How to clean a Keurig coffee maker – for consistently tasty brews

It’s a quick and easy way to make favorite brews, but it’s important to know how to clean a Keurig coffee maker to keep every drink tasty, and the machine looking its best.

While you might think you know how to clean a coffee maker, the Keurig requires little – but specific – attention. Add your Keurig into the routine for cleaning a kitchen so the task doesn’t get missed – both the interior and the exterior of the coffee maker need a little care. Limescale can build up inside the machine and compromise the taste and temperature of the coffee, so periodic descaling is essential, and other parts of the machine need regular attention as well.

Use our guide to cleaning a Keurig coffee maker to keep yours working just as it should for delicious drinks every time.

How to clean a Keurig coffee maker

Most Keurig machines are used for single-serve K-Cup pods, which are quick and easy to use. ‘Once you own a Keurig life becomes very simple,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. 

‘There’s no fuss or mess and it’s really quick and easy to use. To keep your coffee tasting its best, however, it’s important to clean your Keurig coffee maker regularly.’ 

And, of course, if you've invested in the best coffee maker, you'll want to keep it in good-as-new condition. This is how to clean a Keurig coffee maker.

1. Descale a Keurig coffee maker

Owning a Keurig allows you to be your own barista from the comfort of your kitchen. Not only does it make the perfect coffee with everything from espresso to latte, but it can also make hot chocolate and tea, too. However, the coffee maker can build up mineral deposits inside which can affect the flavor of the drinks and their temperature, so descaling from time to time is essential.

All coffee machines are different, so it is important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before descaling your coffee machine, advises Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean (opens in new tab).  ‘Some offer a cleaning solution specific to the brand,’ she says. ‘You can also purchase cleaning chemicals, which clean to an industrial standard. The most popular one is by a brand named Pulycaff.’

Aim to descale a Keurig every three to six months – or when the descale light comes on if your model has one. If the machine is noisy, the coffee isn’t as hot as it should be, or the taste is impaired, it’s also time to descale.

You can descale a Keurig using pantry ingredients. Start by getting all the descaling items together – white vinegar, water, and a cup to catch the drained solution.

First, turn off the Keurig coffee maker then empty its reservoir and remove any pods. Make a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar and run it through the machine just like you’d run a normal coffee process. Pour it into the reservoir, turn it on, press the cycle button and let the solution drain into a cup. 

You might need to repeat this a few times, depending on how scaly the coffee maker is. Keep following this routine until the water runs clear. Next, flush through with clean water a few times to remove any taste of vinegar.

2. Clean the exterior of a Keurig coffee maker

While the descaling process will clean a Keurig coffee maker on the inside, you should also clean any removable parts and leave to dry. 

You can take the water tank and lid, coffee pod holder and drip tray apart and wash them using dish soap and warm water. 

Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a clean sponge or paper towels and make sure you wipe the needles that puncture the coffee pods. Leave them all to dry naturally.

How often should you clean your Keurig?

Keurig recommends descaling its coffee makers every three to six months. Any mineral buildup can otherwise affect the machine’s smooth functioning.

You should also try to clean all the parts once a month for optimum hygiene and working efficiency. 

Alternative ways to descale a Keurig coffee maker

Keurig offers its own Descaling Solution (opens in new tab), which we like using. It’s compatible with all Keurig K-Cup, Keurig 2.0, Rivo and Vue brewing systems.

If you don’t want to use vinegar or Keurig’s Descaling Solution, there are some other methods you can use. Surprisingly, denture tablets do the same job. Pop half a tablet in the K-Cup holder then run the coffee machine for three cycles and finish with a cycle or two of clean water until it runs clear.

Another idea is to use citric acid. Take a tablespoon of citric acid crystals to one gallon of water and run the Keurig a few times followed by clean water. Keep repeating until the water runs clear without any mineral or limescale deposits coming through.

What is the best way to clean a Keurig?

To clean a Keurig coffee maker on the inside, every three to six months, follow the descaling process and fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water or use Keurig’s Descaling Solution, following the instructions. 

Start the brew cycle without a K-cup and let the machine run as usual, using a mug to catch the liquid. Keep repeating this process until the add water indicator is illuminated.

How do you descale a Keurig coffee maker with vinegar?

To descale a Keurig coffee maker with vinegar, run a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar through the machine. Pour the solution into the reservoir, turn on the machine, press the cycle button, and allow the solution to drain into a cup.