When it comes to single-serve coffee makers , Keurig is the model. The brand launched the first machine of its kind in 1998 as a more efficient alternative to office break rooms. Today, more than 25 years later, it is a staple across the country. Today, Keurig offers several models to suit every type of coffee drinker and a list of K-Cup options as well as a Cheesecake Factory menu .
Industry researchers estimate that there are more than 25 million Keurig machines in use in the United States. Although the models vary, these coffee makers include several components that will make your morning routine more enjoyable. Parts like the drip tray and filter collector prevent unnecessary spills and mess, but the machine isn't advanced enough to clean itself yet. In fact, your Keurig is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
Constant exposure to moisture makes almost every part of your Keurig vulnerable to germs. Fortunately, with proper cleaning and maintenance, you can prevent these particles from getting into your coffee cup.
I consulted with Carolyn Forté , executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Cleaning and Home Care Lab, to find out everything you need to know to keep your Keurig clean. Since every room works differently, the same cleaning schedule does not always follow. Fortunately, Forté's recommended Keurig cleaning routine can be adjusted for individual items over time.
What you should clean once a week
You should clean the removable parts of your single-serve coffee maker every week. These include (but are not limited to) the drip tray, water container, lid and K-cup holder.
"Mold usually grows in the drip tray because water gets in there and people forget to clean it," says Forté.
Mold can also form inside the machine itself. According to Forté, this is less likely and usually occurs when the machine is filled with water and left unused for a long period of time. If left in the tank for several days, the water can take on a bland taste and even encourage bacterial growth, affecting the taste of your morning cup.
Fortunately, all of these removable parts are easy to clean. You can easily clean the removable parts of your Keurig with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Almost every piece can be dried with a tea towel. However, be sure to air dry the inside of the water tank to prevent lint from getting into your next cup.
While you're at it, there's one more step you can take to get your machine sparkling clean. Keurig offers rinse pods that you can use to remove any remaining residue and taste. This is especially useful when switching between different K-cup types.
What you should clean every two months
Over time, the tank's water filter becomes less effective, which can cause the coffee to taste bland and unpleasant. An old filter that is no longer functioning optimally will also cause minerals contained in tap water to build up in your machine, affecting the overall performance of your Keurig.
To keep your coffee fresh and your device working properly, Forté recommends replacing the filter cartridge every two months.
Fortunately, this process is quite simple. First you need to remove and discard the old filter. Most models have a filter integrated into the tank. However, if in doubt, check your machine's manual. Then clean and dry the portafilter with a sponge and warm, soapy water.
You can then change your new filter. All new filters require a little preparation before first use. Forté recommends soaking the filters in clean water for five minutes and then rinsing them under the sink for another minute. Then all you have to do is insert it into the holder, put it back into the tank and you're done!
What you should clean every three to six months
The inside of your machine requires the least maintenance but is the most necessary. "What clogs the interior is mainly the accumulation of hard water," says Forté.
Even with filtered water, limescale builds up all over your Keurig. Although not a serious health concern like mold and bacteria, this buildup can have serious consequences on the efficiency of machine operation.
Depending on how many cups of coffee you make regularly, you will need to descale your machine about two to four times a year. Keurig sells its own descaling solution online, but Forté says distilled white vinegar works just as well.
The descaling process may vary depending on the model. So, check the instructions on the Keurig website when your machine is ready for service.
How often do you clean your Keurig? Let us know in the comments!
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Cleaning and Home Care Lab. Using extensive analytical testing and editorial expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she creates cleaning and maintenance tips for GH, has authored numerous books and magazines for the brand, and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College of the City University of New York.
Expertise: TikTok trends, drinks, pop culture.
Education: BA in Journalism and BA in Communications from NYU, Diploma in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education
About me: As an Associate Editor at Delish, Gabby works on everything from features to recipes to content for our social media channels. Before joining the team, he wrote for StarChef's Rising Stars Magazine, Mashed and Food52. When she's not developing cocktail recipes, she whips up cocktail-inspired dishes like Dirty Martini Pasta and Aperol Spritz Trifle . Their articles explore online trends like the Millennial shopping cart , review everything from carbonated drinks to frozen french fries , and answer some of your most pressing food safety questions. You can also find her content on Delish's TikTok, including her three-part cooking series as influencer Nara Smith, which has amassed over 3 million combined views. She loves eating spicy food, collecting cookbooks, and adding a mound of parmesan cheese to every dish she can.
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