Draining Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Quick answer

• Always unplug your Keurig before draining. Safety first.
• Remove the water reservoir. Empty any remaining water.
• Run a brew cycle with no pod. This clears the internal lines.
• For deeper cleaning, consider a descaling solution. Follow the manual.
• If you’re storing it, make sure it’s bone dry. Mold hates dry.
• Don’t force anything. If it feels stuck, re-read the manual.

Who this is for

• Anyone moving their Keurig to a new spot. Gotta get all the water out.
• Folks storing their Keurig for the season. No stale water sitting around.
• New owners who want to give it a good initial clean. Start fresh.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Most Keurigs use disposable pods. No paper filters here. But some newer models might have reusable filter options. Check your specific model’s manual. It’ll tell you exactly what you’ve got.

Water quality and temperature

You’re draining it, so temperature isn’t a big deal right now. But for brewing, use filtered water if you can. Tap water can leave mineral buildup. That’s a fast track to descaling.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Not applicable when draining. You’re not brewing coffee. But remember for next time: fresh beans, ground right before brewing, make a world of difference.

Coffee-to-water ratio

Again, not brewing. So, no ratio to worry about. Just focus on getting that water out.

Cleanliness/descale status

If you haven’t descaled in a while, draining is a good time to think about it. Mineral deposits can clog things up. A clean machine brews better coffee. And lasts longer.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Unplug the Keurig.

• What “good” looks like: The power light is off. No risk of electric shock.
• Common mistake: Forgetting this step. It’s easy to get caught up in draining and forget the plug. Always unplug. Seriously.

2. Remove the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: The reservoir lifts off easily. It’s not jammed or stuck.
• Common mistake: Yanking too hard. Some reservoirs have clips. Check the sides. Gentle pressure is key.

3. Empty the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is completely empty. No drips.
• Common mistake: Leaving a little water at the bottom. It’ll just sit there and get gross. Tip it upside down.

4. Reattach the empty reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: The reservoir clicks or sits securely in place.
• Common mistake: Not putting it back on. The machine won’t run without it.

5. Place a mug on the drip tray.

• What “good” looks like: A sturdy mug that can hold a few ounces of water.
• Common mistake: Using a tiny cup. You’ll have water everywhere. Use a decent-sized mug.

6. Run a brew cycle (no pod).

• What “good” looks like: Water flows from the nozzle into the mug. The machine makes its usual brewing noises.
• Common mistake: Putting a pod in. You’ll just get a weak, watery mess and waste a pod. Make sure it’s empty.

7. Discard the water from the mug.

• What “good” looks like: The mug is empty. The water that came out was likely a little cloudy.
• Common mistake: Leaving the water in the mug. It’s just sitting there. Dump it.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 a few times.

• What “good” looks like: The water coming out runs clearer with each cycle. You’re flushing the internal lines.
• Common mistake: Only running it once. You need to push out the old water sitting in the pump and lines. Three to five times is usually good.

9. Unplug the Keurig again.

• What “good” looks like: Power is off.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug before moving to the next step if you’re doing a deep clean.

10. Empty and dry the reservoir thoroughly.

• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is completely dry, inside and out. No moisture.
• Common mistake: Air-drying only. Some nooks might stay damp. Wipe it down with a clean towel.

11. Wipe down the exterior.

• What “good” looks like: The outside of the machine is clean and dry.
• Common mistake: Leaving dust or coffee splashes. A quick wipe makes it look new.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Forgetting to unplug	Risk of electrical shock, damage to the machine	Always unplug before any draining or maintenance.
Not emptying the reservoir completely	Stagnant water, potential for mold and odors	Tip the reservoir upside down and let it drip dry.
Forcing a stuck reservoir	Broken plastic parts, a broken reservoir	Check for clips or release tabs. Consult your manual.
Running a brew cycle with a pod	Weak coffee, wasted pod, potential machine strain	Ensure the pod holder is empty before running a flush cycle.
Not running enough flush cycles	Old water remains in lines, affecting taste	Run 3-5 cycles until the water runs clear.
Not drying the reservoir fully	Mold growth, unpleasant smells, potential health risk	Wipe the reservoir dry with a clean cloth after emptying.
Ignoring descaling needs	Mineral buildup, slower brewing, machine failure	Descale regularly according to your Keurig’s manual.
Using tap water consistently	Faster mineral buildup, more frequent descaling	Use filtered or bottled water for brewing.
Not cleaning the drip tray	Grime buildup, potential for pests	Remove and wash the drip tray regularly.
Storing without being completely dry	Mold and mildew growth, permanent damage	Ensure all components, especially the reservoir, are bone dry.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are moving your Keurig, then you must unplug it before draining because safety is paramount.
• If the water reservoir feels stuck, then check the manual for release mechanisms because forcing it can cause damage.
• If you are storing your Keurig for an extended period, then ensure the reservoir and internal lines are completely dry because moisture leads to mold.
• If you notice a funny taste in your coffee, then it’s likely time to descale, not just drain.
• If you are unsure about a specific step, then consult your Keurig’s user manual because it has model-specific instructions.
• If you want to speed up the draining process, then consider running multiple flush cycles consecutively after the initial reservoir empty.
• If you have a reusable K-Cup filter, then you’ll want to clean that separately and ensure it’s dry too.
• If you’re just draining for a quick move, then 3-5 flush cycles should be plenty.
• If you’re preparing for long-term storage, then drying every component thoroughly is non-negotiable.
• If your Keurig has been sitting unused for months, then a thorough cleaning and descaling after draining is a good idea.

FAQ

How often should I drain my Keurig?

You don’t need to drain it routinely unless you’re moving it, storing it, or doing a deep clean. For daily use, just keep the reservoir filled.

Can I just pour water through it without unplugging?

It’s strongly advised to unplug it first. While the risk might seem low, it’s always better to be safe with electrical appliances.

What if I don’t have a mug handy for the flush cycle?

You can use a sturdy pitcher or even carefully hold the drip tray area under the spout. Just ensure it can handle the water flow without overflowing.

Will draining fix my Keurig if it’s not brewing properly?

Draining primarily removes water. If your Keurig isn’t brewing, it’s more likely a descaling issue, a clogged needle, or a mechanical problem.

Is it okay to use vinegar to drain and clean my Keurig?

Some people do, but Keurig generally recommends their own descaling solution or a vinegar-water mix of 1:1. Always check your manual, as vinegar can sometimes damage certain components over time.

What’s the difference between draining and descaling?

Draining is about emptying the water. Descaling is a cleaning process to remove mineral buildup from the inside of the machine, which affects brewing and taste.

My Keurig is making weird noises when I drain it. What’s up?

That’s usually just the pump working to push the water through the lines. If it’s a grinding or excessively loud noise, it might indicate a more serious issue, and you should check the manual or contact support.

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

• Detailed troubleshooting for specific error codes. (Check your Keurig manual or manufacturer’s support site.)
• Deep cleaning instructions for the needle assembly. (Look for guides specific to needle cleaning.)
• Comparisons of different Keurig models. (Research reviews for specific models.)
• Recipes for coffee drinks using your Keurig. (Explore coffee recipe blogs and sites.)
• Advanced brewing techniques for other coffee makers. (Seek out resources on pour-over, French press, etc.)