The Basic Cleaning Routine You Should Do Weekly

A Keurig needs two kinds of cleaning: the daily rinse that takes two minutes, and the monthly deep clean that takes about an hour. The daily routine keeps your machine running and your coffee tasting fresh. Every time you brew, remove the K-Cup pod, lift the top cover, and rinse the needle (the metal spike that punctures the pod) under running water. Wipe the inside of the cover with your finger to clear any grounds or debris stuck there.

Empty the drip tray and the water reservoir at least once a week, even if they do not look full. Water sits in both, and stale water tastes bad and can grow mold. Wash both parts with warm soapy water, rinse them thoroughly, and dry them before putting them back. The drip tray slides out from under the spout. The reservoir pulls straight up and out of the back of the machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Rinse the needle and wipe the top cover after every brew to prevent grounds from building up and blocking water flow.
  • Empty and wash the drip tray and water reservoir weekly with warm soapy water to stop mold and stale-water taste.
  • Run a descaling cycle with Keurig descaling solution or white vinegar once a month to clear mineral buildup inside the machine.
  • A full descale takes about an hour and involves running the solution through the machine, letting it sit, and rinsing with fresh water multiple times.

How to Descale Your Keurig Monthly

Descaling removes mineral deposits that build up inside the machine over time, especially if you have hard water. These deposits slow water flow, make the machine heat unevenly, and can eventually clog it completely. Keurig sells its own descaling solution, but white vinegar works just as well and costs less. You will need about 16 ounces of descaling solution or white vinegar and a full reservoir of fresh water.

Start by emptying the water reservoir and refilling it with your descaling solution. Place a large mug or container under the spout—the solution will come out hot. Press the brew button and let the machine run until the reservoir is empty. Do not put a K-Cup in the machine. Once the reservoir is empty, let the machine sit for 30 minutes. This gives the solution time to break down the mineral buildup inside.

After 30 minutes, refill the reservoir with fresh water and run another full brew cycle into your container. Repeat this rinse cycle at least two more times. You want to flush out all the descaling solution or vinegar taste. Some people run a fourth or fifth rinse if they used vinegar, since the smell can linger. Once the water runs clear and smells like nothing, your machine is descaled.

Cleaning the K-Cup Holder and Exit Needle

The K-Cup holder—the part that holds the pod while it brews—collects grounds and old coffee residue. Lift the top cover of your machine all the way up. You will see the holder in the center, surrounded by a metal ring. Twist the holder counterclockwise and pull it straight out. Rinse it under warm running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub away any stuck grounds or brown buildup.

The exit needle sits directly above the holder. This is where brewed coffee drains out of the pod. It clogs easily and causes weak coffee or no coffee at all. Use a straightened paperclip or a Keurig needle-cleaning tool (sold separately, but a paperclip works fine) to poke through the small hole from the top. Push gently and wiggle it to dislodge any grounds. Rinse the needle under running water while you do this. Put the holder back in, twist it clockwise until it clicks, and close the top cover.

Cleaning the Water Reservoir and Filter

The water reservoir sits on the back of the machine and holds the water that gets heated and pumped through. It has a removable filter inside that catches sediment and chlorine. Pull the reservoir straight up and out. Look inside the top opening—you will see a small cylindrical filter held in place by a clip. Slide the filter out by pressing the clip and pulling gently.

Rinse the filter under running water. If it looks brown or discolored, soak it in a cup of water for 15 minutes, then rinse again. Replace the filter by sliding it back into the clip until it clicks. Wash the inside of the reservoir with warm soapy water, paying attention to the bottom corners where sediment settles. Rinse thoroughly and refill with fresh water. Replace the reservoir on the machine.

What to Do If Your Keurig Stops Brewing or Brews Slowly

A machine that brews slowly or not at all is almost always clogged with mineral buildup or grounds. Start with the needle. Remove the K-Cup holder, straighten a paperclip, and poke the exit needle from the top several times. Rinse it under running water. If that does not work, run a descaling cycle as described above.

If descaling does not fix it, the clog may be deeper in the machine's internal tubes. Run the descaling solution through again, but this time let it sit for a full hour instead of 30 minutes. Some people repeat the entire descale process twice in a row. If the machine still will not brew after two full descales, the internal pump may be damaged and the machine may need replacement.

Cleaning the Exterior and Spout

Wipe the outside of the machine with a damp cloth and dry it when ready. Do not pour water over the machine or submerge any part of it except the removable pieces. The spout where coffee comes out can get sticky from dried coffee. Soak a cloth in warm water, hold it against the spout for a minute to soften the buildup, then wipe it clean. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the grooves if needed.

If your machine has a removable drip tray with a grid or grate, take it out and rinse it separately. Dried coffee can build up in the grid and block water drainage. Scrub it with a brush and warm soapy water, rinse well, and let it dry before putting it back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white vinegar instead of Keurig descaling solution?

Yes. White vinegar works as well as commercial descaling solution and costs much less. Use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water, or use straight vinegar. The main drawback is the smell—vinegar can leave a lingering odor that requires extra rinse cycles to remove completely. Some people prefer commercial solution because it has less smell.

How often should I descale my Keurig?

Once a month is the standard recommendation. If you have very hard water, descale every two weeks. If you have soft water or use filtered water, you may be able to go six weeks between descales. Watch for slower brewing as a sign that minerals are building up.

What if water leaks from the bottom of my machine?

Check that the drip tray is seated properly and not overfull. Empty it and push it back in until it clicks. If water still leaks, the internal seal may be worn. Try running a descale cycle—sometimes mineral buildup prevents the seal from closing properly. If leaking continues after descaling, the machine likely needs replacement.

Do I need to clean my Keurig if I only use it once a week?

Yes. Even if you brew rarely, water sits in the reservoir and can grow mold. Empty and rinse the reservoir weekly. Descale once a month regardless of how often you brew. Stale water and mineral buildup happen on a calendar, not a brew count.