Clean your Keurig every three to six months with vinegar and water, or monthly if you use it daily

A Keurig needs cleaning because mineral deposits from tap water build up inside the machine and slow down brewing. You'll notice the coffee takes longer to brew, or the cup fills only halfway. The good news: you can clean it yourself in about an hour using white vinegar, water, and items you already have at home. No special tools or expensive descaling solutions required, though Keurig does sell a branded descaling solution if you prefer.

The process has two parts. First, you run vinegar through the machine to dissolve mineral buildup. Then you run plain water through it several times to rinse out the vinegar taste. Start with a full water reservoir and plan to be home while it runs—you'll need to stop it halfway through and let it sit.

Key Takeaways

  • Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, then run the brew cycle without a K-Cup to push the mixture through the machine.
  • Stop the machine halfway through the vinegar cycle, turn it off, and let it sit for 30 minutes so the vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits inside.
  • After the vinegar sits, finish running the cycle, then refill the reservoir with plain water and run five to six full brew cycles to rinse out all vinegar taste.
  • Clean the removable parts—the water reservoir, drip tray, and K-Cup holder—by hand with warm soapy water while the vinegar is soaking.
  • If your Keurig still brews slowly after cleaning, the needle that punctures the K-Cup may be clogged; use a paper clip to clear it gently.

What you need before you start

Gather white vinegar (the standard 5% acidity kind from the grocery store), water, and a mug or cup large enough to hold 10 ounces. You do not need to buy descaling powder or special cleaners. Have a paper clip or small straightened paperclip on hand in case the needle needs clearing later.

Make sure your Keurig is unplugged and empty before you begin. Remove the water reservoir by lifting it straight up, and empty any water that's inside. Set it aside—you'll clean it separately in a moment.

Running the vinegar cycle through the machine

Fill the water reservoir halfway with white vinegar, then top it off with water until the reservoir is full. This creates a 50-50 vinegar-and-water mixture. Slide the reservoir back into the machine and plug it in. Place an empty mug on the drip tray under the brew outlet—the vinegar will come out here.

Close the K-Cup holder (the top part where you normally insert a pod) without putting a K-Cup inside. Press the brew button and let the machine run. After about 5 to 10 seconds of liquid flowing into the mug, stop the machine by pressing the button again. Do not let it finish the full cycle yet.

Turn off the Keurig completely and unplug it. Let it sit for 30 minutes. This pause allows the vinegar to soak inside the machine and break down mineral buildup that water alone cannot remove. You can use this time to clean the removable parts.

Cleaning the removable parts while the vinegar soaks

While the machine sits, remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and K-Cup holder. Wash each one under warm running water with a soft sponge or cloth. If there is visible mineral buildup (white or tan crusty spots), soak these parts in the vinegar-and-water mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse well.

Pay special attention to the K-Cup holder. Look inside the top opening where the pod sits—you may see mineral deposits or old coffee grounds stuck to the needle. Rinse this area thoroughly under running water. Do not use a hard brush or scraper on the needle itself, as it can bend or break.

Dry all the removable parts with a clean cloth and set them aside. You'll reassemble the machine after the vinegar cycle finishes.

Finishing the vinegar cycle and rinsing the machine

After 30 minutes, plug the Keurig back in and press the brew button to finish running the vinegar mixture through. Let it complete the full cycle this time. Empty the mug and repeat: press brew again without a K-Cup in the holder. Keep running brew cycles until the vinegar reservoir is empty. This usually takes three to four cycles.

Once the vinegar is gone, empty the reservoir completely and refill it with fresh water only. Reassemble the water reservoir, drip tray, and K-Cup holder. Place an empty mug under the outlet and run five to six full brew cycles with plain water, emptying the mug between each cycle. This rinses out all remaining vinegar taste and smell. The first cup or two may still taste faintly of vinegar—this is normal and will disappear after a few cycles.

Clearing a clogged needle if the machine still brews slowly

If your Keurig still brews slowly after cleaning, the needle that punctures the K-Cup may be clogged with mineral deposits or old coffee grounds. Unplug the machine and let it cool for 10 minutes. Remove the K-Cup holder by lifting it straight up.

Straighten a paper clip so it is mostly straight with a small bend at one end. Gently insert the bent end into the needle opening at the top of the K-Cup holder. Move it in and out slowly a few times to dislodge any debris. Do not force it or push hard—the needle is hollow and can crack. Rinse the holder under running water to wash away any loosened particles.

Reassemble the holder, plug in the machine, and run a test brew cycle with water only. If the flow is now normal, you are done. If it is still slow, the needle may need professional service.

How often to clean and what to do between cleanings

If you use your Keurig daily, run the full vinegar-and-water cleaning every three months. If you use it a few times a week, clean it every six months. If you use it rarely, once a year is enough. Hard tap water speeds up mineral buildup, so if your water is very hard, clean more often.

Between deep cleanings, rinse the water reservoir once a week and wipe the drip tray dry after each use. Empty the reservoir if you will not use the machine for more than a few days—stagnant water can develop mold or mildew. These small habits extend the time between full cleanings and keep the machine running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Keurig descaling solution instead of vinegar?

Yes. Keurig sells a branded descaling solution that works the same way as vinegar—you dilute it with water, run it through the machine, let it soak, and rinse with plain water. The steps are identical. Vinegar is cheaper and works just as well, but some people prefer the descaling solution because it has no smell. Follow the ratio on the bottle.

Why does my coffee taste like vinegar after cleaning?

You did not run enough plain water rinse cycles. Run three to four more brew cycles with fresh water only, emptying the mug each time. The vinegar taste will fade. If it persists after six rinse cycles, unplug the machine, refill the reservoir with plain water, and let it sit for an hour before running more cycles.

What if water leaks from the bottom during cleaning?

The drip tray may be full or not seated properly. Remove the drip tray, empty it, and slide it back in until you hear a click. Make sure the tray is pushed all the way in. If leaking continues, the seal around the water reservoir may be worn and need replacement—contact Keurig support for a replacement part.

Is it safe to clean a Keurig while it is plugged in?

No. Always unplug the machine before removing the water reservoir or letting it soak. You can leave it plugged in while running brew cycles, but unplug it before you walk away or let it sit idle.

Can I put the K-Cup holder in the dishwasher?

Check your machine's manual—some newer Keurig models have dishwasher-safe K-Cup holders, but most do not. The needle can bend in the dishwasher, and high heat can damage the plastic. Hand wash it with warm soapy water and a soft sponge to be safe.