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!
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 most appreciated appliance a good clean at least once a month. This is an easy way to keep your machine running well and to always have tasty cup of coffee.
Spot-cleaning after spills and drips is easy, but what you really want to do is to clean the exit needles, the area around the k cup holder, and the water tank. Don’t worry, this might not take as long as you think. It only takes 15, 20 minutes and it will have a huge impact.
You should also descale your machine every 3 – 4 months, depending on the mineral content of the water in your area.
Pro tip: If you want the best tasting coffee, rinse the tank and fill it with fresh water every morning. This will make such a difference. Also, make sure to thoroughly wash the water tank with mild soap at least once per week.
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. Make sure to also clean the valve at the bottom of the tank and on the machine where the tank goes, to make sure there is no slime or mold.
3. Clean the k cup holder and exit needles: While you can use a needle maintenance tool to clean the top exit needle, this isn’t the most efficient way for cleaning exit needles. 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 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 few brew cycles without inserting the pod to rinse the machine.
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. 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 to use for descaling? You can descale a Keurig with vinegar or with a commercial descaler. White vinegar is a good option if you’re worried about germs and yeast, but commercial descalers are much more efficient for mineral deposits.
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 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. Use 6 ounce setting for Keurig K250 or 10 ounce setting for other models: K350, K450, and K550. Wait until the solution is dispensed. Discard mug contents.
4. Repeat: 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 rinses : Fill the reservoir with clean water only and again, place a mug or a pitcher on a drip tray. Press the brew button to rinse. Repeat the 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 finally make yourself a delicious cup of coffee.
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. Here’s how to change the water filter on Keurig 2.0.
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 or distilled water in your Keurig machine.
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. If you’re getting Sorry, brew interrupted message and you don’t have the time to do a full cleaning routine, just use the maintenance tool.
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 the top exit needle.
Keurig rinse pods: If you’re brewing different types of beverages like tea and hot chocolate, you can use Keurig rinse pods between brews. Keurig recommends using rinse pods once a week or after flavored teas or hot chocolate.
Keep in mind that 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.
Delicious homemade coffee starts with a clean coffee maker. Keep your machine shiny and oil-free, and brewing the best Keurig coffee at home will be much easier.
SAVE FOR LATER – PIN IT!
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