How To Clean A Keurig Coffee Maker

Every morning, I take my first sip of coffee and enjoy the rich aroma around me. It reminds me of how important it is to keep my Keurig in good condition. I’ve found that a little care goes a long way in making every cup enjoyable. So, how often should you clean it? A quick wipe or a full descaling can make a big difference. With just a little effort, you’ll save time and enjoy the freshest, most energizing coffee every day!

How Often to Clean Your Keurig

Maintaining your Keurig coffee maker is important to keep it working well. I clean the removable parts, like the drip tray, water reservoir, lid, and K-Cup holder, once a week with warm, soapy water. Every 3 to 6 months, I descale the machine to remove mineral buildup, especially if I use it daily. If you use your Keurig less often, descaling every 6 months is enough. I also replace the water filter every two months to ensure better water quality and taste. Each day, I wipe down the exterior and drip tray, and change the water in the reservoir to keep it fresh. Regular cleaning has helped extend the life of my coffee maker and improved the taste of my coffee.

To keep your Keurig clean and ready for your next brew, here are a few simple tricks I recommend:

First, use a Keurig rinse pod. This gives your machine a clean wash, removing any leftover coffee residue or flavors, especially if you’re trying different K-Cup flavors. It’s quick and easy, so your next cup will taste great.

Also, remember to check the needles! I find that using a paperclip to remove stubborn coffee grounds from the piercing needles makes a big difference. It’s a small effort, but it helps your machine run well and keeps your coffee tasting just right.

Cleaning the Exterior and Removable Parts

To keep your Keurig coffee maker in great shape, I think it’s essential to clean both the exterior and removable parts regularly.

Clean the Exterior Surface

• Use a microfiber cloth: I recommend using a microfiber cloth for cleaning the exterior. It won’t scratch the surface.
• Mild cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. I suggest avoiding harsh chemicals since they can damage the finish.
• Unplug the machine: Always unplug the Keurig before cleaning to ensure safety.
• Wipe the surface: Dampen the microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution and wipe down the entire exterior. Pay special attention to the buttons, displays, and any crevices where dirt can gather.
• Clean the display and buttons: For delicate areas, like the display and buttons, I use a damp cloth. For tough spots, a cotton swab does a great job.
• Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, I wipe off any moisture with a dry cloth to make sure no water gets into the machine.

Start by removing all removable parts from your Keurig, like the water reservoir, lid, drip tray, and K-Cup holder. I recommend washing these pieces with a soft cloth or sponge. Use warm water and mild dish soap to clean them gently. Avoid using harsh sponges or chemicals, as they can scratch or leave residue. After washing, rinse everything with clean water to remove any soap. Finally, dry each part carefully. Pay extra attention to the water reservoir to ensure no moisture remains, as it could cause mold or bacteria to grow.

Specific Parts Cleaning

• Water Reservoir: If possible, I remove the water reservoir and wash it with warm, soapy water. After rinsing, I dry it completely.
• Pod Holder: I disassemble the pod holder and soak it in warm, soapy water to loosen any residue. I scrub it gently with a small brush, then rinse and dry it.
• Drip Tray: I clean the drip tray using a damp cloth and soapy water, then rinse and dry it thoroughly.

Additional Tips for Tough Stains

• White vinegar solution: For stubborn stains or buildup, I use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. I dampen a cloth with this mixture to wipe the exterior.
• Baking soda paste: For tougher spots, I mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. I apply it to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft cloth.

Cleaning Frequency

• Weekly Cleaning: I clean the exterior and removable parts at least once a week, especially if I use my Keurig every day.
• Daily Wipe-Down: To minimize buildup, I wipe down any splatters on the exterior and drip tray after each use.

Cleaning the Interior and Needles

To keep your Keurig coffee maker running well, it’s important to clean its interior and needles regularly. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Cleaning of Needles

1. Unplug the machine: Always unplug your Keurig for safety when cleaning.
2. Remove removable parts: Take off the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder.
3. Access the needles: Lift the handle as if inserting a pod, then push the K-cup holder up to remove the pod holder. Take off the lower funnel to reveal the exit needle.
4. Unclog the exit needle: Use a paper clip or toothpick to carefully clear the exit needle by inserting it into the hollow part and moving it around to remove any blockages.
5. Clean the entrance needle: The entrance needle is in the pod holder’s cap. Use a paper clip or toothpick to clean it. Be careful, as this needle is sharper than the exit needle.

Additional Tips

To keep your Keurig coffee maker running well and make it last longer, follow these simple tips:

• Rinse the external parts: Make it a habit to rinse the drip tray, water reservoir, and lid often. This will help keep your machine clean and prevent splatters.

• Do a cleansing brew: Brew a cycle without a K-cup to remove coffee oils or leftover debris. You can do this from time to time to keep the machine working well.

• Wash removable parts: Detach the water reservoir, lid, drip tray, and K-cup holder, then wash them with warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse them well and dry them to avoid water spots.

• Clear needle blockages: Use a paper clip to remove any coffee grounds from the entrance and exit needles.

• Descale regularly: Descale your Keurig every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you use it. If you use it daily, descaling every three months works best. If you use it less often, you can do it every six months.

• Descaling solution: Use either 16 ounces of white vinegar or 16 ounces of commercial Keurig Descaling Solution mixed with water. Run several brew cycles to clean the system.

After descaling, I usually give my brewer a 30-minute break before rinsing the reservoir. It’s like letting it rest after a workout. This clears out any leftover solution. Then, I run a few fresh water cycles to make sure it’s clean.

I change the water filter every 2-3 months. Fresh water helps the machine work better. If you don’t use it often, swapping the filter every three months is fine. Don’t forget to soak the new filter for about 5 minutes to prepare it.

Keurig Rinse Pods are a must for me, especially when using milk-based or cocoa K-cups. These pods prevent clogs and keep the machine running smoothly, while maintaining the rich flavor I love.

I always unplug my Keurig before cleaning—safety first! After wiping it down, I let the water reservoir air dry to prevent lint buildup and keep everything fresh.

For the exterior, I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it with a clean towel. It’s a small step, but it keeps the machine spotless without those annoying splashes.