How to Clean the Keurig Coffee Maker

By lorik

Ingredients

• Equipment :
• Soap
• White vinegar or descaling solution
• Water
• Clean, dry cloth

Details

Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 15mins
Adapted from

Preparation

Step 1

Unplug the machine: It's a simple but important step.

Disassemble and wash removable parts: Remove the water reservoir and lid, mug stand, and also the K-cup holder. Wash these pieces in warm, soapy water and dry.

Wipe machine surface: With a clean, dry cloth (or a damp cloth where needed), wipe the surface of the machine. Don't forget the area around the coffee pod holder where coffee and tea granules may collect. Return all the removable parts and plug in the machine.

Grab the vinegar: White distilled vinegar will help descale (remove lime and scale buildup) your coffee maker, which is key to helping it run. (You can also use a descaling solution.) Fill the water reservoir halfway with vinegar.

Add water: Fill the reservoir the rest of the way with water.

Run the machine: Start the brew cycle without inserting a K-cup. Repeat until reservoir is empty, discarding the mug contents after each brewing cycle. This process will help remove lime and scale buildup. Keurig recommends descaling your brewer at least every 3 to 6 months depending on your water source.

Repeat rinse with water: Repeat the process using only plain water in the reservoir to remove any residual vinegar taste.

Use as usual: Then, when you're ready you can brew a cup of coffee like normal.

A Few Extra Notes:
According to the Keurig website: "We don't recommend the use of softened water or distilled water. Bottled or spring water works best when brewing with your Keurig."
Try cleaning the entry and exit needles if your system isn't performing properly. This video from Keurig explains where to find and how to clean these parts.

Forcing air through the water line by using a straw can help dislodge debris.