Storing Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Quick answer

• Unplug it. Always.
• Empty all water. Get it bone dry.
• Remove the K-Cup pod. Don’t leave one in there.
• Clean it thoroughly. A little grime goes a long way.
• Store it upright. No tipping or laying it on its side.
• Protect it from dust. A clean bag or box works.
• Keep it in a climate-controlled spot. No garages or sheds.

Who this is for

• Anyone moving house and needing to pack their Keurig.
• Campers or RV owners who store their brewer between trips.
• Folks putting their Keurig away for an extended period, maybe for renovations.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Know your Keurig model. Some have reusable filters, others only use K-Cups. This matters for cleaning and drying. If you use a reusable filter, make sure it’s clean and dry too.

Water quality and temperature

This isn’t super critical for storage, but it’s a good habit. If you’ve been using hard water, you might have mineral buildup. That’s why descaling is important before long-term storage. For immediate brewing, always use fresh, filtered water.

Grind size and coffee freshness

This applies to brewing, not storage. When you get ready to use it again, make sure your coffee is fresh. For K-Cups, the coffee is already ground and sealed, so that’s less of a worry.

Coffee-to-water ratio

Again, this is for brewing. For storage, just make sure the water reservoir is completely empty.

Cleanliness/descale status

This is HUGE for storage. If you’re storing it for months, you don’t want mold or mildew growing. A quick clean and a descaling cycle (if needed) will prevent headaches later. Check your manual for descaling instructions if you haven’t done it in a while.

This is HUGE for storage. If you’re storing it for months, you don’t want mold or mildew growing. A quick clean and a descaling cycle (if needed) will prevent headaches later. Consider using a dedicated Keurig cleaner like this one to ensure a thorough job.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

Okay, let’s get this Keurig ready for its nap.

1. Unplug the brewer.

• What “good” looks like: The power light is off. No electricity flowing.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug it. This is a safety hazard and wastes power. Just pull the plug.

2. Empty the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: Every last drop of water is out. Tilt it to make sure.
• Common mistake: Leaving a little water in the bottom. This can lead to stagnant water or even freeze damage if stored in a cold place.

3. Remove the K-Cup pod holder.

• What “good” looks like: The K-Cup holder is out and empty.
• Common mistake: Leaving a used K-Cup pod inside. It can dry out, get gross, and make a mess.

4. Clean the K-Cup holder.

• What “good” looks like: The holder is wiped clean, no coffee grounds or residue.
• Common mistake: Just tossing it aside. A quick rinse and dry prevents gunk.

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

• What “good” looks like: Hot water runs through the system and into a mug. This flushes out any lingering coffee residue.
• Common mistake: Skipping this. It’s an easy way to clear out the internal lines.

6. Empty the drip tray.

• What “good” looks like: The drip tray is clean and dry.
• Common mistake: Leaving it full of old coffee drips. Gross.

7. Wipe down the exterior.

• What “good” looks like: The outside of the Keurig is clean and free of dust or smudges.
• Common mistake: Leaving fingerprints or dust. It’s just a nice touch for storage.

8. Dry everything thoroughly.

• What “good” looks like: All removable parts are dry, and the reservoir is dry.
• Common mistake: Storing a damp brewer. This is how you get mold or mildew. Air dry parts or use a clean towel.

9. Reassemble if needed, but keep it simple.

• What “good” looks like: The brewer is back in its normal state, ready to be moved.
• Common mistake: Leaving parts loose or in weird positions. Just put it back together like you use it.

10. Wrap it up.

• What “good” looks like: The Keurig is protected from dust and potential damage.
• Common mistake: Just shoving it in a closet. Use a plastic bag or the original box if you still have it.

Wrap it up. What ‘good’ looks like: The Keurig is protected from dust and potential damage. A simple Keurig storage bag is perfect for this.

11. Store upright.

• What “good” looks like: The brewer is sitting on its base, not on its side or upside down.
• Common mistake: Laying it on its side. This can mess with internal components and cause leaks when you use it again.

12. Choose a good storage spot.

• What “good” looks like: A dry, temperature-controlled environment.
• Common mistake: Storing it in a damp basement or an unheated garage. Extreme temps are bad news.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Leaving water in the reservoir	Stagnant water, potential for mold/mildew, freeze damage if stored cold.	Always empty the reservoir completely. Tilt to get every last drop.
Forgetting to unplug the brewer	Safety hazard, potential for electrical issues, wastes energy.	Make it a habit: unplug first.
Leaving a K-Cup pod inside	Dried-out coffee grounds, potential for mold, messy when you unbox it.	Remove and discard K-Cup pods before storage.
Storing a damp brewer	Mold, mildew, unpleasant odors, potential damage to internal components.	Ensure all parts are completely dry before packing. Air dry or use a clean towel.
Storing in extreme temperatures	Can damage plastic parts, affect seals, or cause internal component failure.	Store in a climate-controlled environment, away from direct heat or freezing conditions.
Storing on its side or upside down	Potential for internal leaks, damage to pump or heating element.	Always store your Keurig upright, on its base.
Not cleaning before storage	Mineral buildup, coffee residue, potential for pests if stored long-term.	Give it a good wipe-down and consider a descaling cycle if it’s been a while.
Storing without protection	Dust accumulation, scratches, potential for damage during transit.	Use a plastic bag, dust cover, or the original box to keep it clean and protected.
Storing near chemicals or strong odors	The brewer can absorb these smells, affecting your coffee taste.	Keep it in a clean, neutral-smelling space.
Not checking the manual for your model	Missing specific instructions for your brewer, leading to improper storage.	Consult your Keurig’s manual for any model-specific storage recommendations.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you’re storing your Keurig for more than a month, then clean it thoroughly because you don’t want old coffee oils to go rancid.
• If you live in a region with freezing temperatures, then make absolutely sure the brewer is bone dry before storage because water can freeze and crack plastic parts.
• If you’re moving, then unplug it before you start packing other things because it’s easy to forget when you’re in a rush.
• If you find any mineral buildup during cleaning, then run a descaling cycle before storage because it prevents future brewing issues.
• If you’re using a reusable filter, then clean and dry that thoroughly too, because it can harbor moisture and mold.
• If you don’t have the original box, then use a sturdy plastic bag or a clean towel to wrap the brewer because dust is a brewer’s worst enemy during storage.
• If you’re storing it in a shared space like a garage, then ensure it’s in a sealed container because it can pick up odors from other items.
• If you’re unsure about a specific part of your Keurig, then check the manual because they have the most accurate info for your model.
• If you plan to use it again soon after storage, then do a test brew with just water first because it flushes out any stale air or dust.
• If the brewer has been stored for a very long time, then consider running a descaling cycle again when you take it out of storage, just to be safe.

FAQ

How long can I store my Keurig?

You can store your Keurig for quite a while, as long as you prepare it properly. As long as it’s clean, dry, and unplugged, it should be fine for months, even up to a year or more. Just make sure to store it in a stable environment.

Will storing my Keurig damage it?

Not if you do it right. The main risks come from moisture, extreme temperatures, and physical damage during transit. Proper preparation minimizes these risks significantly.

Should I store the K-Cups with the brewer?

It’s best not to. Store your K-Cups separately in a cool, dry place. This keeps them fresh and prevents any potential moisture transfer to the brewer itself.

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

Try tilting the brewer in different directions. Sometimes a little stubborn water lingers. If you’re really concerned, you can try running a water-only brew cycle one last time before unplugging and emptying.

Can I store my Keurig in its original box?

Yes, if you still have it and it’s in good condition, the original box offers great protection. Just make sure the brewer is clean and dry before you put it in.

What’s the best way to protect it from dust?

A simple plastic bag works wonders. If you have the original packaging, that’s even better. The goal is to create a barrier so dust doesn’t settle on or inside the brewer.

How do I know if it’s truly dry?

Give it a good visual inspection. Wipe down all accessible surfaces, especially the water reservoir and drip tray. If you feel any dampness, keep drying. Air drying for a few hours after cleaning is a good practice.

What happens if I forget to descale before storing?

If you’ve been using it regularly, there might be some mineral buildup. While not ideal, it’s usually not catastrophic for storage. However, you’ll likely need to descale it soon after you start using it again to ensure good performance.

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

• Detailed troubleshooting for specific Keurig error codes. (Check your manual or Keurig support.)
• Advanced cleaning techniques beyond standard descaling. (Look for specialized cleaning guides.)
• Modifications or hacks for your Keurig brewer. (Proceed at your own risk, and check manufacturer guidelines.)
• Reviews or comparisons of different Keurig models. (Explore coffee maker review sites.)
• Information on brewing specific types of coffee pods not made by Keurig. (Consult the pod manufacturer.)