If you get your coffee from a keurig, it is imperative that you clean it regularly to keep your daily serving delicious. Keeping your keurig clean is a simple process, but there are a number of ways, which you can get this important task done. There are two methods on how to clean keurig: general cleaning and thorough cleaning. General cleaning is done regularly while thorough cleaning is done 2-4 times a year depending on the frequency of use of the coffee machine.
Things That You Will Need
· Water
· Undiluted white vinegar
· Clean and dry cloth
Procedure
Method one: General cleaning
1. Disassembling parts of the brewer
· Get the coffee maker’s cover open by lifting the handle upwards and removing the k-cup holder that is situated right inside.
· To get the k-cup holder out of its place, hold the top of the holder using one hand and push the bottom side-assembly with the other hand. This will make the assembly release. · Be cautious when removing the k-cup holder from its place, since there are two sharp needles inside which may cause injuries if not handled with caution.
· You can them remove the remaining pieces with ease. Pull the funnel upwards until it separates from the k-cup holder. Pull the drip away from the base of the keurig machine.
2. Clean the funnel, k-cup holder, drip tray and drip plate
· Fortunately, all these elements can be cleaned using normal dishwasher. Position them on the top most rack in the dishwasher and run the appliance on standard-wash settings. Use mild-dish detergent.
· If you want to clean the k-cup holder by hand, just rinse it with warm to hot water. While doing this, you should take care not to be pricked by the existing needles.
· If need be, you can wash the drip plate, funnel and drip tray by hand by immersing them in hot soapy water.
· Ensure that these individual pieces are wiped dry.
3. Wipe the exit needle on the upper and lower sides of the k-cup holder.
There are three holes in total, ensure you insert a paper clip to remove the debris inside. Get a straight paper clip and insert into the holes. However, you should know that you could not poke through as the needle’s opening is situated on the side and not the top side of the k-cup.
4. Clean the removable lid and water reservoir.
· Take note that these important keurig elements are not dishwasher safe and should be cleaned by hand using non-abrasive cloth and clean tap water.
· You should not use detergents or cleansers on these parts.
· Rinse the parts thoroughly under hot running water.
· Wipe dry thereafter using a dishtowel.
5. Wipe clean the outer part of the keurig machine.
· You can use a damp and non abrasive material to wipe away any dry stains on the outer surface of the brewer.
· If more thorough cleaning is required, it is advisable that you use a soapy cloth. However, you should rinse the soap residues from the machine under running water.
· Do not get the entire keurig brewer immersed in water.
6. Assemble the brewer’s parts.
· Start by snapping the funnel into its rightful position. Insert the k-cup into the machine.
· Use the arrow marks that are properly marked on the machine to help you insert the funnel.
· Slide the drip- back until you hear a click sound.
Method 2
1. Run vinegar through the keurig machine.
· Fill the entire water reservoir with strong, undiluted vinegar.
· Turn on the machine’s power and brew the vinegar. This can be done once in six months period and it helps in getting rid of any excess grim that may occur inside the keurig brewer. If left unremoved, the grime may have a negative effect on the ability of the brewer to function as required.
· Collect the vinegar, which brews through with a ceramic mug.
· Ensure that you do not use a k-cup when rinsing the keurig brewer with vinegar.
· If you have the mini-model of a keurig brewer, fill the reservoir with 300 ml of undiluted vinegar .Lower the keurig’s handle after every five minutes and press the brew button. The button will then turn red and start brewing the vinegar through the brewing machine.
· If using the standard model of the k10 or k40 keurig brewer, put 1500 ml of undiluted vinegar into the brewer then press the brew button.
· Dump the dispensed vinegar down the sink.
2. Perform a second round of vinegar rinse.
· The procedure is the same as the first, but you should allow the vinegar to remain in the machine for longer. This helps in descaling the machine in a better manner.
· Collect the vinegar that brews through with a ceramic mug.
· Ensure there is no k-cup used.
· If your keurig is a mini or single cup model, it is advisable that you lower the brewer’s handle five seconds into adding the pure undiluted vinegar. Power the machine when it starts to dispense the vinegar, which you have put inside. Allow the rest of the undiluted vinegar to suit for up to 30 minutes.
· However, for standard sized keurig models pour 1500 ml of vinegar into the water-reservoir, and then press the brew button. Wait until you see “add water”. Pause the process temporarily and let the vinegar remain inside the keurig brewer for 4 hours. Ensure the machine is still powered on. Put away the remaining undiluted white vinegar after this stage.
3. Rinse with fresh water
· Run clean water through the keurig to remove vinegar residues that may be available.
· Collect any dispensed water by placing a ceramic mug in the drip tray.
· No k-cup should be added to the keurig brewing machine at this stage.
· Pour fresh, cold water into the water reservoir. This can be 300 ml or 1500 ml depending on the size of the brewer.
· Press the brew button and allow the brew cycle to run the normal way. Pour the hot brewed water down the sink after the cycle is complete.
· Repeat the cold-water rinse for up to three times to get rid of any vinegar taste.
By following the above methods on how to clean keurig,you can continue enjoying great tasting coffee for longer.
