How to Store Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Quick Answer

• Unplug it. Always.
• Empty the water reservoir. All of it.
• Run a brew cycle with no pod. This clears the lines.
• Remove the K-Cup holder. Clean it.
• Let it air dry. Seriously, dry is key.
• Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics or garages if you can.
• Consider the original box. It’s designed for this.

Who This Is For

• Anyone moving house and needing to pack their Keurig.
• Campers or RV owners who store their machine when not in use.
• People putting a secondary Keurig away for a while.
• Anyone prepping for long-term storage.

What to Check First

Brewer Type and Filter Type

Most Keurigs are pretty straightforward. They use K-Cups, so there’s no separate filter to worry about like with drip coffee. Just make sure you know your specific model, though. Some might have removable parts that need a bit of extra care.

Water Quality and Temperature

This isn’t a huge factor for storage itself, but it’s good to remember. If you live somewhere with hard water, mineral buildup is a bigger deal. Storing a machine that hasn’t been descaled can make things worse down the line. For storage, just make sure the reservoir is bone dry.

Grind Size and Coffee Freshness

Not applicable here. Keurigs use pre-packaged K-Cups. The coffee is already ground and sealed. Your main concern is just getting the machine ready to sit idle.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Again, not really a factor for storage. The machine handles the ratio. Your job is just to make sure no water is left sitting inside.

Cleanliness/Descale Status

This is important. If you’re storing it long-term, give it a good clean and descale first. This prevents any lingering gunk from causing problems later. Think of it like prepping a car for winter storage. You wouldn’t leave old oil in it.

Step-by-Step (Brew Workflow for Storage)

1. Unplug the Keurig.

• What to do: Pull the power cord from the wall outlet.
• What “good” looks like: The machine is completely disconnected from power.
• Common mistake: Leaving it plugged in. This is a no-brainer safety issue and wastes power.

2. Empty the Water Reservoir.

• What to do: Remove the reservoir and pour out every last drop of water.
• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is completely dry inside.
• Common mistake: Leaving a little water at the bottom. This can lead to mold or mineral deposits.

3. Run a Brew Cycle with No K-Cup.

• What to do: Place a mug under the spout, select a brew size, and press brew.
• What “good” looks like: A small amount of water runs through the system.
• Common mistake: Skipping this. It flushes out residual water from the internal pump and lines.

4. Run another Brew Cycle with No K-Cup.

• What to do: Repeat step 3.
• What “good” looks like: Another small flush of water.
• Common mistake: Only doing it once. Sometimes a second flush ensures all remaining moisture is gone.

5. Remove and Clean the K-Cup Holder.

• What to do: Slide out the K-Cup holder assembly. Wash it with warm, soapy water.
• What “good” looks like: The holder is clean and free of coffee grounds.
• Common mistake: Leaving old grounds in the holder. This can get crusty and gross.

6. Dry All Removable Parts.

• What to do: Thoroughly dry the water reservoir, K-Cup holder, and drip tray.
• What “good” looks like: No visible moisture on any of the parts.
• Common mistake: Putting parts away damp. This is an invitation for mildew.

7. Wipe Down the Exterior.

• What to do: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the Keurig.
• What “good” looks like: The machine is clean and dust-free.
• Common mistake: Leaving dust or grime on it. It just makes the unpacking less pleasant.

8. Allow the Interior to Air Dry.

• What to do: Leave the Keurig lid open for a few hours, or overnight if possible.
• What “good” looks like: The inside of the brewing chamber and water path feels dry.
• Common mistake: Closing it up immediately. Trapped moisture is the enemy.

9. Reassemble (Optional, but recommended).

• What to do: Put the dry K-Cup holder and drip tray back into the machine.
• What “good” looks like: Everything fits snugly and looks like it’s ready to go.
• Common mistake: Storing parts separately and losing them. Keep it together.

10. Pack it Up.

• What to do: Place the clean, dry Keurig in its original box or a sturdy container.
• What “good” looks like: The machine is protected from dust and damage.
• Common mistake: Just tossing it into storage. It deserves a little protection.

Common Mistakes (and What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Leaving water in the reservoir	Mold growth, mineral buildup, potential freezing damage in cold temps.	Always empty completely. Air dry the reservoir before storing.
Not running a flush cycle	Stagnant water in the pump and lines; can lead to clogs or bad tastes later.	Run 2-3 brew cycles with no K-Cup to clear the system.
Storing a dirty K-Cup holder	Dried coffee grounds can be hard to remove, attract pests, and smell bad.	Wash and thoroughly dry the holder before storing.
Not drying all parts	Mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors in stored components.	Use a clean towel to ensure the reservoir, drip tray, and holder are completely dry.
Storing in a humid environment	Encourages mold and mildew growth on the machine and its parts.	Choose a cool, dry location like a closet or a climate-controlled storage unit.
Storing in extreme temperatures	Can damage plastic components, warp seals, or affect electronics.	Avoid uninsulated garages, sheds, or attics. Keep it at room temperature if possible.
Not unplugging the unit	Safety hazard, potential for electrical issues, and wasted energy.	Always disconnect from the power source before storing or moving.
Skipping the exterior wipe-down	Dust accumulation makes it look neglected and requires extra cleaning later.	A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps it looking fresh.
Packing it without a good air dry	Trapped moisture inside the brewing chamber can lead to musty smells.	Let the Keurig air out with the lid open for several hours before packing.
Not protecting it during transport	Scratches, dents, or damage to internal components.	Use the original box or plenty of padding if moving it.

Decision Rules (Simple If/Then)

• If you’re storing for more than a month, then descale the Keurig first because it prevents mineral buildup from hardening.
• If you live in a very humid climate, then be extra diligent about drying all parts because moisture is your enemy.
• If you don’t have the original box, then find a sturdy box and use packing paper or bubble wrap because protection is key.
• If you’re moving the Keurig, then unplug it and remove the water reservoir because this prevents spills and damage.
• If you notice any strange smells after unpacking, then run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a descaling solution because lingering odors often mean residual moisture or buildup.
• If the Keurig will be stored in a place that might get cold, then ensure it’s completely dry, especially the water lines, because frozen water can crack components.
• If you’re storing it temporarily (like for a weekend camping trip), then just emptying the reservoir and unplugging might be enough, because it’s not long-term.
• If you’re unsure about your specific model’s storage recommendations, then check the user manual because manufacturers know best.
• If you plan to use it again soon, then storing it upright is best because it keeps everything in place.
• If you are storing it for a very long time, consider storing the power cord separately if it’s detachable to prevent kinks.

FAQ

How long can I store my Keurig?

You can store your Keurig for months, even years, as long as you prepare it properly. The key is to ensure it’s completely clean, dry, and protected from the elements.

Do I need to descale before storing?

It’s highly recommended, especially for longer storage periods. Descaling removes mineral buildup that can harden over time and become difficult to clean later.

What if I don’t have the original box?

No problem. Use any sturdy box that fits the Keurig well. Wrap it in bubble wrap or packing paper to protect it from bumps and scratches during storage or transport.

Can I store my Keurig on its side?

It’s best to store it upright. Storing on its side could potentially dislodge internal components or allow any tiny residual moisture to pool in unwanted places.

What’s the best place to store it?

A cool, dry, and stable environment is ideal. Think of a closet, a pantry, or a climate-controlled storage unit. Avoid places with extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity.

Will storing it damage the K-Cup mechanism?

Not if it’s clean and dry. The K-Cup holder and needle assembly are pretty robust. Just make sure no grounds are left behind to get sticky.

Should I remove the power cord?

If the power cord is detachable, you can remove it for easier packing and to prevent kinks. If it’s integrated, just coil it neatly.

What if I find mold when I unpack it?

That’s a sign moisture was trapped. You’ll need to thoroughly clean the affected parts with a vinegar solution or a descaling agent and ensure everything is completely dry before use.

What This Page Does Not Cover (And Where to Go Next)

• Detailed troubleshooting for specific error codes. (Check your Keurig’s manual or the manufacturer’s support site.)
• Deep cleaning and descaling procedures for all Keurig models. (Look for model-specific guides.)
• Comparisons of different Keurig models. (Research product reviews and comparisons.)
• Advanced brewing techniques for K-Cup compatibility. (Explore third-party reusable K-Cup options.)
• Repair guides for broken Keurig components. (Manufacturer support or specialized repair services.)
• How to use Keurig machines with different types of coffee. (Focus on K-Cup specific usage.)