Cleaning a Keurig is similar to cleaning a regular coffee maker. There are just a few extra parts you need to keep in mind.
After using the Keurig, immediately remove the empty pod and throw it out. At the end of the day, wipe down the coffee maker’s body with a damp, soapy cloth and then wipe it dry. Do not submerge your Keurig in water.
Slide out the drip tray and the drip-tray plate. Wipe those down with your damp cloth or sponge and dish soap. Rinse well and air-dry. You can wash these in the dishwasher instead.
Pop out the K-Cup pod holder and funnel, and then wash them with the sponge and dish soap, too. These are also dishwasher-safe, on the top rack.
If the machine seems clogged
Clean the exit needle, which sits on the inside bottom of the pod holder. Stick a straightened paper clip into it, move the clip around to loosen the coffee grounds, and push the grounds out.
Do the same with both holes at the entrance needle, located at the underside of the lid; use one hand to hold the lid up and the other to push out the grounds with the straightened paper clip. Run two water-only brew cycles with no pod. (Here is a helpful video.)
Alternatively, you can also de-clog using a dedicated Keurig 2.0 Needle Cleaning Tool. This plastic doohickey, which you fill with water, attaches to the pod holder. Once it’s in place, lift and close the handle five times to loosen the grounds; then run a water-only brew cycle, using a mug to catch the water. Clean the tool by rinsing under warm water and air-drying.
Every week or two
Using a soft sponge or cloth and dish soap, wipe down the water reservoir and its lid — keep in mind that they’re not dishwasher-safe. Rinse off any suds. (Do not dry with a towel, as it might leave lint behind.) Clean the filter screen by running it under a heavy flow of water in the sink; then air-dry it.
Every three to six months (or when the indicator lights up)
Time to descale! As we mentioned earlier, this is essential for preventing mineral buildup inside the machine, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
For models that have a removable water reservoir (like the Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker, which we prefer over other Keurig options), start by pressing the power button to turn the machine off. Pour off any water in the reservoir, and make sure the pod tray is empty, too.
Pour an entire bottle of Keurig Descaling Solution into the reservoir, as demonstrated in this video. If you have the K-Mini, you should use less, as this other video suggests.
Fill the now-empty bottle of solution with fresh water and pour it into the machine. Turn the machine back on.
Place a mug on the drip tray, select the largest brew size, and run a cleansing brew. When it’s done, pour the hot liquid into the sink and place the mug back on the tray. Repeat the process until the “Add Water” light turns on. When that happens, let the machine stand with the power on for 30 minutes.
Next, rinse the reservoir thoroughly, making sure the solution is entirely gone. Then fill with more fresh water to the maximum brew line. Repeat the cleansing brew process at least 12 times. (You might have to refill that water reservoir at least once.)
You can also descale with white vinegar, as Keurig’s instructional video demonstrates. The difference is that you fill the reservoir entirely with vinegar instead of diluting it with water, and you let the machine stand for at least four hours instead of 30 minutes.
You still need to rinse the reservoir afterward. Run the cleansing brew cycles only until the reservoir is emptied or until the water no longer tastes like vinegar.
What about other single-serve coffee-makers, like Nespressos?
Cleaning varies slightly depending on the type of machine you have, so always check the manual for specifics and dishwasher-safety guidance. The general strategy, however, is the same: Throw out the empty pod right away. At the end of the day, empty and rinse the drip tray.
Every week or two, take apart the detachable components, wash everything with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and air-dry.
Descale as directed. Many companies — such as Nespresso, maker of our pick, the Nespresso Essenza Mini — offer their own descaling solution. But you can usually use a generic solution, too.
If your espresso maker includes milk-frothing components, purge the steam wand and then wipe the exterior clean with a damp cloth and dish soap after each use.
