There is nothing worse than hitting “brew” only to get half a cup of lukewarm, bitter sludge. If your machine is covered in coffee splatters or clogged with mineral scaling, your morning routine suffers. The solution is simple: you need to clean and descale your coffee maker.
Don’t worry; it is an easy task that does not take much active effort. Read on to learn exactly how to clean a Keurig coffee maker and get your brew back to perfection.
Key Takeaways
- Routine Maintenance: Wash removable parts weekly and wipe down the exterior to prevent bacteria and oil buildup.
- Deep Cleaning: Use a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and water to descale the internal components and remove bad odors.
- Frequency: Descale your machine every 3 to 6 months, or immediately if the “Descale” light turns on.
- Needle Care: Don’t forget to unclog the entrance and exit needles with a paperclip if your coffee flow slows down.
Cleaning Vs. Descaling: What’s The Difference?
There is a distinct difference between cleaning a coffee maker and descaling one, though you should do both. Cleaning refers to the surface maintenance. It involves washing the reservoir, tray, and K-cup holder to remove coffee oil residue, dust, and bacteria.
Descaling takes care of the inside. As water runs through the machine, it leaves behind mineral deposits known as scale. If you live in an area with hard water, this happens much faster. You must descale your machine periodically to dissolve this buildup; otherwise, it will clog the heating element and ruin the flavor of your coffee.
How to Clean a Keurig Coffee Maker With Vinegar
If your coffee tastes burnt, smells moldy, or takes forever to brew, your machine needs a deep clean. Vinegar is an acidic cleaner that cuts through grease and dissolves mineral scale naturally. Here is how to use vinegar to restore your machine.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following supplies before you start:
- White distilled vinegar
- Dish soap
- All-purpose cleaner
- Clean toothbrush
- Large bowl
- Large mug
- Microfiber cloth
- Paper clip (straightened)
1. Prep the Machine
Start by unplugging your machine for safety. Remove the water reservoir, dump out any old water, and remove the charcoal water filter holder. Set the filter aside (or throw it away if it is old).
2. Wash Removable Components
Take apart everything that can be removed. Depending on your model, this usually includes the lid, drip tray, water reservoir, and the K-cup holder assembly.
Wash these items in a sink full of warm, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly. It is best to let these parts air dry on a rack to avoid getting lint from a towel stuck on them.
3. Wipe Down the Exterior
Spray a clean cloth with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe down the entire outside of the machine. If you see white, crusty spots (scale) around the dispensing area, dip your soft toothbrush in vinegar and scrub them away. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
4. Unclog the Needles
Coffee grounds often get stuck in the piercing needles, which slows down flow. Locate the entrance needle (under the handle lid) and the exit needle (inside the K-cup holder bottom).
Take your straightened paper clip and gently insert it into the metal tubes. Wiggle it around carefully to loosen any debris. Be very careful; these needles are extremely sharp.
5. Soak the Reusable Filter
If you use a reusable mesh filter, it likely has oil buildup clogging the screen. Soak it in a bowl of pure white vinegar for about 10 minutes. Use the toothbrush to gently scrub the mesh until it is clear, then rinse well.
6. Reassemble the Unit
Once all the washed parts are dry, put the machine back together. Plug it back in and turn the power on.
7. Fill with Vinegar Solution
Pour 3 cups of white vinegar and 3 cups of water into the reservoir (a 1:1 ratio). Place a large mug on the drip tray to catch the hot liquid.
8. Run the Brew Cycles
Lift and lower the handle (without inserting a K-cup) and select the largest cup size. Brew the hot vinegar water into your mug. Dump the hot liquid into the sink. Repeat this process until the “Add Water” light turns on.
9. The Fresh Water Rinse
Vinegar does a great job cleaning, but it tastes terrible. Let the machine sit for 30 minutes with the residual vinegar inside, then dump the reservoir. Rinse the reservoir out in the sink, fill it with fresh, clean water, and run brew cycles until the water smells and tastes neutral. You may need to refill the tank a few times.
10. Replace the Filter
Grab a fresh charcoal water filter and soak it in water for 5 minutes. Insert it into the filter handle and snap it back into your reservoir. Your Keurig is now sanitized and ready for fresh coffee.
Pro-Tip
If you hate the smell of vinegar, you can use lemon juice instead. Mix a 50-50 solution of lemon juice and water. It is acidic enough to break down scale but smells much fresher. Just keep in mind that you might need a lot of lemons (or a large bottle of juice) to get enough volume.
How to Descale a Keurig Coffee Maker (Commercial Solution)
While vinegar works well, Keurig recommends their proprietary descaling solution. It is formulated to be gentle on the internal pumps while aggressively attacking calcium deposits. If you have a newer model with a specific “Descale” mode (like the Keurig Supreme), follow the specific button combinations in your manual. For standard brewers, use the steps below.
What You’ll Need
- Keurig Descaling Solution
- Dish soap
- Fresh water
- Large ceramic mug
1. Empty the Machine
Make sure the brewer is powered off. Empty all water from the reservoir and remove the charcoal water filter.
2. Mix the Solution
Pour the entire bottle of Keurig Descaling Solution into the empty reservoir. Fill the empty solution bottle with water and add that to the reservoir as well (creating a 1:1 mix).
3. Run the Cleansing Brew
Power the machine on. Place a large mug on the drip tray. Run a cleansing brew (largest cup size, no pod) and pour the contents down the sink. Repeat this until the “Add Water” light turns on.
4. Let it Soak
Once the solution has run through the lines, leave the machine on and let it stand for 30 minutes. This allows the acidic solution to break down the hardened minerals inside the heating element.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Remove the reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to remove any chemical residue. Fill it to the “Max” line with fresh water.
6. The Final Flush
Run at least 12 cleansing brews using fresh water. You want to ensure absolutely no descaling solution remains, as it can alter the taste of your coffee.
7. Reinstall Filter
Once rinsed, install a new water filter cartridge. Wipe down the machine, and you are done.
Troubleshooting: Foam and Slow Drips
Sometimes, the reaction between the acid and the minerals creates foam. This is normal. However, if your machine is heavily scaled, it might stop dispensing water entirely during the process.
If this happens, turn off the machine and unplug it. Pour out the solution, rinse the reservoir, and fill it with fresh water. Plug it back in and try a fresh water brew. The clog should clear up. If not, let it sit for another 30 minutes to let the solution work on the blockage before trying again.
How Often Should I Clean My Keurig?
Maintenance frequency depends on how often you use the machine and the hardness of your water. Here is a quick schedule to keep your coffee tasting fresh.
Every Week
Wash the removable parts (tray, reservoir, lid) in warm soapy water. This prevents mold and slime from growing in the moist environment. Wipe down the exterior to remove coffee splatters.
Every Two Months
Replace the charcoal water filter. These filters trap chlorine and minerals; over time, they become saturated and stop working. If you use the machine heavily, you might need to change this every 60 days.
Every Three to Six Months
Descale the machine. If you have very hard water, do this every 3 months. If you use filtered water, you can stretch it to 6 months. Most newer machines have a “Descale” light that will tell you exactly when it is time.
Tips For Keeping Your Keurig Machine Clean
- Rinse after sugary drinks: If you brew hot cocoa or cider pods, run a hot water cycle immediately after to wash away the sticky sugar residue.
- Use filtered water: Tap water is the main culprit for scale. Using bottled or filtered water will extend the life of your machine significantly.
- Eject pods immediately: Don’t leave used K-cups in the holder all day. The wet grounds encourage bacteria and mold growth right near the needle.
- Leave the lid open: After brewing, leave the handle up or the reservoir lid slightly ajar to let the internal parts air dry.
FAQs
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Keurig Coffee Maker?
The most effective method is to empty the reservoir and fill it with a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and water. Run brew cycles until the reservoir is empty, then let the machine sit for 30 minutes. Finally, run 12 cycles of fresh water to rinse it out.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Keurig Mini?
To clean a Keurig Mini, add roughly 4 to 5 ounces of vinegar solution to the reservoir. Lift and lower the handle to brew the solution through. Since there is no large reservoir, you have to add fresh water for every rinse cycle. Repeat the rinse process at least 3 times.
Can You Use Vinegar to Descale a Keurig Coffee Maker?
Yes, white distilled vinegar is a safe and effective descaler. It is acidic enough to dissolve calcium and lime deposits without damaging the plastic components of the brewer.
What Is the Best Descaler?
The Keurig Descaling Solution is the manufacturer’s top recommendation as it is formulated specifically for their pumps. However, standard white vinegar is a very close second and is much cheaper.
What Can I Use Instead of Descaling Solution?
If you do not have descaling solution or vinegar, you can use citric acid powder mixed with water or straight lemon juice (mixed 1:1 with water). Avoid using baking soda, as it can clump up and clog the thin tubing inside the brewer.
How Do I Turn Off the Descale Light on My Keurig?
On many models, the light only resets after you complete a full descaling cycle. If it stays on, hold down the 8oz and 10oz buttons together for 3-5 seconds. On Keurig Supreme models, ensure the machine is plugged in and powered off, then hold the designated buttons listed in your manual to reset the sensor.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Keurig?
If you skip cleaning, mineral scale will build up on the heating element, preventing the water from getting hot enough. Eventually, the water lines will clog completely, and the machine will stop working. Furthermore, mold and bacteria can grow in the damp areas, making your coffee unsafe to drink.
Why Does My Keurig Taste Like Plastic?
A plastic taste usually occurs with brand-new machines (outgassing) or dirty machines. To fix this, wash the reservoir with warm soapy water and run several cycles of vinegar solution through the brewer to strip away the manufacturing oils or residue causing the taste.
In Conclusion
Cleaning your Keurig does not have to be a chore you dread. By running a simple vinegar cycle every few months and changing your filter regularly, you ensure that your morning cup tastes like premium roast, not dirty water. Take 30 minutes this weekend to give your machine the spa treatment it deserves; your tastebuds will thank you.
