How to Empty Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Quick answer

• Unplug the Keurig.
• Remove the water reservoir.
• Pour out any remaining water.
• Run a brew cycle without a pod to clear the lines.
• Leave the reservoir out to air dry.
• Store it unplugged if not in use for a while.

Who this is for

• Anyone looking to store their Keurig.
• People moving their Keurig to a new spot.
• Those wanting to deep clean or descale their machine.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Most Keurigs are pretty straightforward. They use K-Cup pods, which are essentially self-contained filters. Some newer models might have a reusable filter option for ground coffee. Just know what kind of system you’re working with.

Water quality and temperature

For emptying, water quality isn’t a big deal. Temperature matters more for brewing. When emptying, the water will be room temperature or whatever it was last used at.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Not applicable here. We’re emptying, not brewing. No grounds or fresh beans involved.

Coffee-to-water ratio

Also not relevant for emptying. This is all about getting the water out, not measuring it for a perfect cup.

Cleanliness/descale status

If your Keurig is due for a descale, emptying it is a good first step before running a descaling solution. A clean machine is a happy machine.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Unplug the Keurig

What to do: Find the power cord and pull it out of the wall socket.
What “good” looks like: The machine is completely dead. No lights, no sounds.
Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug it. This is a safety thing, folks. Don’t skip it.

2. Remove the water reservoir

What to do: Gently lift the water tank straight up and off the back or side of the machine.
What “good” looks like: The reservoir is fully detached from the Keurig body.
Common mistake: Trying to force it or tipping it over before it’s clear. Be gentle.

3. Pour out remaining water

What to do: Take the reservoir to your sink and carefully pour out any water inside.
What “good” looks like: The reservoir is completely empty.
Common mistake: Not getting all the water out. A little bit left in the bottom is fine, but try to get most of it.

4. Empty the drip tray

What to do: Slide out the drip tray and discard any liquid or grounds in it.
What “good” looks like: The drip tray is clean and empty.
Common mistake: Forgetting this part. It can get nasty.

5. Run a brew cycle without water or pod

What to do: Place the empty reservoir back on the machine. Put a mug under the spout. Select your usual brew size and press brew. Crucially, make sure there is NO K-Cup pod in the holder.
What “good” looks like: The machine will make a gurgling sound and pump air, expelling any residual water from the internal lines.
Common mistake: Putting a pod in. You’ll just brew air through coffee grounds, which is a waste and messy.

6. Repeat brew cycle if needed

What to do: If you still hear water sloshing or want to be extra sure, run another brew cycle.
What “good” looks like: The machine sounds dry, like it’s just pumping air.
Common mistake: Not running it enough. Sometimes a second cycle is needed to get all the last bits out.

7. Remove reservoir and let it dry

What to do: Take the empty reservoir off the machine again. Leave it off and let it air dry.
What “good” looks like: The reservoir is bone dry.
Common mistake: Putting a wet reservoir back on. This can lead to mold or mildew.

8. Leave the machine unplugged

What to do: Keep the Keurig unplugged until you’re ready to use it again.
What “good” looks like: Peace of mind, especially if it’s going into storage.
Common mistake: Leaving it plugged in when storing it. Just a habit to break.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not unplugging the machine	Risk of electrical shock or accidental activation.	Always unplug before any maintenance.
Forgetting to empty the reservoir	Stagnant water can grow mold or bacteria.	Pour out all water and let reservoir dry completely.
Leaving water in the lines	Can freeze and crack components in very cold conditions.	Run brew cycles until only air comes out.
Not removing the K-Cup holder	You’ll brew air through old grounds, making a mess.	Ensure the K-cup holder is empty before running a brew cycle.
Not cleaning the drip tray	Grimy drips and old grounds can attract pests.	Empty and rinse the drip tray regularly.
Reassembling with a wet reservoir	Promotes mold and mildew growth inside the tank.	Air dry the reservoir thoroughly before reattaching.
Forgetting to run a dry cycle	Residual water can remain in internal tubing.	Run at least one brew cycle with no pod and an empty reservoir.
Storing it while still wet	Can lead to internal damage or unpleasant odors.	Ensure all parts are dry before long-term storage.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are moving the Keurig, then empty it completely because you don’t want water sloshing around during transport.
• If you are storing the Keurig for more than a week, then unplug it and empty it because this prevents potential mold growth and saves energy.
• If you notice a funny smell from the water reservoir, then empty it, wash it thoroughly, and let it air dry before refilling because stagnant water can harbor bacteria.
• If you are about to descale your Keurig, then empty the water reservoir first because you’ll be adding a descaling solution instead.
• If you hear gurgling sounds during a brew cycle after emptying, then run another brew cycle because there’s still water in the system.
• If the Keurig is going to be in a freezing environment, then emptying it completely is crucial because water expands when it freezes and can damage the machine.
• If you’re just giving it a quick rinse, then emptying the reservoir is step one.
• If you’re unsure about a specific model, then check the manufacturer’s manual for their recommended emptying procedure.

FAQ

Why do I need to empty my Keurig?

Emptying it is essential for storage, moving, deep cleaning, or preventing damage in freezing temperatures. It ensures no stagnant water is left behind.

How often should I empty my Keurig?

You only need to empty it when you’re not going to use it for a while, moving it, or preparing for maintenance like descaling. Daily use doesn’t require emptying.

Can I just leave water in the reservoir if I use it every day?

Yes, if you use it daily and change the water regularly, leaving it full is usually fine. However, emptying it periodically is good practice.

What happens if I don’t empty it before moving?

You risk water spilling during transit, potentially damaging the machine or whatever it’s packed with.

Is it safe to run a brew cycle without a K-Cup?

Yes, this is a standard procedure for emptying the internal lines. Just make sure no pod is inserted.

What if my Keurig doesn’t seem to be pumping anything out during the empty cycle?

Ensure it’s plugged in and the reservoir is seated correctly. If it still fails, there might be a clog or a more significant issue.

Do I need to clean the reservoir after emptying?

It’s a good idea to clean it periodically, especially if you notice any buildup or odor. Then let it air dry.

Can I store my Keurig with the reservoir attached?

It’s best to remove the reservoir and let it air dry separately, especially for longer storage. This prevents any lingering moisture issues.

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

• Detailed descaling procedures for specific Keurig models.
• Troubleshooting error codes or brewing malfunctions.
• How to clean the exterior of your Keurig.
• Advanced brewing techniques for single-serve machines.