Your Keurig coffee maker is likely one of the most used appliances in your kitchen, especially if you are a regular coffee drinker. However, it is easy to overlook just how dirty your Keurig can get with regular use. Neglecting to clean your Keurig can not only affect its performance but also the taste of your coffee and even lead to mold and bacteria buildup. Luckily, cleaning your Keurig thoroughly is simple and essential for maintaining your coffee maker’s functionality and ensuring the quality of your coffee.
To start the cleaning process, it is recommended to gently wipe down the exterior of your Keurig with a warm, damp cloth or paper towel daily. Ensuring that your Keurig is turned off and unplugged before cleaning is crucial. Additionally, washing the drip tray, water reservoir, lid, coffee carafe, and basket on a daily basis is essential for preventing coffee stains and maintaining cleanliness. Fresh water should be used in the water reservoir daily to ensure optimal taste in your coffee.
The pod holder, which holds the coffee pod and can easily collect used coffee grounds and become a breeding ground for mold, should be cleaned weekly. Removing the pod holder assembly from the Keurig and detaching the pod holder from the funnel is necessary for thorough cleaning. Rinsing with water and scrubbing away any stains or coffee grounds is advised, especially if it has not been cleaned in a while. It is important to give your Keurig a full rinse or descaling regularly to remove buildup from the brewing mechanisms that can affect the taste of your coffee.
Desalting your Keurig can be done using a mixture of vinegar and water or a descaling solution recommended by Keurig. Running the solution through the machine and allowing it to rest for 45 minutes before rinsing with plain water multiple times is essential to prevent a vinegar taste in your coffee. Regular descaling, as recommended by Keurig quarterly, is vital for maintaining the performance and taste of your coffee maker. Taking these simple steps to clean all parts of your Keurig regularly will ensure that your coffee maker remains in top condition and your coffee tastes great every time you brew a cup.
