If you own a Keurig coffee machine then I bet you’re sipping the best coffee every morning. Though it seems like you don’t need to clean coffee makers, they do need a good cleaning once in a while for proper functioning. And today you’ll be learning about the best way to clean your Keurig coffee machine.
After some while, you might feel like your coffee tastes different. And this is a small alarm for you to make time for cleaning your favorite coffee machine.
Also, regular cleaning of coffee machines is a good idea as it serves a large area for bacteria to thrive. The stuck coffee grounds around the single-cup Keurig coffee machine or drips from the pod make an ideal environment for the bacteria to multiply. And you want to make sure you sip hygienic beverages at least when using a coffee machine at home.
How To Clean Keurig Coffee Maker(Weekly)
If you wish to clean your Keurig coffee machine without vinegar then I would suggest weekly cleaning. This increases the time to deep clean your coffee machine especially if you hate the smell of vinegar that lingers around after cleaning.
Also, cleaning Keurig weekly keeps its removable parts free from germs and bacteria that cause a bad smell. Plus, it also helps to keep gunk at bay which is something you’d hate on your everyday coffee machine.
You’ll Need:
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Lint-free cloth or paper towels
Method:
- Unplug the machine.
- Dissemble all the removable parts of your Keurig coffee machine like the water reservoir, drip tray, ground/pod holder, etc.
- Fill your kitchen sink with lukewarm water and clean all the removable parts with your regular dish soap and sponge.
- Once all the parts are nicely washed, use your kitchen cloth or paper towels to dry them.
- Now grab the lint-free cloth, dampen it, and wipe clean the machine’s surface.
- Use paper towels to dry the exterior.
- Assemble all the washed coffee machine parts back in place and you’re Keurig is ready for a fresh brew.
Deep Clean Keurig with Vinegar
Limescale buildup is a common sight on water reservoirs of any coffee machine after a couple of months. And it is important to descale your coffee maker after a certain time to ensure a smooth brewing experience.
If you notice any hard water deposits or calcium buildup in your Keurig then it is time to deep clean your appliance. And using vinegar is the best way to descale your Keurig. It is effective, time-saving, and gives the best results when it comes to removing limescale buildup or hard water stains.
You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Clean water
- A large mug(to catch vinegar water)
Method:
- You need to fill your Keurig water reservoir halfway with 50% white vinegar and 50% water.
- Place a large cup over the drip tray and start the coffee machine to the largest brewing cycle without inserting any K-pods or using grounds.
- You need to keep repeating the brewing cycle until the vinegar-water solution in the reservoir reaches the bottom. Throw the vinegar water into the sink when the cup is full.
- Let the machine sit idle for 30 minutes.
- Now take out the water reservoir and wash it in the sink properly. Pour clean water into the reservoir till it reaches the ‘MAX’ sign. Turn on the machine and start the longest brewing cycle again.
- It will take multiple cycles to finish all the water in the reservoir. This process will remove any residue present inside the coffee machine. Also, vinegar will descale your Keurig from the inside.
- Your machine is now clean and ready for a fresh brew.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get the vinegar out of Keurig?
The entire process of cleaning your Keurig with vinegar water in the reservoir will take about half an hour. So, therefore, the vinegar is going to be in your appliance for around 30 minutes to an hour.
It will take another half an hour to get the vinegar out of Keurig when you fill the reservoir with clean water and turn on the brewing cycle multiple times.
2. Is it OK to use vinegar to descale Keurig?
Vinegar is one of the best and safest ways to descale your Keurig coffee machine. It is a readily available, natural deodorizer, and a cheap solution to effectively clean the appliance. Plus, it holds acidic properties that help to descale and remove hard water stains from the appliance.
3. Can you use hydrogen peroxide to clean your Keurig?
Though you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean your coffee machine, I would never recommend it. Why? Because hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer. If you let it sit in your appliance for a long then it might corrode the metal parts of your Keurig. And you really don’t wish for your machine to stop working after descaling it.
4. How often should you change your Keurig filter?
Replace your Keurig filter once every two months for the best results. If your Keurig machine comprises a washable filter then deep clean it once every month. Doing this will ensure your coffee tastes amazing every time you turn the machine on.
5. When to use a rinse pod in my Keurig?
Keurig offers to rinse pods for your coffee machine to get rid of the previous smell. And experts recommend using a rinse pod after every flavored brew. Remember, rinse pods are not the same as descaling. They are only good for removing the smell and flavor of the previous brew you made using your Keurig coffee machine.
Also Read:
Bottom Line
Keurig coffee machines are in the market for years now. And we know the quality brew makes it worth buying Keurig. Since you love to use your Keurig machine every day, it is important to clean it to maintain quality brewing.
While using white vinegar is the best way to descale your Keurig coffee maker, you won’t need it every time. Regular cleaning of the machine could buy you a good time between deep cleaning. And now that you’ve got both ways to clean your Keurig, with and without vinegar, I’m sure you’ll be able to brew best tasting coffee every single time.
Happy Brewing!
