If your daily coffee hasn’t tasted quite right lately, your Keurig® brewer might be trying to tell you something. Over time, Keurig® machines accumulate mineral deposits from water, leftover oils from beans, and even mold or bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. These build-ups not only affect the flavor and aroma of your brew but can also impact the longevity of your machine.
Cleaning your Keurig® regularly is essential for consistent performance and great-tasting coffee. Fortunately, you don’t need any expensive cleaning solutions. One of the most effective—and affordable—methods involves a common pantry staple: vinegar. In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean a Keurig® with vinegar step by step, so you can enjoy a fresh, flavorful cup every time.
Why Vinegar Works
Vinegar, especially distilled white vinegar, is a natural descaler. It’s acidic enough to dissolve mineral buildup caused by hard water and can effectively sanitize internal components without harsh chemicals. Its anti-microbial properties make it a great tool to eliminate mold, yeast, and bacteria that might be lurking in your Keurig® brewer’s reservoir or tubing.
The best part? Vinegar is safe, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. When used properly, it won’t leave any lingering taste behind—just a clean machine ready to brew your favorite Cambio Roasters coffee.
Preparing to Clean Your Keurig®
Before you begin, make sure your Keurig® is completely empty. Remove any leftover K-Cup® pods from the chamber. If your machine has removable parts, such as the water reservoir or drip tray, give them a quick rinse with warm water and mild soap to get rid of any surface residue.
Make sure you have enough distilled white vinegar on hand. For most Keurig® brewers, you’ll need about one to two cups, depending on the size of the water reservoir. You’ll also need fresh water to flush the system after cleaning.
This process works for both standard single-serve Keurig® brewers and Keurig® 2.0 models. At Cambio Roasters, we’re all about making the best brew possible, and that starts with a clean, well-maintained machine—whatever Keurig® style you use.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The cleaning process is simple, but following it carefully ensures you don’t end up with vinegar-flavored coffee the next morning.
Start by filling the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water. For example, if your reservoir holds 10 cups, mix five cups of vinegar with five cups of water. This solution will run through the entire internal system, breaking down buildup and sterilizing the parts you can’t reach manually.
Begin a brewing cycle as if you were making a full cup of coffee. Let the machine brew halfway, then pause it. This step is crucial—it allows the vinegar solution to sit inside the system and work on dissolving any stubborn buildup. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.
After the pause, resume the cycle and let the rest of the solution run through. Once finished, discard the used vinegar-water mixture. Then rinse the cup or carafe thoroughly with warm water.
To eliminate any remaining vinegar, refill the reservoir with fresh water only and run a full cycle. Repeat this step two more times if needed. You’ll know it’s clean when the machine runs smoothly and your coffee tastes fresh without any sour aftertaste.
For Keurig® and Single-Serve Machines
Single-serve coffee brewers like those used with Cambio Roasters' recyclable aluminum K-Cup® pods also need routine cleaning. The vinegar method works here, too—with a few tweaks.
Remove the K-Cup® holder and water reservoir, if detachable, and clean them with soap and water. Fill the reservoir with the same half-and-half vinegar solution. Without inserting a pod, run several brew cycles, using a large mug to catch the liquid. After running the solution through, let the machine sit for 30 minutes before flushing it with two to three full cycles of plain water.
This process not only removes scale and bacteria but helps maintain optimal flavor and temperature during brewing—ensuring that every Cambio pod you brew delivers the bold, smooth taste it was crafted for.
How Often Should You Clean?
How often you clean your Keurig® depends on how frequently you use it and the hardness of your water. For regular coffee drinkers, we recommend a monthly deep cleaning with vinegar. If you notice slower brewing times, strange noises, or off flavors, it may be time to clean sooner.
Daily and weekly maintenance can also help. Rinse the cup, drip tray, and K-Cup® holder after each use, and let removable parts dry completely before reassembling. This prevents mold and stale odors, keeping your machine fresh between deep cleans.
The Impact on Your Coffee
There’s nothing worse than brewing a cup of your favorite organic roast and discovering it tastes dull or bitter. Often, this has less to do with the coffee itself and more to do with the condition of your equipment. A clean Keurig® delivers water at the right temperature and allows for proper extraction, which is essential for unlocking the full flavor profile of premium coffee like ours.
Whether you enjoy our House Blend, Colombian, or French Roast, you’ll taste a noticeable improvement in clarity and richness after cleaning your machine. With organic, small-batch roasted coffee, freshness is everything—and maintaining your brewer is part of that freshness equation.
Cleaner Coffee, Better Brewing
Learning how to clean a Keurig® with vinegar is a simple but powerful step toward better coffee. It takes just a few minutes each month to protect your machine, prolong its life, and ensure every cup tastes just as the roaster intended. For those who enjoy the convenience of K-Cup® pods, cleaning is especially important, since buildup can affect flavor even faster with single-serve systems.
At Cambio Roasters, we want every cup you brew to be the best one yet. That’s why we emphasize clean, sustainable brewing—from the eco-friendly design of our aluminum pods to the practices that keep your Keurig® in peak condition. Because a better cup starts with better care.
