Kitchen

How to Clean Keurig

Keeping your keurig clean isn't just about appearance -- it's about hygiene and performance. Here's how to do it right, with the supplies you probably already have at home.

What You'll Need

  • White vinegar
  • Fresh water
  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
  • Soft cloth or sponge
  • Paperclip for needle cleaning

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Disassemble removable parts

    Remove the water reservoir, lid, drip tray, and K-cup holder. Wash each piece with warm water and Lemon Glow Dish Soap.

  2. 2

    Clean the exit needle

    Straighten a paperclip and carefully insert it into the exit needle under the K-cup holder to dislodge any coffee grounds blocking the flow.

  3. 3

    Fill the reservoir with vinegar

    Pour undiluted white vinegar into the water reservoir until half full. Add water to fill the rest.

  4. 4

    Run the descaling brew cycles

    Without inserting a K-cup, run brew cycles on the largest cup setting until the reservoir is empty. Let the machine sit for 30 minutes with the power on.

  5. 5

    Rinse with fresh water

    Fill the reservoir with clean water and run at least 3 full brew cycles to flush all vinegar out. Reassemble the clean parts.

Pro Tips

  • TIPDescale your Keurig every 3-6 months, or monthly if you have hard water, to prevent calcium buildup.
  • TIPLeave the reservoir lid open when not in use to let it air dry and prevent mold and mildew growth.
  • TIPUse filtered water instead of tap to reduce mineral deposits and improve your coffee's taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XForgetting to clean the exit needle, which is the most common cause of weak, incomplete, or grounds-filled brews.
  • XUsing apple cider vinegar, which is harder to rinse and leaves a lingering taste in your coffee.
  • XNot running enough rinse cycles after descaling, resulting in vinegar-flavored coffee for days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every 3-6 months with normal use. If you have hard water, every 2-3 months. The machine may display a descale indicator when it's time.