Quick Tips
That first sip of coffee should be smooth, bold, and fresh—not flavored with months of mineral buildup, old coffee residue, and mold lurking in the reservoir. If your Keurig is sputtering, brewing slower than usual, or serving up coffee with a side of weird aftertaste, it’s begging for a deep clean. Regular maintenance isn’t just about better-tasting coffee—it keeps your machine running smoothly and extends its lifespan. Here’s how to properly clean your Keurig and keep it working like new.
Why Cleaning Your Keurig is Essential
Over time, minerals from water build up inside your Keurig, clogging internal components and making it work harder than it should. Coffee oils and old grounds create residue in the pod holder, leading to bitter, off-tasting brews. Worst of all, a damp, warm environment makes your machine the perfect home for bacteria and mold. Cleaning your Keurig regularly means better coffee, fewer breakdowns, and no unexpected science experiments inside your water tank.
Neglecting your Keurig’s maintenance also leads to uneven water flow, impacting brew strength and efficiency. If you notice inconsistent coffee taste or an unusually loud brewing process, that’s a sign your machine needs attention. Ignoring these warning signals could result in long-term damage that requires costly repairs or replacements.
What You’ll Need
- White Vinegar or Descaling Solution – Breaks down mineral buildup.
- Dish Soap – Cuts through coffee oils and grime.
- Warm Water – Essential for rinsing components.
- Microfiber Cloth or Soft Sponge – For wiping down the exterior and drip tray.
- Toothbrush or Soft Bristle Brush – Helps scrub hard-to-reach areas.
- Paperclip or Needle – For clearing clogged needles.
- Filtered Water – To prevent future buildup.
- Baking Soda (Optional) – Useful for removing stubborn stains.
- Lemon Juice (Optional) – A natural alternative to vinegar for descaling.
How to Clean Your Keurig in 6 Steps
1. Unplug and Disassemble
Always start by unplugging your Keurig. Remove the water reservoir, lid, drip tray, and K-cup holder. These parts accumulate grime, and separating them makes the cleaning process easier. If your model has a removable water filter, take that out too—it needs separate cleaning or replacement.
Once disassembled, inspect each part for residue, staining, or mildew. If you notice any mold growth, take extra time to clean these areas thoroughly, as mold spores can impact the quality of your coffee and pose health risks.
2. Wash the Removable Parts
Take all the removable parts to the sink and wash them with warm, soapy water. Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to clean the reservoir and drip tray, avoiding anything abrasive that could scratch the surfaces. For the K-cup holder, a toothbrush helps remove trapped coffee grounds. Rinse everything thoroughly and let the parts air dry.
For deeper cleaning, consider soaking the reservoir and drip tray in a mixture of warm water and baking soda for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. This helps remove stubborn grime and coffee stains.
3. Clean the Needles (No More Clogged Coffee Streams)
If your Keurig is brewing slower than usual, the entrance and exit needles might be clogged with coffee grounds. Grab a paperclip or needle and gently insert it into the needle holes to dislodge debris. Running a quick water-only brew cycle afterward flushes out any loosened particles.
A clogged needle not only slows the brewing process but can also lead to incomplete extractions, resulting in weak coffee. Cleaning it regularly ensures optimal water flow and full-flavored brews.
4. Descale the Machine (Goodbye, Hard Water Buildup)
Fill the water reservoir halfway with white vinegar or Keurig’s official descaling solution, then top it off with water. Run brew cycles without a pod until the reservoir is empty, pausing midway to let the vinegar sit and break down mineral deposits. If the buildup is severe, let the machine rest for 30 minutes before finishing the cycle.
For those who prefer a non-vinegar alternative, lemon juice mixed with water can be an effective descaler. The citric acid in lemon juice helps break down mineral buildup while leaving a fresh scent.
5. Flush with Fresh Water
After descaling, you don’t want your next cup of coffee tasting like vinegar. Refill the reservoir with filtered water and run multiple brew cycles until the smell is gone. This step ensures no cleaning residue affects the flavor of your next brew.
Some users opt to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the first water rinse cycle, which helps neutralize any lingering acidity from vinegar or lemon juice.
6. Wipe Down and Reassemble
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the machine’s exterior, focusing on areas prone to spills and dust. Once the removable parts are dry, reassemble your Keurig and marvel at how clean it looks. Now, it’s ready to deliver fresh, untainted coffee.
Preventative Maintenance: Keeping Your Keurig Clean Longer
- Use Filtered Water – Reduces mineral buildup and extends the time between deep cleanings.
- Clean the Drip Tray Weekly – Avoids mold and bacteria growth from stagnant water.
- Run a Water-Only Brew Once a Week – Clears out coffee residue before it becomes a problem.
- Descale Every 3-6 Months – Prevents mineral buildup from affecting performance.
- Replace Water Filters Regularly – Keeps your coffee tasting pure and prevents scale buildup.
- Store in a Dry, Ventilated Area – Avoiding excess humidity helps prevent mold growth inside the machine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Regular Cleaning – A dirty machine makes bad coffee and won’t last as long.
- Using Harsh Cleaners – Stick to white vinegar, mild dish soap, and soft cloths.
- Ignoring the Needles – Clogged needles lead to weak, slow brews.
- Not Rinsing After Descaling – Residual vinegar taste in coffee is nobody’s idea of a good morning.
- Letting Water Sit in the Reservoir for Weeks – Stagnant water breeds bacteria and affects taste.
- Neglecting External Cleaning – Coffee splatters and dust can accumulate over time, making the machine look grimy.
Final Thoughts
A clean Keurig is a happy Keurig. Taking a few minutes to wash parts weekly and descale every few months keeps your coffee fresh, your machine running smoothly, and your mornings a lot less frustrating. If you’re already in cleaning mode, check out How to Clean a Coffee Maker for more tips on keeping your caffeine fix tasting great.