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Who does not like to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee from their favorite Keurig machine every once in a while? Just as it happens, no one likes the idea of consuming tainted coffee coming out of a coffee machine. Brewing a cup of steaming hot coffee from Keurig has never been easier.
But, when the time comes to clean the coffee machine every once in a while, things do not seem that convenient.
Some parts of Keurig can be dismantled and cleaned separately using a dishwasher; other parts like the water reservoir need to be cleaned by hand.
How To Clean Keurig Water Reservoir?
The best thing about cleaning the water reservoir of the Keurig machine is that it is pretty simple to go about it. There are two methods to clean the reservoir that promises fresh and delicious coffee.
One is to clean the reservoir every once in a while by scrubbing it gently using warm soapy water. Another is the process of descaling, where you have to run the reservoir through a few brewing cycles using diluted White Vinegar. Either way, the results after cleaning the reservoir will turn out to be impressive.
Method 1- Wash The Water Reservoir By Hand
In this method, you will have to clean the reservoir by hand using warm, soapy water and scrubbing the component with it. Keep reading to find out the steps you are required to follow:
1. Turn Off The Keurig Machine
As you begin cleaning the reservoir, it is necessary to turn off the Keurig machine and unplug it from any power source. This is because you will be using a lot of water during the cleaning process.
So, it is best to be cautious before turning off the appliance. This will ensure safety and prevent the risk of anything dangerous. If a K-cup is included in the brewing chamber, you must take it out and keep it aside.
As you turn off the appliance, make sure you flip the on/off switch on older models and hold the power button in case of newer models. It should not be until the display and power light are completely off that you proceed with cleaning the reservoir.
2. Remove The Water Reservoir And Empty It
After ensuring that the appliance is turned off completely, you must lift the reservoir tank straight off its base. Then, you must detach the lid and keep it aside. After doing so, discard the old water in the reservoir into the sink.
Make sure to get rid of all the excess moisture present by shaking it off. A pro tip to keep in mind is to always change the water in the Keurig’s reservoir, even if it is between cleanings.
3. Take A Damp Cloth And Wipe Off The Base
As you clean the lid of the reservoir, you must use a damp cloth to quickly spot-clean the area of the unit where it is placed. As you are cleaning, you will notice that this area is coated with coffee grounds or even hard water stains. If left untreated, this can turn out to be a problem.
As you are cleaning this area, also make sure to do spot-cleaning in other parts that require cleanings, like the mug tray, spout, or the portion around the brewing chamber.
4. Use Warm, Soapy Water To Scrub The Inside Of The Reservoir
Take a bowl filled with warm water, add in some mild liquid detergent and stir using your hands. Then, immerse the reservoir in this soapy solution formed. Now, with gentle hands, take a sponge or clean cloth near the surface of the interior.
It is on the small port and mesh screen located near the bottom of the reservoir where the accumulation of hard water stains or coffee grounds is likely to be the most.
5. Rinse The Reservoir Properly
Rinse the reservoir using fresh warm water. Now, run over the reservoir inside and out. Make sure that the steam is directed over the port and screen for a handful of seconds. This is done to ensure that the port and screen are as clear as they are meant to be.
As you are finished rinsing with warm water, you must drain the reservoir completely. Make sure that no traces of water are left inside. Also, make sure that you are washing off any single trace of soap.
This is because it can create a film on the plastic surface, which ultimately affects the taste of the coffee.
6. Dry The Water Reservoir Using A Clean, Soft Cloth
If you wish to know which material will be best to dry out the reservoir, it will definitely be either a microfiber towel or an absorbent Chamois.
If not, you can feel free to leave the reservoir upside down for a few hours, as this will help in drying up the reservoir completely. As soon as the reservoir is dry, place it on its base, as usual, replace the lid of the appliance and brew your most-wanted cup of coffee.
As you are air drying the reservoir, make sure that you leave the lid open. This will help in escaping the moisture.
Also, never use a normal towel or paper cloth to dry out the water reservoir. This is because the small fibers present in them are likely to stick behind, which eventually find their way into your coffee, thus tainting it.
Method 2- Descaling Of Your Keurig Machine
1. Empty Your Water Reservoir
If you do not make much use of your Keurig machine or whatever the reason that you have not cleaned the machine recently, it is in need of proper descaling. You must begin by discarding the water left in the reservoir and emptying it properly.
Now, as the machine is completely empty, you must begin by preparing a special homemade cleaning solution. You have to make use of the reservoir to spread this cleaning solution throughout the machine.
The term ‘scale’ in descaling means the deposits of natural minerals from water that pile up on surfaces over time. A pro tip to keep in mind is that once you are finished with the entire descaling process, clean out the water reservoir separately to get rid of the solution dispersed in it.
2. Fill Up The Water Reservoir Using Equal Portions Of Distilled White Vinegar And Water
Using acidic White Vinegar can be harsh for the surfaces of the reservoir in the coffee machine. So, to prevent this from occurring, you must dilute the Vinegar with a few ounces of water at normal temperature. Fill the reservoir up to two-thirds of its capacity using the diluted White Vinegar.
3. Run Some Brewing Cycles Using Hot Vinegar Solution
It is due to the acidic nature of White Vinegar that it will help break down the Calcium deposits and hard water stains present inside the machine. Keep on conducting brewing cycles using the hot Vinegar solution until not a single drop of this solution is left in the reservoir.
4. Clean Certain Areas As Needed
There will still be certain areas like the brewing chamber and spout, which require cleaning by hand. There are certain areas that need to be scrubbed down using a toothbrush or sponge.
5. Repeat The Brewing Cycles Using Normal Water
As you are done brewing the distilled solution, you must fill the reservoir and conduct three cycles using fresh or distilled water. This is done to ensure that all of the Vinegar has been rinsed out.
The Bottom Line
It is important to clean the water reservoir of your Keurig machine every once in a while. This is done to make sure that you get access to a steaming cup of fresh coffee instead of one contaminated with hard water stains.