Cleaning your Keurig coffee machine is an essential part of maintenance that can drastically improve the quality of your coffee and extend the life of your machine. In this guide, we will explain how to clean a Keurig coffee machine effectively and safely.
Firstly, gather all required cleaning supplies. For cleaning a Keurig, you need dish soap, a non-abrasive cloth, an old toothbrush, and white vinegar. Begin by unplugging the machine to ensure safety. Remove the water reservoir and lid, along with the mug stand and K-cup holder. Each of these parts is dishwasher safe and can be cleaned using warm, soapy water. However, if they are very dirty or have mineral build-up, soak them in a vinegar solution before washing.
The machine itself should not be submerged in water. To clean the outer surface, use a wet, soapy cloth to gently wipe it down. For the portion pack holder inside the machine, use an old toothbrush to scrub away any coffee grounds or mineral deposits.
To clean the inside of your Keurig, you’ll need to carry out a process known as descaling. This involves running a vinegar solution through the machine to remove mineral deposits that can affect its performance. Fill the reservoir with half white vinegar and half water, then run the machine without a K-cup until you’ve used half the solution. Let it stand for 30 minutes before running the rest of the solution through.
Once that’s done, refill the reservoir with fresh water and run cycles until you’ve emptied it to rinse out any remaining vinegar. Repeat this two or three times to ensure all vinegar is removed.
It’s important to know how to clean a Keurig because neglecting to do so can lead to poor tasting coffee and potential mechanical issues. It’s recommended to descale your machine every three to six months depending on your usage and water hardness. However, the other parts of your Keurig should be cleaned more frequently, ideally after each use, to keep it working optimally and delivering great tasting coffee every time.
