Properly Clean a Keurig or Coffee Maker

There’s nothing like the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee to kickstart your day. But a clogged, grimy coffee maker can turn that bliss into a bitter disappointment.

Mineral deposits, coffee oils, and leftover residue quietly sneak in over time, slowing your machine and subtly changing the taste of every cup.

The good news? You can restore your machine to peak performance, and your coffee to café-quality perfection. Think of it as self-care for your machine and yourself. Stick around, because we’ll show you how to do this.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start cleaning, gather everything you’ll need to make the process smooth from start to finish.

The key ingredient for addressing mineral deposits is white vinegar, which effectively dissolves build-up without leaving residual flavours.

You will also need a soft cloth or microfibre towel, an old toothbrush to reach narrow or intricate areas, and some mild dish soap.

If you prefer ready-made solutions, you can grab a commercial descaler. But usually, vinegar is enough to sort out most smells and stains. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to rinse your machine well with water afterwards to get rid of the acidic odour.

While you’re at it, go over the user’s guide before starting, as certain models require specific care instructions.

Disassemble Your Coffee Maker

Begin by unplugging your coffee maker to ensure safety before handling any components.

Carefully remove all detachable parts, such as the water tank, carafe, filter holder, and drip tray.  Each model is a little different, though, so check how yours is designed before taking it apart.

Handle each part gently to prevent cracks or warping, and consider snapping photos of the setup before taking it apart. This way, you’ll have a visual reference when you put the parts back together, ensuring everything returns to its correct position.

Another brilliant idea is catching minor issues before they snowball. While inspecting the components, take note of any unusual wear, stains, or build-up that may require extra attention during cleaning.

Clean the Removable Parts

Once the detachable pieces are out, it’s time to give them a thorough clean. Fill the sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap, then wash the water tank, carafe, filter holder, and drip tray.

Gently scrub each piece with a soft cloth or sponge to remove visible residue, using a toothbrush to tackle the corners and crevices where coffee oils can hide.

For stubborn stains or mineral deposits, soak the components briefly to loosen the build-up before rinsing them thoroughly.

Some dishwashers can technically clean these parts, but most manuals recommend washing them by hand. It’s gentler on the rubber seals and silicone pieces, which tend to absorb coffee oils and break down faster under high heat.

Descale the Machine with Vinegar

To keep your coffee maker running smoothly, descale it every three months, and more often if you live in a hard-water area, such as Adelaide or Brisbane.

The tap water in these regions tends to contain higher levels of calcium and magnesium, which can build up inside your machine and affect its performance over time.

To avoid this, fill the tank with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water, then run a full brew cycle. Once finished, flush the system with two or three cycles of plain water to remove any lingering vinegar taste.

Use Advanced Descaling Techniques

If your machine has been neglected for a while, a standard vinegar rinse may not be enough. In that case, let the vinegar-and-water solution sit in the tank overnight before running the cycle. Warming the solution slightly can also help it dissolve stubborn build-up.

High-end machines sometimes benefit from alternating between vinegar and citric acid solutions, as each targets different mineral deposits.

For particularly heavy deposits, you can repeat the process or pick a trusted commercial descaler, like Cafetto or EcoDecalk. Just make sure it’s compatible with your model, follow the instructions, and rinse thoroughly afterwards.

If you live in a hard-water region, consider fitting a water softener to prevent future build-up and reduce the need for frequent deep cleans.

You can also bring in a monthly cleaning service to handle this for you. They’ll descale your machine properly, clear out any stubborn deposits, and keep it running like new.

Wipe Down the Exterior

A clean, gleaming coffee maker instantly makes your kitchen feel more put-together. So, give the outside a quick wipe every now and then to stop grime from sticking around. A damp microfibre cloth with a bit of mild soap will take care of fingerprints, spills, and dust in seconds.

Areas such as the control panel, LED lights, the base, and around the drip tray deserve particular attention, as they are the first to show signs of neglect.

Finish things off by buffing the surface with a clean, dry cloth. This will remove any remaining moisture, prevent water stains, and leave your coffee maker looking crisp and freshly cleaned.

Reassemble and Test the Machine

Once every part is dry, bring your coffee maker back to life piece by piece. Slide the tank into place, secure the filter holder, and set the drip tray in place. It should all fit together like clockwork.

Now, fill the reservoir and run a cycle with plain water. Watch the flow, listen closely, and stay alert for leaks or odd noises. If the water runs smoother than before, you’ll know the cleanup has worked its magic.

Check the brew temperature, too, just to be sure everything is in sync. High-end machines often recalibrate themselves, but your quick once-over still matters.

Done right, this step will give you the final green light that your machine is ready to make the kind of coffee you’d like to have first thing in the morning.

Stick to a Preventive Maintenance Routine

The best way to avoid coffee-maker hiccups is to stay a step ahead.

Fit a water filter in the tank and change it on schedule. Waiting until it’s completely spent is a bit like driving on bald tyres.

Another easy but important step is tipping out any leftovers after each brew, so it doesn’t go stale and spoil tomorrow’s cup.

Also, store your beans and syrups well away from the machine. The last thing you want is an unintentional vanilla-scented espresso. Keep an eye on humidity too, since mould has a knack for finding cosy corners.

Conclusion

About three-quarters of Australian adults have at least one cup of coffee every day, and nearly a third admit they simply cannot get through the day without it. With numbers like that, your coffee maker is not just an appliance—it’s a lifeline.

Keeping it clean and well-maintained is the easiest way to guarantee that every cup does its job, fuelling your day, lifting your mood, and making sure you never miss a beat.