Have you ever brewed a coffee with your Keurig, only to have it overflow and make a mess all over the countertop? Or maybe you’ve tried to remove the lid of your Keurig to clean it, only to find the inside still full of old, dirty water leftover from the last time you used it. If either of these frustrating situations sounds familiar, you’re not alone – water drainage is one of Keurig owners’ most common problems.
In this blog post on how to drain water from Keurig, I’ll walk you through several easy ways to drain excess water from your Keurig and help prevent messy overflows. From simple manual draining techniques to maintenance tips that help keep it clear long-term, we’ll cover all the basics of getting that water out and your Keurig up and brewing cleanly again in no time.
What Will You Need?
Before we dive into the different methods for draining your Keurig, let’s ensure you have everything you need. Here are a few items that will come in handy for most of the techniques we’ll be discussing:
- A cup or bowl to catch the water
- Clean towels or paper towels (to clean up any spills)
- White vinegar (if you’re planning to do a deep clean)
- A toothpick or needle (to help clear clogs)
Once you have these items ready, we can move on to the different methods for draining water from your Keurig.
10 Easy Steps on How to Drain Water From Keurig
Step 1. Turn Off and Unplug Your Keurig:
Safety should always be your first priority. Make sure your Keurig is turned off and unplugged before you start. This not only prevents any chance of electrical shock but also allows the unit to cool down if it has been used recently.
Step 2. Remove the Water Reservoir:
The next step in draining your Keurig is to remove the water reservoir. This is usually located on the side of the Keurig machine. Gently pull it up and away from the central unit. Be careful not to spill any water that’s left inside. Once removed, empty the water from the reservoir into a sink or container.
Step 3. Tilt and Shake the Keurig:
Now that the water reservoir is removed, it’s time to drain the internal water. Carefully tilt your Keurig to the side over a sink or large container to allow any trapped moisture to flow out. You may have to gently shake the machine back and forth to dislodge any remaining water. Do this slowly and cautiously to prevent any damage to the device.
Step 4. Allow the Keurig to Dry:
Once you’ve drained all the water you can, letting the Keurig dry out completely is essential. This will ensure that any remaining water evaporates and can help prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
Place the Keurig in a well-ventilated area and leave it to dry for several hours or overnight. Remember, patience is key here – rushing to use the Keurig while it’s still damp could cause damage or, even worse, a bad-tasting cup of coffee.
Step 5. Clean the Water Reservoir:
While the Keurig is drying, take this opportunity to clean the water reservoir. Rinse it out thoroughly with warm water and a mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth to scrub away any buildup or residue gently. Make sure to rinse it well to ensure no soap is left behind.
After washing, allow the reservoir to air dry completely before reassembling. This step not only helps in draining the water from your Keurig but also contributes to the overall maintenance and cleanliness of your machine, ensuring you get great-tasting coffee every time.
Step 6. Clear the Entrance and Exit Needles:
Once your Keurig and water reservoir are fully dried, it’s time to clear the entrance and exit needles. These needles pierce the coffee pod and can become clogged with coffee grounds or mineral deposits over time. You’ll need a toothpick or paperclip for this step.
With the Keurig unplugged, locate the needles (refer to your user manual if you need help finding where they are). Carefully insert the toothpick or paperclip into the hole in the hands to dislodge any buildup. Be careful not to damage your hands or puncture yourself.
Step 7. Run a Cleaning Brew Cycle:
It’s time to run a cleaning brew cycle with the needles cleaned. Fill the water reservoir with half water and half white vinegar. The vinegar will help dissolve any lingering mineral deposits inside your Keurig. Place a large mug on the drip tray to catch the liquid.
Without inserting a K-cup, run a brew cycle. Repeat this process until the reservoir is empty. This step ensures that your Keurig is drained, cleaned internally, and ready to brew the perfect cup of coffee.
Step 8. Flush the Vinegar with Fresh Water:
After the cleaning brew cycle with vinegar, it’s crucial to flush out any remaining vinegar to avoid getting a sour taste in your future brews. Refill the water reservoir with fresh, clean water and run several brew cycles without a K-cup until the water reservoir is empty. It might take a few cycles to thoroughly rinse out the vinegar. You’ll know it’s done when you can no longer smell the vinegar.
Step 9. Reassemble Your Keurig:
After ensuring that all components of your Keurig are dry and free of vinegar smell, it’s time to reassemble the machine. Place the water reservoir back onto the unit, ensuring it’s seated properly.
Check all other removable parts, like the K-cup holder and drip tray, to ensure they are clean and in their respective places. Make sure the power cord is dry before plugging the machine back in. Now, your Keurig is ready to brew a fresh cup of coffee.
Step 10. Test Your Keurig:
The final step is to test your Keurig to ensure it’s working correctly. Start by filling the water reservoir with fresh water. Then, insert a K-cup of your choice and run a brew cycle as usual. Check the taste and quality of the coffee.
If it’s up to your standard, congratulations — you’ve successfully drained and cleaned your Keurig! If you notice a strange taste or if the machine isn’t brewing correctly, you should revisit the previous steps or consult with a professional. Remember, proper maintenance and cleaning of your Keurig can ensure it delivers great-tasting coffee for many years.
With these easy steps, you can quickly and effectively drain water from your Keurig without any hassle.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping your Keurig clean is essential for its performance, longevity, and taste of your beverages. Regular maintenance includes draining the water after each use.
- Safety Measures: Always unplug the machine before starting the draining process. This will protect you from any accidental electrocution or damage to the device.
- Use Vinegar: Vinegar can be an effective cleaning agent to remove mineral buildup inside the machine. Run a brew cycle with vinegar, followed by a few bikes with clean water to rinse out.
- Avoid Stagnant Water: Never leave water in the Keurig’s reservoir for an extended period. This can contribute to mold, mildew growth, or unpleasant taste in your coffee.
- Keurig Manual: Always refer to the Keurig user manual for specific instructions on how to drain your particular model. Different models may have slight variations in their draining process.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can keep your Keurig machine in top-notch condition and enjoy delicious coffee every time.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Force Draining: Do not attempt to force water out of the machine by shaking or tilting it. This could damage the internal components of your Keurig.
- Ignoring Regular Maintenance: Neglecting regular cleaning and draining of the Keurig can lead to mold growth or a reduction in the machine’s efficiency.
- Using Harsh Cleaning Agents: Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners on your Keurig. These can damage the machine’s finish and may even affect the taste of your beverages.
- Disassembling the Machine: Unless specifically instructed by the user manual or a professional, do not disassemble your machine. This could void your warranty and potentially damage the Keurig.
- Ignoring Warning Signs: If your Keurig is making strange noises, not brewing properly, or showing other signs of issues, don’t ignore them. It may be time for a thorough cleaning or even professional servicing.
With these warnings in mind, you will ensure the longevity of your Keurig and consistently produce delicious coffee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to drain water from keurig is crucial for the longevity and quality of your coffee. With the simple steps outlined in this blog post, you now have the knowledge and skills to drain your Keurig effectively and ensure it functions at its best. Remember to clean and inspect your machine for potential issues regularly; prevention is always better than a costly repair or replacement.
But most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy that perfect cup of coffee every morning – because with a well-maintained Keurig, you deserve it! So go ahead, put your newfound draining skills to the test, and see the results for yourself. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you.
And as always, stay curious and keep learning about all things coffee – there’s always something new to discover! Now go forth and brew some amazing coffee!
