descaling solution and follow descaling instructions. When you finish the descaling process and the machine is ready to make the coffee, run one or two more brew cycles just to make sure everything is nice and clean then you can do vinegar rinse. For example, pour 1 cup water and 1 cup white vinegar to the tank and run a few brew cycles until the tank is empty. Remove the tank, rinse well, fill with fresh water and run few more brew cycles until you can no longer smell the vinegar. If using vinegar for descaling, fill up about 2/3 of the reservoir with white vinegar and fill the rest of the tank with water up to MAX fill line, and follow descaling instructions.
Eileen Gabriel
I purchased the Keurig 2.0 and it came without a filter so I purchased a filter kit. When I tried to install it, it would not snap into place and appears to be to tall to fit in the tank. When I looked in the manual, there was no mention of a filter in the care section or as part of the diagram. Does the unit I purchased not come with a filter. Is there a smaller version of the filter holder?
Danijela
Hi Eileen, sorry for the late response. Do you maybe know what model you have? There are two types of water filters for 2.0 – side reservoir water filter and rear reservoir water filter. The K200 is compatible with a smaller, rear reservoir water filter.
JohnnyFRX
Thank you Muchly! Worked like a charm. I couldn’t find a single fricken paperclip in this entire house, soooo,,,I took one of the skinnier key ring loops and straightened it out which left a nice curved end as a handle and used it. My trusty old drip coffee maker made his solo appearance for this morning, but Keurig is back in action now!!
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. ?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.