Proper Storage for Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Quick answer

• Store your Keurig in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Always unplug the machine before storing.
• Empty the water reservoir completely.
• Remove any K-Cup pod and clean the pod holder.
• If storing long-term, consider wrapping it to protect from dust.
• Don’t store it where it can freeze.

Who this is for

• Anyone moving their Keurig to a new location.
• People putting their Keurig away for an extended period.
• Those who want to keep their Keurig in good shape between uses.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Most Keurigs don’t use traditional paper filters. They use K-Cup pods. Some newer models might have a reusable filter option. Make sure you know what your specific model uses.

Water quality and temperature

If you’re storing it, the water quality doesn’t matter much at that moment. But if you’re just putting it away for a week, make sure you’ve run a water-only cycle to clear out any lingering water. And definitely don’t store it where it could freeze. That’s a bad scene for any appliance.

Grind size and coffee freshness

This doesn’t apply to K-Cup brewers. The coffee is pre-ground and sealed. If you have a reusable filter, empty any grounds. Freshness is key for brewing, not storage.

Coffee-to-water ratio

Not applicable for K-Cup storage. The ratio is built into the pod.

Cleanliness/descale status

This is big. A clean machine stores better. Run a descaling cycle if it’s been a while. At the very least, wipe down the exterior and clean out the pod holder. No one wants to open a dusty, grimy machine.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

This isn’t a brew workflow, but a storage workflow. Let’s get this right.

1. Unplug the Keurig.

• What “good” looks like: The power light is off. The cord is safely tucked away.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug it. This is a safety hazard and a waste of power. Always unplug.

2. Empty the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is completely dry. No water sloshing around.
• Common mistake: Leaving water in the reservoir. This can lead to mold or mildew growth, especially if stored for a long time. Dump it all out.

3. Remove any K-Cup pod.

• What “good” looks like: The pod holder is empty. No stray coffee grounds.
• Common mistake: Leaving a pod in the machine. It can get stuck or make a mess later. Just pull it out.

4. Clean the pod holder.

• What “good” looks like: The holder is free of grounds and debris. You can wipe it clean easily.
• Common mistake: Not cleaning the pod holder. Old grounds can attract pests or go stale, making your first cup after storage taste off. Give it a quick wipe.

5. Run a water-only cycle (optional but recommended).

• What “good” looks like: A small amount of clean water runs through the system.
• Common mistake: Skipping this if you’re just storing it for a week. It helps flush out any residual coffee oils from the internal lines.

6. Wipe down the exterior.

• What “good” looks like: The outside of the Keurig is clean and dust-free.
• Common mistake: Storing a dirty machine. It just makes the storage space messy and means more cleaning later. A quick wipe-down is all it takes.

7. Dry the drip tray.

• What “good” looks like: The drip tray is empty and dry.
• Common mistake: Leaving the drip tray wet. Again, moisture equals potential for grossness.

8. Position for storage.

• What “good” looks like: The Keurig is in a stable, protected spot.
• Common mistake: Stacking heavy items on top of it. Keurigs aren’t built for heavy loads.

9. Wrap for protection (optional).

• What “good” looks like: The machine is covered with a cloth or plastic to keep dust off.
• Common mistake: Leaving it exposed to dust and debris. A simple cover keeps it looking sharp.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Leaving water in the reservoir	Mold, mildew, stale water taste, potential freezing damage	Empty reservoir completely and let it air dry.
Forgetting to unplug	Safety hazard, accidental power-on, energy waste	Always unplug the unit before moving or storing.
Leaving a K-Cup pod inside	Pod can get stuck, leak, or make a mess; stale coffee grounds	Remove K-Cup pod and clean the pod holder.
Not cleaning the pod holder	Stale grounds attract pests, can cause off-flavors, potential clogs	Clean pod holder thoroughly with a damp cloth.
Storing in a damp or humid area	Mold, mildew, potential corrosion on internal components	Store in a cool, dry environment.
Storing in extreme temperatures	Damage to internal plastic and electronic components, especially freezing	Keep in a climate-controlled area. Avoid garages or sheds in extreme weather.
Stacking heavy items on the Keurig	Cracks in the plastic casing, damage to internal parts	Store the Keurig on its own, or with lighter items.
Storing without a dust cover (long-term)	Dust buildup on the exterior and interior components, requiring more cleaning	Cover with a clean cloth or plastic bag before storing.
Not running a water-only cycle (if storing briefly)	Residual coffee oils can go stale and affect the taste of the first brew	Run a water-only cycle to flush the system.
Storing with the cord loosely dangling	Potential damage to the cord or plug, tripping hazard	Secure the cord neatly around the base or use a cord organizer.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If storing for less than a week, then just unplug and empty the reservoir because it’s a quick turnaround.
• If storing for more than a month, then run a descaling cycle first because it’s best to start with a clean slate.
• If you live in a climate with freezing temperatures, then ensure the Keurig is completely dry and stored indoors because water expansion can break the machine.
• If you see any signs of mold or mildew, then do not use the machine until it has been thoroughly cleaned and descaled because it’s a health hazard.
• If the Keurig has been exposed to extreme heat, then let it cool down completely before storing or using it because rapid temperature changes can be bad for electronics.
• If you’re packing it for a move, then wrap it in bubble wrap or a blanket for extra protection because transit can be rough.
• If the power cord looks frayed or damaged, then do not store or use the machine and contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement because damaged cords are a serious fire risk.
• If you’re storing it in a dusty environment, then use a tight-fitting cover to prevent dust buildup because it saves cleaning time later.
• If you notice any strange smells when you open the stored machine, then clean it thoroughly before plugging it in because old smells can linger.
• If you’re unsure about a specific storage instruction for your model, then check your owner’s manual because it has the most accurate information.

FAQ

How long can I store my Keurig?

You can store your Keurig for extended periods, but ensure it’s completely dry and clean. For very long storage (over a year), check the manual for specific recommendations.

Can I store my Keurig in the garage?

It depends on your garage. If it’s climate-controlled and dry, maybe. If it gets freezing cold or super hot and humid, then no. Extreme temperatures are the enemy.

What if I don’t have a lot of space?

If space is tight, try to store it upright on a stable surface. You can often store the cord neatly tucked away. Just make sure it’s not crammed in too tight.

Should I put it in its original box?

The original box offers good protection if you still have it. Otherwise, a sturdy plastic bin or a good wrap works too.

Does it matter if the drip tray is slightly wet?

Yes, it does. Even a little moisture can lead to mold or a stale smell over time. Always make sure it’s dry.

What’s the biggest risk of improper storage?

The biggest risks are damage from freezing temperatures or the growth of mold and mildew from moisture. Both can ruin your machine.

Can I store it with the K-Cup holder attached?

Yes, but you must remove the K-Cup pod itself and clean the holder. Leaving a pod in is a no-go.

What if my Keurig has a water filter installed?

If your Keurig uses a water filter, remove it before storing for any significant length of time. Store it separately according to its packaging instructions or discard it if it’s old.

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

• Detailed troubleshooting for specific error codes.
• How to use a Keurig with a reusable filter (beyond basic cleaning).
• Advanced cleaning techniques like descaling solutions.
• Comparisons between different Keurig models.
• Recipes for coffee drinks made with a Keurig.