Step-By-Step Guide To Draining Your Keurig

Quick answer

• Turn off and unplug the Keurig.
• Remove the water reservoir. Empty any remaining water.
• Run a brew cycle with no K-Cup to drain the internal lines.
• Use a syringe or turkey baster for stubborn water pockets.
• Let it air dry completely before storing or moving.
• Consult your Keurig manual for specific model instructions.

Who this is for

• Anyone moving their Keurig to a new spot.
• Folks storing their Keurig for the season.
• Travelers packing their Keurig for a trip.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Know your Keurig model. Some have more complex internal systems than others. This guide covers most standard K-Cup brewers. If you have an older model or a specific type, double-check your manual.

Water quality and temperature

This is less critical for draining, but good to remember for regular use. Always use filtered water. It makes a difference. For draining, just focus on getting the water out. Temperature doesn’t matter here.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Not applicable for draining. This is about cleaning out what’s left. Focus on the water, not the coffee grounds.

Coffee-to-water ratio

Again, not relevant for draining. We’re not brewing here, just clearing out the system.

Cleanliness/descale status

While you’re draining, it’s a good time to think about descaling. If it’s been a while, you might want to run a descaling solution through before you drain it next time. But for just draining, focus on the water.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Turn off and unplug.

• What to do: Locate the power button and press it. Then, pull the plug from the wall outlet.
• What “good” looks like: The brewer is completely inactive. No lights are on.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug. This is a safety hazard. Always disconnect power before messing with water.

2. Remove the water reservoir.

• What to do: Grasp the reservoir handle and lift it straight up and off the base.
• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is fully detached from the brewer.
• Common mistake: Yanking too hard. Be gentle. It just lifts off.

3. Empty the reservoir.

• What to do: Take the reservoir to the sink and pour out all the water.
• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is bone dry.
• Common mistake: Leaving a little water at the bottom. Every drop counts for a complete drain.

4. Remove the drip tray.

• What to do: Slide the drip tray assembly out from the front of the brewer.
• What “good” looks like: The tray is out, and you can see the area underneath.
• Common mistake: Not emptying the drip tray. It often holds a surprising amount of water.

5. Empty the drip tray.

• What to do: Pour any water from the drip tray into the sink.
• What “good” looks like: The drip tray is empty and dry.
• Common mistake: Overlooking this step. It’s easy to do.

6. Open the K-Cup holder.

• What to do: Lift the handle as if you were going to brew a pod.
• What “good” looks like: The K-Cup holder mechanism is open.
• Common mistake: Forgetting there might be a pod still in there. Check and remove it.

7. Remove any K-Cup.

• What to do: If there’s a pod in the holder, remove it.
• What “good” looks like: The K-Cup holder is empty.
• Common mistake: Leaving a pod in. It can trap water and get gross.

8. Run a brew cycle (no K-Cup).

• What to do: Place the empty reservoir back on the base. Plug the brewer back in and turn it on. Select a small brew size (like 6 oz). Press the brew button.
• What “good” looks like: Water runs through the needles and out the spout into the drip tray area.
• Common mistake: Not running a full cycle. You need to activate the pump to push water through the system.

9. Repeat brew cycles.

• What to do: Keep running small brew cycles until no more water comes out. You might need 3-5 cycles.
• What “good” looks like: Only air or a few drips come out with each cycle.
• Common mistake: Stopping too soon. There’s always a little more water hiding.

10. Use a syringe or baster (optional).

• What to do: If you suspect water is still trapped, unplug the brewer again. Use a clean syringe or turkey baster to try and extract water from the reservoir opening or drip tray area.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve removed any visible remaining water pockets.
• Common mistake: Forcing anything. Be gentle.

11. Let it air dry.

• What to do: Leave the reservoir off, the K-Cup holder open, and the drip tray removed. Let the brewer sit in a well-ventilated area for several hours, or overnight.
• What “good” looks like: All parts are dry to the touch. No dampness.
• Common mistake: Storing it while still damp. This can lead to mold or mildew.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Forgetting to unplug	Electrical shock hazard, damage to brewer	Always disconnect power before water work.
Not emptying the reservoir fully	Lingering water, potential for freezing damage	Pour every last drop out.
Not removing the drip tray	Trapped water, mold, potential leaks	Remove and empty the drip tray completely.
Leaving a K-Cup in the holder	Trapped water, potential for mold and odors	Ensure the K-Cup holder is empty.
Not running enough brew cycles	Internal lines still hold water	Run cycles until only air or drips come out.
Storing while still damp	Mold, mildew, unpleasant odors, component damage	Allow all parts to air dry thoroughly before storage or moving.
Forcing components	Broken parts, irreparable damage	Be gentle; components usually lift or slide off easily.
Ignoring specific model instructions	Ineffective draining, potential damage	Always check your Keurig manual for model-specific tips.
Not cleaning the reservoir	Grime and bacteria transfer	Wash the reservoir with soap and water before drying.
Trying to drain when it’s freezing	Water freezing inside, cracking components	Only drain in a temperature-controlled environment.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you’re moving your Keurig, then drain it completely because you don’t want water sloshing around or freezing in transit.
• If you’re storing your Keurig for an extended period, then drain it thoroughly because moisture can lead to mold and damage.
• If you see water still coming out after two brew cycles, then run two more cycles because there’s likely still water trapped in the system.
• If you have a travel Keurig, then pay extra attention to draining the internal lines, as they can be more compact.
• If you notice a musty smell, then you probably didn’t drain and dry it properly, so re-clean and dry it thoroughly.
• If you’re unsure about your specific model, then consult your Keurig’s user manual because it has the most accurate information.
• If you live in a cold climate and are moving your Keurig, then ensure it’s completely dry before exposing it to freezing temperatures.
• If you’re just cleaning out a few drops, then running one brew cycle might be enough, but for a full drain, more is needed.
• If you’re using a syringe, then make sure it’s clean and dedicated to this purpose to avoid contamination.
• If you’re putting it back into storage, then leave the reservoir off and the lid open to allow for continued air circulation.
• If you have any doubts about the process, then err on the side of caution and run more cycles and allow for more drying time.

FAQ

Why do I need to drain my Keurig?

You need to drain it to prevent water damage, freezing, or mold growth, especially if you’re moving it, storing it, or it’s been unused for a while. It ensures the brewer stays in good condition.

How much water is usually left in a Keurig?

It varies by model, but you can often find a few ounces trapped in the internal tubing, pump, and heating element. Running multiple brew cycles helps clear this out.

Can I just tip my Keurig upside down?

No, that’s not recommended. You risk damaging internal components and making a mess. Stick to the step-by-step process of running brew cycles.

What’s the best way to dry my Keurig after draining?

Air drying is best. Leave all removable parts off and the brewer in a well-ventilated spot until completely dry.

Should I descale before draining?

It’s a good idea if your Keurig is due for descaling. Running a descaling solution first and then draining will clean out both scale and remaining water.

How often should I drain my Keurig?

You should drain it any time you plan to move it, store it for more than a week, or if it’s been unused for a while. Regular draining isn’t usually necessary.

What if my Keurig won’t run a brew cycle after draining?

Check that it’s plugged in, turned on, and the reservoir is seated correctly. If it still doesn’t work, consult your manual or contact Keurig support.

Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying?

It’s generally not recommended. Excessive heat can damage plastic components. Natural air drying is safer.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed descaling procedures for specific Keurig models.
• Troubleshooting error codes or mechanical failures.
• Deep cleaning of the K-Cup holder mechanism.
• Recommendations for specific cleaning solutions or brands.
• Advanced maintenance like replacing water filters or seals.