You rely on your Keurig for that quick, convenient cup of coffee every morning. But have you ever thought about what happens to the water that sits inside it when it’s not in use? Just like any other appliance that handles water, your Keurig needs a little routine maintenance to perform at its best. Over time, stagnant water can affect the taste of your coffee and even lead to mineral buildup that might slow down your machine. That’s where knowing How To Drain Keurig Coffee Machines – Our Step-by-Step Guide becomes an essential part of your kitchen know-how.
Draining your Keurig is a simple process that doesn’t require any special tools or technical expertise. It’s a key step for preparing your machine for a vacation, before a thorough descaling, or even if you just want to give it a fresh start. This guide will walk you through the entire process gently and clearly, ensuring you can confidently manage this simple task and keep your coffee tasting great.
Why Draining Your Keurig is a Good Idea
You might be wondering why you can’t just keep brewing. While Keurigs are designed for daily use, there are several scenarios where draining the internal reservoir is highly recommended. If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period, draining the machine prevents water from sitting and developing a stale taste or potentially growing mold. Before you perform a descaling cycle to remove mineral deposits, starting with an empty machine ensures the descaling solution isn’t diluted by old water, making it more effective. Finally, if your machine has been in storage or you simply want to refresh it, a complete drain and refill with fresh water is the perfect way to go.
Gathering Your Simple Supplies
The good news is that you don’t need a toolbox for this job. The supplies are likely already in your kitchen. First, you’ll need a large mug or cup to place on the drip tray. Next, have a large bowl or a second mug ready—this will be used to catch the water you’re draining. A standard coffee mug typically holds 10-12 ounces, so a larger bowl is helpful to avoid frequent emptying. You might also want to have a towel or a few paper towels on hand for any minor spills. That’s it! With these simple items, you’re ready to begin.
How To Drain Keurig Coffee Machines – Our Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s get to the main event. Follow these steps to safely and completely drain the water from your Keurig.
Step 1: Power Down and Unplug
Safety first! Always make sure your Keurig is turned off and unplugged from the electrical outlet. This protects both you and the machine from any electrical hazards during the process.
Step 2: Remove All External Components
Lift the lid and take out the water reservoir. If your model has a removable drip tray and K-cup holder, take those out as well. This gives you clear access and makes it easier to clean all the parts separately. Give the reservoir a quick rinse and dry it if you’re refilling it with fresh water later.
Step 3: The Manual Drain Method
This is the core of the draining process. Place your large bowl directly under the spot where the water comes out (the exit needle). You will now need to manually initiate a brew cycle without a K-cup pod to force the water out. Since the machine is unplugged, you’ll need to trick it.
On most Keurig models, you can do this by carefully lifting the brew handle as if you were going to insert a pod. Look for a small lever or button inside the K-cup chamber—this is the safety switch that tells the machine the handle is closed. Use a non-metallic tool, like a chopstick or the end of a wooden spoon, to gently press and hold this switch down. With the switch held down, slowly lower the brew handle to lock it in place. The internal pump should now be bypassed, allowing gravity to drain the water from the internal tank into your bowl.
Step 4: Be Patient and Let it Flow
The water will drain slowly. It may take a few minutes for all the water to empty out. You can gently tilt the machine forward and side-to-side to help any remaining water find its way to the exit point. Just be sure to do this carefully to avoid any spills.
Step 5: The Final Cleanup
Once the water has completely stopped dripping, you can release the brew handle. Use your towel to wipe down the inside of the machine, the drip tray area, and the external housing. Reassemble all the components—the water reservoir, K-cup holder, and drip tray.
What to Do After Draining
Congratulations, your Keurig is now drained! If you were preparing for storage, you can simply pack it away. If you were getting ready to descale, you can now proceed with your descaling solution according to the product’s instructions. If you’re just doing a routine refresh, the best thing to do is to fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water and run a few brew cycles (without a K-cup) through the machine. This will flush out any tiny residual particles and ensure the first coffee you make is as fresh as can be.
Keeping Your Keurig in Top Shape
Draining is just one part of a good maintenance routine. To keep your coffee tasting its best, remember to descale your machine every 3-6 months, or as recommended in your user manual, depending on the hardness of your water. Regularly wiping down the exterior and cleaning the removable parts with warm, soapy water will also prevent coffee oils and residue from building up. A little care goes a long way in extending the life of your appliance.
Knowing how to drain your Keurig is a simple yet powerful piece of knowledge. It empowers you to maintain your machine properly, ensuring every cup of coffee is as delicious as the first. By following this gentle step-by-step guide, you can easily manage this task whenever the need arises, keeping your favorite brewer running smoothly for years to come.