Do you have a Keurig coffee machine? Find out exactly how to clean and keep it fresh here!
In the past decade, tens of millions of single-serve coffee brewers have been sold worldwide, which means that you have probably had coffee at some point. It may have been at work or in a retail store, but most likely you brewed it on your home machine on the kitchen counter. Keurig is one of the leading manufacturers of these machines. They can be compact, practical, and make a steaming hot cup of coffee in seconds. However, like any conventional coffee maker, it can house all types of unwanted bacteria if it is not regularly serviced and cleaned.
Basic operation
Keurig machines are considered small miracles in the preparation of coffee, which is why they have become so popular in recent years. They are quick, easy, produce just enough coffee to avoid waste and don't need to know how many scoops of coffee to use. But how exactly do you achieve this? It is a combination of the brewer itself and the K-Cups that work together. Put simply, there are a few basic steps to make this perfect cup of coffee:
- The user fills a container attached to the machine with water. Some models only have space for a large portion, others can make multiple cups without refilling.
- When the machine is turned on, it automatically switches to a heating mode to heat up water that has been primed in the internal hoses and components.
- At this point, the machine typically has lights that prompt the user to place a K-Cup in the holder and close the chamber.
- When the brew size button is selected, the machine is prompted to pump the correct amount of water into the chamber at a very constant temperature.
- When the chamber is closed, a hollow "pin" pierces the K-Cup, allowing the hot water to flow through it under pressure.
- The pressurized water mixes with the coffee grounds and exits through holes in the bottom of the chamber.
- The empty K cup is removed and a hot cup of coffee is enjoyed.
Maintenance and cleaning
The problem with these devices – and anything that contains water or moisture – is that bacteria and debris can appear over time. To ensure top performance and cleanliness, they must be cleaned at regular intervals. This can be difficult to remember at times, especially if you normally drink your coffee and run out of the door on the way to work. If you have one of these at home, you should know how to clean a Keurig coffee machine. You need a few supplies and some time, but this shouldn't be seen as a daunting task. Following these steps will keep your Keurig properly and free of superstructures for a long time. Here is a brief summary of the process:
- Pull out the plug
- Disassemble components
- Clean the outside
- Clean the inside
- Descaling
- Rinse with water
The frequency with which you need to do this cleaning can vary and depend on several factors. This can be affected by the type of water in your home, the environment to which the machine is exposed, and the amount (or lack thereof) of the Keurig. Over the years there have also been reports of how bad Keurig machines can be for your health because they accumulate so much with dirt and bacteria. This is true, but in reality it applies to every type of coffee machine, regardless of brand or design. Proper maintenance and cleaning of the breweries results in a consistently hot and fresh cup of coffee for years.
