Be sure to check out our related buying guides including the best pod coffee makers, best coffee machines, best coffee subscriptions, and best milk frothers.
daily maintenance
To clean the housing of your Keurig coffee maker or other pod machine, simply take a damp cloth and wipe down the exterior. You can clean the K-cup holder and needle by brushing or vacuuming away any loose debris like coffee grounds – be careful near the needle part, as obviously, it’s sharp.
Some machines come with a needle cleaning tool that you insert over and under the needle, and some people on various forums have used a paper clip instead. Some machines have removable pod holders that can be soaked in hot water. It’s always a good idea to refer to your specific model’s user guide, and you’ll probably want to unplug your machine beforehand.
To clean your drip tray and water reservoir, remove them and hand-wash with warm, soapy water (though avoid using too much dish soap to prevent buildup). If your machine came with a carafe, wash it by hand or put it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. Let them air dry or pat dry with a lint-free towel after washing. You should frequently replace the fresh water in your reservoir, especially if it has been frozen for some time. If your machine has a water filter in its reservoir, change it every two to three months. Most machines with this type of filter have maintenance reminders—pay attention to them!
To clean the internal pieces, you can use something like the Keurig Rinse Pod, which helps flush out any excess oil or flavor that may remain. They are especially useful after brewing with flavored K-Cups such as hot cocoa or some coffee varieties. You can also run a hot water cycle from time to time, which is especially a good idea if you haven’t used your machine for a few days.
Deep cleaning and descaling
Some manufacturers recommend using filtered water or distilled water instead of tap water in your reservoirs, but I have always used tap water with the knowledge that I may have to clean my machine more often. You should deep clean or descale your pod coffee maker every three to six months, or possibly more often if you notice hard water stains, calcium deposits, or mineral accumulation, or your machine asks you to deep clean it.
You can do this in a few ways. For the DIY method, fill your water tank with white vinegar and water (about half-and-half) and run the large capacity brew cycle until the reservoir is empty; Halfway through, consider letting the vinegar solution soak in for a while, about 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat the wash cycle a few times using clean water until the vinegar smell is gone. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated Keurig descaling solution according to the directions on the bottle. That solution can also be used on non-Keurig machines. Make sure your machine is completely cleaned before making your next cup of coffee.
It is important to perform these deep cleaning cycles on a regular basis to ensure that your machine lasts as long as possible. And of course your coffee tastes good.
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