{fresh cuppa}

via a well traveled woman

My sweetheart and I bought a Keurig earlier this year, hoping that it would save money instead of paying $1.40 for coffee everyday. No that's not much, but it adds up to roughly $500 per year, and that's only if I don't get something fancy like a latte. Since I've worked in coffee for 6 or so years, I enjoy a well crafted latte.
Instead of buying a regular coffee maker, we decided to buy a more modern, versatile coffee maker. I like that I can make hot cocoa, tea, or any flavor of coffee. But since we've purchased this coffee maker, I haven't cleaned it.

I was a little intimidated to clean it. Cleaning an espresso machine? No problem. A Keurig? Seemed complex.

So here is how you clean a Keurig. It is far easier than I expected; just takes time. This is a slightly adapted version from the Keurig website.

1. Wipe down the outside. Clean the tray, the outside & the counter under the machine. Just soap & water.

2. Clean the K-Cup holder.
Remove the K-Cup assembly: To remove the assembly from the brewer, open the cover by lifting the handle. Grasp the top of the K-Cup Holder with one hand while pushing up on the bottom of the assembly from underneath with the other until it releases. The K-Cup Holder is dishwasher safe. {I just used soap and water.}

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Clean the Funnel: The funnel can be removed from the K-Cup Holder by pulling on it until it snaps off. The funnel is dishwasher safe. To replace it just snap it back onto the K-Cup Holder.  

funnel is the bottom section

Clean the exit needle: The exit needle is located on the inside bottom. If coffee grounds or cocoa mix gets clogged in the exit needle, it can be cleaned using a paper clip or similar tool. Remove the funnel from the K-Cup Holder, insert the paper clip into the tube and move it around to loosen the clog and remove any debris. Please note, you cannot poke all the way through the needle as the opening of the needle is located on the side and not the top. {paper clip worked for me}

Install the K-Cup assembly into the brewer: After cleaning, align the K-Cup Holder tabs with the opening placing the two front tabs on the bottom and the single tab on top and snap it into place by pushing down on the top rim. Do not try to just close the lid, the pieces may not align correctly if you try to just close the lid.

3. Descaling your brewer: do this every 3-6 months.
Why? Scale is harmless, but it can hurt optimal brewer performance. Descaling regularly helps maintain the heating element, removable water reservoir and other parts of the brewer that come in contact with water. Better water quality and water heating means a better cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage. it is recommend you descale your brewer at least every 6 months (every 3 months if your water has a high mineral content).
How? Depends on your keurig type. For an Elite B40, Classic B44, Special Edition B60, or Platinum B70 do the following. Otherwise, look at their website.
 To start:
1. Empty the water in the Water Reservoir.
2. Disable “Auto Off” features. {I just set mine to shut off after 5 hours, and set a timer for 4 hours}
To fill & clean:
1. Pour approximately 48 ounces of the vinegar into the Water Reservoir.
2. Place a large mug on the Drip Tray Plate and run a brew cycle. DO NOT USE A K-CUP, just press the BREW Button. Pour the contents of the large mug into the sink.
3. Repeat the brew process without a K-Cup until “ADD WATER” is indicated.
4. Now let the Brewer stand for at least 4 hours while still on.
5. Discard any residual vinegar and rinse the Water Reservoir thoroughly.
Rinse.
1. Ensure the Water Reservoir is filled with fresh water.
2. Place a large mug on the Drip Tray Plate and water brew cycle. Pour the contents of the large mug into the sink.
3. Repeat brew process until “ADD WATER” is indicated.
4.  You may need to perform additional water brew cycles if you notice any residual taste.{you will know if vinegar is still in there if your milk curdles. I took me about 4 or 5 reservoir fills to flush it all out.}

{NOTE: If “DE-SCALE” is still displayed after completing the procedure, repeat the de-scaling procedure above.}