Drain Keurig for Storage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer

• Empty the water reservoir completely.
• Run a brew cycle with no pod to flush remaining water.
• Remove and dry the drip tray and pod holder.
• Unplug the machine.
• Store in a dry place.
• Consider placing silica gel packets inside for extra protection.

Who this is for

• Anyone moving their Keurig to a new home.
• Campers or RV owners packing away their coffee maker.
• People storing their Keurig for an extended period.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Most Keurigs are pretty straightforward. They use K-Cups, which are single-serve pods. No paper filters needed here, which is kinda nice. Just make sure you know if you have a standard model or one of the fancier ones with extra features. The draining process is usually the same, though.

Water quality and temperature

For draining, this isn’t a huge deal. You’re just getting water out. But if you were brewing, you’d want good, filtered water. Room temperature is fine for draining. No need to heat anything up.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Again, not critical for draining. K-Cups are pre-ground and sealed. The main thing is just to get all the coffee liquid out of the machine, not worry about the grounds themselves.

Coffee-to-water ratio

This doesn’t apply when you’re draining. You’re not brewing coffee, you’re just emptying the water tank. So, ratio is out the window for this task.

Cleanliness/descale status

Before you store it, it’s a good idea to give it a quick clean. If it’s been a while, a descaling cycle might be in order. This ensures no gunk is left behind to cause problems later. Plus, who wants to store a dirty appliance? Not me.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Unplug the Keurig.

• What “good” looks like: The power light is off, and the cord is safely out of the outlet.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug it. This is a safety thing, folks. Always unplug appliances before messing with them.

2. Remove the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is detached from the main unit and easy to handle.
• Common mistake: Trying to drain it while it’s still attached. It’s just awkward and messy.

3. Empty the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: All water is poured out into a sink or bucket.
• Common mistake: Not getting all the water out. A little bit left can freeze or grow stuff.

4. Empty the drip tray.

• What “good” looks like: The tray is removed and any pooled water is dumped.
• Common mistake: Leaving a little bit of water in the drip tray. It can get funky.

5. Remove the K-Cup holder.

• What “good” looks like: The entire K-Cup holder assembly is out of the machine.
• Common mistake: Forgetting this part. You want to get water out of everywhere.

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

• What “good” looks like: Water flows through the needle and out the spout into a mug or sink, flushing out internal lines.
• Common mistake: Putting a K-Cup in. You’re trying to drain, not brew!

7. Run a smaller brew cycle (no K-Cup).

• What “good” looks like: A smaller amount of water flushes remaining bits.
• Common mistake: Only running one cycle. A second smaller one can catch anything missed.

8. Wipe down the exterior.

• What “good” looks like: The outside of the machine is clean and dry.
• Common mistake: Leaving smudges or water spots. A clean machine is a happy machine.

9. Dry the reservoir, drip tray, and K-Cup holder.

• What “good” looks like: All removed parts are completely dry before reassembly or storage.
• Common mistake: Storing damp parts. Mold and mildew love that.

10. Reassemble (optional) or store parts separately.

• What “good” looks like: Either the machine is back together and ready for transport, or all parts are ready for packing.
• Common mistake: Forgetting where parts go if you take them all apart. Keep it simple.

11. Store the Keurig in a dry location.

• What “good” looks like: The machine is in a place protected from moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Common mistake: Leaving it in a damp garage or basement. That’s a recipe for trouble.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not unplugging the machine	Risk of electrical shock if water contacts internal components.	Always unplug before draining.
Leaving water in the reservoir	Can freeze and crack plastic, or lead to mold/mildew growth.	Empty the reservoir completely.
Not running a brew cycle	Internal lines remain filled with water, increasing freeze risk.	Run at least one brew cycle with no pod.
Leaving water in the drip tray	Stagnant water can grow mold and bacteria, creating odors.	Empty and dry the drip tray thoroughly.
Not removing the K-Cup holder	Trapped water can remain in the holder and associated parts.	Remove the K-Cup holder and clean/dry it.
Storing a damp machine or parts	Promotes mold, mildew, and potential damage to internal electronics.	Ensure all parts are completely dry before storing.
Not cleaning before storage	Old coffee oils and mineral buildup can go stale and be harder to clean later.	Give it a quick wipe-down and consider a descaling if needed.
Storing in an uninsulated area	Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can damage plastic components.	Store in a climate-controlled or moderately temperate environment.
Forgetting to drain the pump mechanism	Residual water can cause issues if the machine is stored for a long time.	Running a brew cycle helps clear the pump.
Not checking the manual for specific model	Some models might have slightly different draining procedures.	Refer to your Keurig’s user manual if unsure.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you’re moving the Keurig, then you absolutely need to drain it because water can slosh around and cause damage during transit.
• If the machine has been sitting unused for months, then run a descaling cycle after draining before using it again because mineral buildup can affect taste and performance.
• If you live in a region with freezing temperatures, then ensure the Keurig is completely dry before storing it because frozen water can crack plastic parts.
• If you see any signs of mold or mildew on the removed parts, then clean them thoroughly with soap and water before storing because you don’t want that spreading.
• If you’re unsure about a specific step for your model, then consult your Keurig’s user manual because they have the most accurate information.
• If you plan to store the Keurig for less than a month, then a thorough drain might be sufficient, but for longer periods, extra care is wise.
• If you’re using a storage unit that might get very cold, then consider bringing the Keurig inside your home for storage to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
• If you notice any weird smells coming from the machine, then definitely run a cleaning cycle after draining before you put it away.
• If you’re packing it in a box, then wrap it in a soft cloth or bubble wrap to protect it from bumps and scratches.
• If you’re storing it long-term, then consider putting a few silica gel packets inside the reservoir area to absorb any lingering moisture.

FAQ

Do I need to descale before draining?

It’s not strictly necessary for draining, but it’s a good idea if it’s been a while. A clean machine stores better and is ready to go when you pull it out.

Can I just leave water in it if I’m only moving it a short distance?

No, it’s best practice to drain it. Water can shift during movement, and residual water can cause problems, especially if it’s not upright the whole time.

What if I can’t get all the water out of the reservoir?

Try shaking it gently or using a paper towel to soak up the last bits. The goal is to get as much out as humanly possible.

How long should I let the Keurig dry?

Give it a few hours, or overnight if possible. Air drying is best. Make sure all visible parts are dry to the touch.

Can I store my Keurig outside?

It’s not recommended. Outdoor environments can expose it to moisture, extreme temperatures, and pests, all of which can damage the machine.

What if I forget to drain it and it freezes?

If it freezes and you suspect damage, it’s best to have it inspected or consider replacing it. Frozen water can cause cracks that aren’t always visible.

Is it okay to store the Keurig with the power cord wrapped around it?

Yes, that’s generally fine. Just make sure the cord isn’t kinked or strained.

What kind of storage bag should I use?

A breathable cloth bag or a sturdy box works well. Avoid plastic bags that can trap moisture.

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

• Detailed cleaning and descaling procedures for all Keurig models.
• Troubleshooting specific error codes or malfunctions.
• The best K-Cup flavors for different brewing preferences.
• Advanced brewing techniques for single-serve machines.
• Repairing a Keurig that has been damaged by freezing.