How to Clean a Keurig (Descale + Deodorize)

To clean your Keurig, use a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water (or citric acid solution) to run through the machine without a pod for descaling purposes every three to six months. Afterward, run cold water through the machine to clear the vinegar smell. In between descaling cycles, you should wash the drip tray, water reservoir and pod holder weekly using warm, soapy water. Also, you may want to clean the exterior of your Keurig as needed when it becomes splattered. 

The entire descale process takes approximately one hour. For the most part, you will be waiting during this time. Washing your Keurig every week only requires 10 minutes. This guide shows how to descale your Keurig with vinegar, what to do about a vinegar aftertaste or a stale-smelling reservoir, and how to unclog the needle. Because the last thing you want to deal with first thing in the morning is a coffee maker that isn't cooperating. 

What do you need to clean a Keurig? 

You probably have most of this already: 

How do you descale a Keurig with vinegar? 

Descaling removes the chalky white mineral buildup (calcium carbonate) that hard water leaves inside your Keurig’s water lines and heating system. It’s the same kind of buildup you might have noticed around your kitchen faucet.  
Your Keurig gets it too. It just hides the mess inside.  
To descale using vinegar, follow these steps: 

Some Keurig models have a built-in descale mode that you can activate by pressing a specific combination of buttons.  
The catch? Those buttons aren't the same on every model.  
Check your user manual or Keurig's descaling guide to find the exact steps for yours. 

How do you descale a Keurig with citric acid? 

Citric acid is similar to vinegar in terms of how it functions, but without that strong vinegar smell. 
That means less time rinsing out lingering odors and more time getting back to your coffee. 

Look for food-grade citric acid, the kind sold for canning and baking. 

Vinegar or citric acid: which should you use? 

Both remove the build-up of minerals, so the choice depends on your preference for scent and convenience. Vinegar is inexpensive and available in most homes,  but the scent can linger and the rinsing process requires more time. You might have to buy citric acid, but at least your kitchen won’t smell like you’ve been making pickles. So if the aftertaste from the vinegar bothers you, then you might want to consider citric acid. 

How often should you descale a Keurig? 

Most families should be able to descale every 3-6 months. However, if you are using hard water, brewing many cups of coffee per day, or if the descale light on your coffee maker turns on then you may need to descale sooner. 

Over time, mineral buildup can cause your Keurig to take longer to brew, fill your cup less than usual, or leave your coffee tasting flat or bitter. Not exactly what you want from your first cup of the day. Using filtered water may help reduce that buildup, depending on the type of filter you use. 

How do you get rid of smells in a Keurig? 

There are four main sources of Keurig odors: the residual vinegar used for descaling, the water left inside the reservoir for an extended period of time, the unemptied drip tray, and the buildup of expired coffee grounds in the pod holder.  
To clear each odor, follow these steps: 

Let every part air-dry completely before you put it back. 

How do you clean the Keurig water reservoir? 

Some removable components may be washed in the dishwasher with some Keurig models.  
Consult your manual before proceeding; hand-washing will work for all models. 

How do you clean the Keurig needle? 

Coffee grounds can clog the two needles that pierce each pod: the exit needle at the bottom of the pod holder and the entrance needle under the lid. A clogged needle gives you weak or half-filled cups. 

How do you clean the outside of a Keurig? 

Wipe the outside whenever coffee splashes or drips on it, and give it a full wipe-down once a week. 

Coffee drips don't always stay on the machine. That's why keeping Multi-Surface Cleaning Tablets handy makes cleaning the surrounding countertops easier, too. Just drop one tablet into a spray bottle of water to make a cleaner for hard surfaces. Less clutter under the sink, fewer bottles to keep track of, and a kitchen that feels a little more put together. As with any cleaner, spot-test a small, hidden area first.  

What should you avoid when cleaning a Keurig? 

FAQ 

Can I use vinegar to descale a Keurig? 

Yes. A 50/50 mix of distilled white vinegar and water dissolves mineral scale. Rinse with fresh water afterward until the smell is gone. Keurig also sells its own descaling solution, so check your manual for your model's guidance. 

Is it okay to run just water through a Keurig to clean it? 

Plain-water brews flush out loose grounds and leftover descaling solution, but they don't remove mineral scale. You still need to descale every three to six months. 

Which two buttons do I press to descale my Keurig? 

It depends on the model. On machines with a descale mode, you usually hold two buttons together for a few seconds to start it. Your manual or Keurig's descaling page lists the exact buttons for yours. 

What does the descale light on a Keurig mean? 

It's the machine's reminder that scale has built up and it's time to descale. Run a full descaling cycle and rinse. If the light stays on afterward, your manual explains how to reset it on your model. 

What happens if you never clean your Keurig? 

Scale builds up inside, so water flows more slowly, cups come out short and the coffee can taste off. Grounds can also clog the needles. Left long enough, the machine may stop brewing properly. 

How do you clean a really dirty Keurig?