Whether you’re in full-on spring cleaning mode or just wondering why your coffee doesn’t taste as good at it used to, it might be time to learn how to descale Keurig with vinegar. Don’t worry, it’s pretty darn easy. Plus, as a bonus, this article will tell you how to clean a Keurig! 🙂

The Keurig is a pretty convenient invention; it allows you to brew a single cup of coffee in seconds without grinding beans, scooping messy grounds, or even pouring water. Notice I said “convenient,” not magic. Unfortunately, a Keurig, like all household appliances, requires some TLC.

You need to know how to descale Keurig (with vinegar or some other solution), and you need to know how to clean a Keurig. (Yes, those are two separate things.)

When referring to how do you descale a Keurig, I’m talking about flushing the system itself where calcium deposits, bacteria, and other impurities can build up … or even worse, wash through and end up in your next cup of coffee. When referring to how to clean out a Keurig, I’m talking about washing the various pieces, like the k cup holder, the same way you would dishes.

If you’re wondering “do I really need to learn how to descale my Keurig” or “do I really need to learn how to clean my Keurig,” the answer is yes. You really, really do. For one, descaling and cleaning can keep the Keurig functioning properly by preventing blockages. However, more importantly, not descaling and cleaning could make you sick!

A USA Today article cites a study that found that 50% of all coffee water reservoirs checked contained mold or yeast! Totally gross, right?

Ready to learn how to descale your Keurig now? Like right now? 😉

Don’t worry, learning how to descale a Keurig machine and how to clean out a Keurig is not difficult. And if you’re going to focus on how to descale your Keurig with vinegar, you probably have all the materials and ingredients you need in your kitchen right now. (So that means you have no excuse!)

In fact, cleaning and descaling a Keurig is so easy it could probably be assigned to your kids as part of their cores! Go ahead, consider adding it to your chore chart for kids or reward chart for kids printable.

Table of Contents

Materials for Cleaning and Descaling My Keurig

Hot water
Dish soap
Cup
Vinegar
Toothbrush
Drinking water (preferably filtered water)
Cloth (like a dish rag)

How to Clean a Keurig: Directions

If you’ve been wondering “how to clean my Keurig,” wonder no more! In just 7 simple steps you’ll have a Keurig that is clean enough to eat off of … err, drink out of. 🙂

1. Fill your kitchen sink halfway with hot soapy water.

2. Remove drip tray and put it in the sink to soak.

3. Remove k cup holder and place it in sink.

4. Use a toothbrush to scrub the needle that pierces the cups.

5. Wash, rinse, and dry parts.

6. Return parts to Keurig.

7. Wipe down the outside of your machine with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner.

How to Clean My Keurig FAQs

Q: How often should I clean a Keurig?
A: You should run through the steps on how to clean a Keurig (wash the reservoir, k cup holder, and drip pan) approximately once a week.

Q: If I clean my Keurig do I still need to descale it?
A: Yes! 🙂

Q: What cleaner should I use on the outside of my Keurig?
A: Any gentle all-purpose cleaner should be fine. If you prefer an all-natural option, consider making your own homemade cleaner.

How to Descale a Keurig with Vinegar: Directions

Now that you know how to clean out a Keurig, it’s time to move on to how do you descale a Keurig. This process is essential to getting a tasty (and hygienic) cup of coffee!

1. Remove any used cups from the holder.

2. Fill water reservoir ¾ of the way full with vinegar.

3. Place a cup underneath the Keurig and run the machine.

Tip: Wondering why descaling my Keurig with vinegar works? Vinegar is made from acetic acid, which is strong enough to dissolve mineral deposit, dirt, and grease. It’s also strong enough to kill bacteria.

4. Repeat step 3 until there is no longer enough vinegar left in the reservoir to fill a cup.

5. Fill the reservoir ¾ full of filtered water and run the machine.

Tip: It may be tempting to skip this step when going through how to descale my Keurig, but don’t, unless you like the taste of vinegar with your coffee! 😉

6. Repeat step 5 until there is no longer enough water left in the reservoir to fill a cup.

7. Dry out the reservoir to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in your freshly descaled Keurig.

Guess what—you just learned how to descale a Keurig machine! Your Keurig is now ready to use … and just in time for your 3 p.m. pick-me-up cup of coffee! 🙂

How Do You Descale A Keurig FAQs

Q: How often should I be descaling my Keurig?
A: You should run through the steps on how to descale a Keurig every 2 months.

Q: How to descale my Keurig without vinegar?
A: Don’t want to use vinegar in your Keurig? Try this Keurig descale solution DIY recipe without vinegar.

Q: If I follow the how to descale a Keurig machine instructions, do I still need to clean my Keurig?
A: Yes!

Now that you know how to descale your Keurig, you can move on to other cleaning tasks. Yay! Use these cleaning printables to get organized and stay on track.

Oh, and don’t forget to take your designated coffee break! 😉