How to Clean Your Keurig (and Other Coffee Pod Machines) for the Freshest Brew

Coffee pod and single-serve coffee machines are the ultimate in convenience. But as easy in operation and maintenance as they often are, they still require regular cleanings—and done properly, too.

Although modern coffee pod brewers skip the big basket of wet coffee grounds in favor of small, single-serving cups or pods, oils from the coffee grounds, mineral deposits from tap water, and even certain types of bacteria can build up in the machine over time, affecting flavor and safety. 

Cleaning regularly extends the life of your machine, preventing clogs and wear that can occur because of accumulated debris and reduces the need for costly repairs. It also keeps your coffee delicious and fresh, ensuring that you can enjoy your morning cup for years to come.

Ahead, you’ll find methods approved by cleaning experts and the manufacturers of some of the most popular coffee pod machines for cleaning, descaling, and keeping your coffee pod maker at its best. 

Materials Needed:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Vinegar
• Coffee machine descaling solution
• Small cleaning brush
• Large mug
• Owner’s manual

How to Give Your Coffee Pod Machine a Daily Cleaning

According to experts, you should add cleaning your coffee maker to your daily cleaning tasks. "Typical pod coffee makers require daily rinsing to help avoid the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold that builds up inside the brewer,” Bruvi founder Mel Elias explains. “Best practice for cleaning and maintaining pod coffee makers includes wiping them down regularly, as well as hand washing the water tank and drip tray.”

1. After every use, remove the coffee pod. Dispose of one-time-use pods immediately.
2. Unplug your machine and remove the drip tray and reservoirs.  
3. Using a soft cloth, wipe the machine with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. 
4. Hand wash removable parts with the same gentle soap, allowing them to fully dry.
5. When all parts are completely dry, replace the tray and reservoir. Do not put a new pod into the machine until you are ready to brew again. 

How to Deep Clean Your Coffee Pod Brewer

Deep cleaning your coffee pod machine is recommended to extend its life and keep your coffee fresh. Be sure to check the owner's manual of your practical model, as recommended cleaning cadence will vary. For example, official guidance from Keurig suggests doing so once a week.

1. Unplug your machine, then remove filters, pins, and pod assemblies as suggested by the maker. (Consult your manufacturer-provided user manual for disassembly instructions. Ensure you understand how your model works and take note of all the parts that are easily removable for cleaning. This will vary by maker and model.)
2. Using mild dish soap and warm water, wash the drip tray, reservoir and machine using daily cleaning instructions. 
3. If there is no cleaning cycle built into your machine’s settings, Gina McRae of Molly Maids suggests combining equal parts white vinegar and hot water and running it through a regular brewing cycle. 
4. If your model uses a pin to puncture the coffee pod during brewing, Gina suggests that you use a bit of dish soap on a small bristle brush, like a soft toothbrush, to scrub off any residue, then rinse thoroughly. 
5. After thoroughly washing, rinsing, and drying all parts, reassemble your machine. 
6. Plug it back in, and run a cycle of hot clean water through the machine.

How to Descale a Coffee Pod Machine

“Periodic descaling is important to remove calcium and mineral deposits that may build up inside the brewer, affecting both how the brewer works and the taste of coffee," says Elias, who typically recommends the task be done quarterly.

Descaling instructions vary by manufacturer and model, so it’s best to consult your manual and choose the prescribed method for your specific machine. In general, descaling usually includes the following steps.

1. Pour the descaling solution of your choice into the empty reservoir. 
2. Run the descaling cycle on your machine using a large mug to catch the solution.
3. Empty the mug and repeat until the machine is empty. 
4. Add hot water and run regular cycles into the large mug until the reservoir is empty. 

Remember: Every Machine Is Different

When it comes to cleaning single-serve and coffee pod machines, it's important to note that it's not always a one-size-fits-all method. For instance, with Bruvi, hygienic brewing occurs in the pod instead of inside the brewer. This reduces the need for daily rinsing.

Even within the Keurig family of machines, many models have slightly different best-practice instructions. Other brands also include unique cleaning instructions, so the most important part of cleaning and maintenance is to follow the manufacturer’s guidance, ensuring that your coffee brewer will perform at its best for years to come.