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How to clean a Keurig coffee maker, according to the pros

If your morning cup of joe tastes a little funky, it might be time to clean your Keurig.
Vivian Le / TODAY
/ Source: TODAY

There’s nothing like that first cup of coffee in the morning, but it can be seriously tainted if it's coming out of a dirty coffee machine.

If your cup of joe is coming from a Keurig, we have all the details you need to know on how to show that coffee machine a little TLC. We asked Allison McManus, associate product manager for Keurig brewers, Kamaal Jarrett, associate product manager for Keurig accessories, and James Copeland of Prism Specialties about the right way to clean Keurig machines. Here are their easy-to-follow tips on how to clean the Keurig water tank, the machine's exterior, its drip tray, pot holder and more.

How to clean the brewer's exterior | How to clean the water tank | How to clean drip tray | How to clean the pod holder | How to descale | How to clean with vinegar | How to replace the water filter | Best products for cleaning your Keurig

How to clean the brewer’s exterior

When: Once a week or as needed.

How: Wipe the outside of the brewer with a damp, lint-free cloth.

How to clean the Keurig water tank (aka cold water reservoir)

When: Every week, if used every day (recommended, not required)

How:

  1. Remove the reservoir from the brewer.
  2. Take off the lid and empty the reservoir.
  3. Wash the inside of the reservoir using warm, soapy water and a soft, clean cloth. Never wipe the inside of the reservoir with a dry cloth; lint or other particles may cling to the sides of the reservoir and eventually end up in your beverage.
  4. Rinse well and dry only the outside of the reservoir.
  5. Replace the reservoir and run two hot water cleansing brews before using. For more information on cleansing brews, check the product's "Use & Care Guide."

How to clean the drip tray

When: Every week, if used every day (recommended, not required)

How:

  1. Remove and empty drip tray.
  2. Wash in warm soapy water.
  3. Dry with a soft, clean cloth.

How to clean the pod holder

When: Every week, if used every day (recommended, not required)

How:

  1. Remove the pod holder following the instructions for your type Keurig coffee maker. Be careful of the needle that punctures the pod.
  2. Rinse using only warm water. Do not dry.
  3. Replace and run two hot water cleansing brews before using.

How to descale a Keurig

When: Every 3-6 months, or when day-to-day brewing becomes slower.

Descaling is the process of removing calcium deposits, magnesium deposits, limestone deposits and other minerals from a coffee maker, Copeland explains. "These mineral deposits are not toxic, but if they are not cleaned routinely from your coffee maker, can reduce its performance and the taste of the coffee," he says. "This is why it is recommended to use filtered or bottled water."

If your water has a high mineral content, you may need to perform the descaling process more often, says Copeland. "Some models of the Keurig system will remind you when to descale with the prompt 'Time to descale the brewer!'"

"This reminder monitors the quantity of liquid passed through the system and then prompts you to descale. If you postpone the descaling process, then the system will remind you again in six weeks," he says. The reminder will only go away once the system has been successfully descaled.

How: The process varies from model to model, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to clean a Keurig with vinegar

While vinegar is quite the household miracle cleaner, we (and the pros) don't suggest using it to clean your Keurig.

How to replace the water filter

When: Every two months, or when indicated by the maintenance alert on the brewer. This is necessary even if you use only distilled or spring water.

How: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The best products for cleaning your Keurig

Cleaning your Keurig doesn't require a lot of products to give it a good clean; just some basics that you might already have around the house.

Microfiber Cloths

Remember to only use these on the exterior of your Keurig, since the pros advise that wiping the interior with a dry cloth can leave unwanted particles or lint.

Keurig Descaling Solution Kit

This cleaning kit makes it easy to clean and descale your Keurig for optimal upkeep, and to keep your coffee tasting delish.

Mrs. Meyer's Dish Soap

Dish soap works well to suds up your Keurig when it's in need of a clean.