How to clean Keurig of Mold and Bacteria

To effectively clean your Keurig coffee maker of mold and bacteria, follow these detailed steps:

Preparation

1. Gather Supplies: You will need:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Warm water
• Lemi Shine Booster (optional)
• Dish soap
• A toothbrush or soft brush
• Microfiber cloth or paper towels

Cleaning Steps

1. Disassemble the Keurig

• Remove the water reservoir, drip tray, K-Cup holder, and any other removable parts.
• Wash these components in warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.

2. Clean the Exterior

• Wipe down the outside of the machine with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to remove any grime or stains.

3. Descale with Vinegar

• Vinegar Solution: Fill the reservoir halfway with distilled white vinegar and the other half with hot water. Stir to mix.
• Run the brew cycle without a K-Cup until the solution has emptied. Repeat this process 2-3 times to ensure thorough cleaning.
• After descaling, fill the reservoir with plain water and run several cycles to rinse out any remaining vinegar taste.

4. Use Lemi Shine Booster (Optional)

• If you choose to use Lemi Shine Booster, fill the reservoir with 48 oz of warm water and add 2 tablespoons of Lemi Shine. Brew until empty, then rinse with plain water.

5. Clean Internal Components

• Use a toothbrush to gently scrub any visible mold or debris inside the machine, particularly around the exit needle where coffee exits.

6. Preventive Measures

• To prevent future mold growth, clean removable parts weekly and descale your Keurig every 3-6 months depending on usage and water quality.
• Consider using filtered or bottled water to reduce mineral buildup that can contribute to mold growth.

Tips for Maintenance

• Regularly check and clean areas prone to moisture buildup, such as the drip tray and water reservoir.
• After each use, empty any leftover water in the drip tray to avoid stagnant water that promotes mold growth.

By following these steps, you can maintain a clean and hygienic Keurig coffee maker, ensuring a fresh cup of coffee every time.

Best household items to use for cleaning a Keurig

You can use these houehols items to clean your keurig

1. White Vinegar
   • Acts as a natural descaler and disinfectant, helping to remove mineral buildup and sanitize the machine. Mix equal parts vinegar and water for cleaning.
2. Dish Soap
   • Use warm, soapy water to clean removable parts like the water reservoir, drip tray, and K-Cup holder. This helps eliminate coffee oils and residue.
3. Microfiber Cloth or Paper Towels
   • Ideal for wiping down the exterior of the machine and drying off cleaned parts without leaving lint.
4. Toothbrush or Soft Brush
   • Useful for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas, especially around the K-Cup holder and exit needle, to remove any coffee grounds or buildup.
5. Citric Acid
   • An alternative to vinegar, citric acid can be mixed with water to create a descaling solution that effectively cleans mineral deposits.
6. All-Purpose Cleaner
   • For general cleaning of the machine’s exterior surfaces, an all-purpose cleaner can help remove stains and spills.
7. Keurig Cleaning Pods (Optional)
   • Specifically designed for Keurig machines, these pods can simplify the cleaning process by descaling and removing residue without the need for manual mixing.