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What is the best way to start your day rather than taking a hot cup of coffee? Such is the case for most people, and that’s why a Keurig coffee maker is one most essential appliance in the kitchen. It comes in different models; hence you will see the difference in prices for each model. Anytime you buy a machine, you want to know the number of years it will last. Otherwise, which is the best way to see the value for your money other than this?
No one wants the frustration of the coffee maker breaking down when preparing for work. True to fact, it will ultimately stop working at some point, but when? Is there a way I can make my Keurig last longer than the said time? How should I take care of it? Your mind must be racing with such questions. So, I am here to answer them.
How Long Doe a Keurig Last?
There is no particular number of years that your coffee maker should last. Some will last up to 10 years. Others have an average lifespan of 5 years and some less than this. The period it will last mostly depends on how you take care of it and clean it. If you clean it often, then it will most likely be with you for ten years or more. If not, it can even break down within a year.
Tips to Make Keurig Last Longer
The working condition of Keurig is meant to last long. You can extend its life span by cleaning it regularly and giving it proper maintenance. Though it can be hard to clean the machine, once you understand what you’re doing, it becomes easy.
For some parts, you can use the dishwasher, so it’s easy to maintain it. This tutorial will give you insights on how you can make your Keurig last long and keep it clean.
If You Are Going Out for a While, Empty the Machine
If you will be away for two days or more, ensure you empty the water reservoir. When you leave water in the machine for long, it will ultimately evaporate. It leaves limescale (calcium and mineral deposits) on it that will clog the machine.
Use Distilled Water When Brewing the Machine
Hard water leaves calcium and mineral elements in the reservoir, which may block the pipe. The deposits also reduce the machine’s efficiency. Therefore, it may not work properly and last as long as it should. These deposits also affect the coil in that it has to use so much energy when heating coffee. It will, at last, cause a breakdown. So, if you don’t have distilled water at hand, consider buying.
Rinse It After Brewing Sweet or Sticky Things in It
You can brew hot chocolate in the coffee maker or even a sugary drink. It will be best to rinse it afterward thoroughly. After brewing your chocolate, run clean water to rinse it, ensure you don’t have the K-cup on. It will flush the K-cup holder and the funnel.
Ensure You Continuously Rinse the Removable Pieces
Regularly rinsing these parts will ensure that the residue does not accumulate on your Keurig. You can make the rinsing part as your daily cleaning routine like you clean other dishes. However, not everyone can do this daily. So, thorough rinsing once in a week will do you good.
Descale Your Keurig
Descaling ensures that there is no accumulation of limescale in the machine. You can do this task once a week or maybe a month. It also extends the lasting period of your device and maintains its quality. White vinegar will give you excellent results, and it is affordable.
How to Clean the Keurig Properly to Ensure It Lasts Longer?
When cleaning the Keurig, here are some materials you’ll need.
- All-purpose cleaner
- Dishwashing liquid
- White Vinegar
- Cleaning brush (Toothbrush)
- A sponge or soft cloth
Step 1: Take Out the Removable Pieces and Clean Them
Start removing the reservoir and the lid, then the dip tray and the cover. After this, remove the K-cup holder and the funnel below it. Ensure you’re careful when removing the parts, especially the K-cup holder and the funnel. In case of any trouble, the product manual should guide you.
When washing the removable parts, soak them in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Clean them with a soft cloth then rinse them under running water. After this, towel dry them. If you are using the dishwasher, place the pieces on the top rack.
Step 2: Clean the Other Parts of the Machine
You can use any soft, wet cloth to rub the outer parts of the Keurig. Using the same cloth, remove all the dirt where you place the K-cup and the funnel. Then, clean the underneath of the machine where you put the drip tray. Around the electronic motor and other electrical components, use a damp cloth and dry them thoroughly.
Step 3: Clean the Machine
Once in a while, you need to rinse the Keurig. It ensures that even the invisible corners get proper cleaning. You may notice there is an accumulation of limescale on your machine. It can easily cause the devices to break down. Below are the steps to follow when rinsing the machine.
- Fill the reservoir halfway with white vinegar.
- Brew it until all the vinegar is out.
- Remove the reservoir and rinse it with warm water.
- Insert the reservoir back and fill it with water
- Brew it until all the water is out.
As you carry out this process, ensure your K-cup holder is out. Also, fill the reservoir with water at least twice and brew it. Ensure you can’t smell any vinegar in the last brew.
When Should I Replace My Keurig Coffee Maker?
At one point, the coffee maker may break down. The period it will take before breaking down depends on the care you give it. Also, the quality of the machine will determine how long you will use it. Here I will show you how to figure out the time to replace your Keurig coffee maker.
1. When It Is No Longer Brewing
When the machine no longer serves its purpose, you need to replace it. You also have the option to repair it, but this may add more issues to the machine. It may start leaking, which is costly to repair. So, investing in a new one is the best option.
2. When the Coffee Is Tepid
When the machine isn’t heating the water naturally, most likely, there is a default in the coil. It’s time to think about investing in a new one.
3. It Takes Longer to Make a Cup of Coffee.
If it takes you approximately 5 minutes to make a cup of coffee and now the machine is taking ten or more, clearly there is an issue.
4. Getting the Right Pods for Your Keurig Machine Is Hard
If you find it hard to get pods suitable for your machine, then its time to change the device. Go for one where you can easily access the pods.
5. When You’ve Had the Keurig Machine for Long
At some point, the Keurig coffee maker will stop working efficiently. Even after thoroughly cleaning it. It will start wearing out, especially for using it regularly. So, it’s a sign that it needs replacing.
What Type of Water Should I Use in My Keurig Coffee Maker?
Always ensure you use distilled or soft water. If there is a supply of hard water in your area, consider purchasing the distilled one to make coffee and wash the machine. As discussed above, hard water leaves calcium and mineral deposits in the device, causing it to clogs. It may damage the heating coil and then need so much energy when heating.
Is It Okay to Clean My Machine Daily?
Absolutely yes. If you can do it daily, then go ahead. You want your machine to last you long, and frequent cleaning is one way to achieve this. It is, however, not a must. You can be taking out the removable parts and rinsing them daily. You will still be providing proper care and maintaining the elements well. As you clean the parts, ensure you do it carefully.