As a coffee lover, you understand the importance of cleaning and maintaining your Keurig coffee maker. One of the most crucial tasks you can perform is to drain your Keurig coffee maker, especially if you’re storing it for an extended period or experiencing issues with your machine. In this article, I will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to drain your Keurig coffee maker.
Draining your Keurig coffee maker may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a relatively simple process that can be done without any tools. In this article, I will walk you through a super amazing simple method that will help you drain your Keurig coffee maker quickly and easily. Whether you have a Keurig 1.0 or a Keurig 2.0 coffee maker, this method will work for you. So, let’s get started and learn how to drain a Keurig!
Key Takeaways
- Draining your Keurig coffee maker is an important maintenance task that can help you prolong the life of your machine and prevent issues.
- You can drain your Keurig coffee maker quickly and easily without any tools using a simple method.
- Whether you have a Keurig 1.0 or a Keurig 2.0 coffee maker, this method will work for you.
How to Drain a Keurig: A Comprehensive Guide

Draining a Keurig is an important maintenance task that should be done periodically to keep your coffee maker in good condition. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to drain a Keurig:
- Turn off and unplug your Keurig: Safety first! Make sure your Keurig is unplugged before starting the draining process.
- Remove the water reservoir and empty it: The water reservoir is the container that holds the water you use to make coffee. Remove it from the Keurig and pour out any remaining water.
- Remove the drip tray and pod holder: The drip tray is the tray that catches any excess water or coffee from your Keurig. The pod holder is the compartment where you insert your coffee pods. Remove both of these components.
- Clean the drip tray and pod holder: Use a mild soap and water to clean both the drip tray and pod holder. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.
- Locate the drain plug: The drain plug is usually located at the bottom of the Keurig. It may be covered by a small panel that can be removed with a screwdriver.
- Drain the Keurig: Place a large container underneath the drain plug to catch the water. Open the drain plug and let the water drain out. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
- Clean the Keurig: Once the water has drained out, use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the Keurig. Make sure to clean any hard-to-reach areas.
- Reassemble the Keurig: Put the drip tray and pod holder back in place. Fill the water reservoir with fresh water and put it back on the Keurig.
- Run a cleansing brew cycle: Fill the water reservoir with white vinegar and run a brew cycle. This will help clean out any remaining residue in the Keurig.
- Run a few more brew cycles: After the cleansing brew cycle, run a few more brew cycles with fresh water to make sure all the vinegar is flushed out.
That’s it! By following these steps, you can easily drain your Keurig and keep it running smoothly.
Super Amazing Simple Method — No Tools Necessary!

When it comes to draining a Keurig, there’s a super amazing simple method that requires no tools at all. This method is perfect for those who want to clean their Keurig without any hassle. Here’s how I do it:
First, I unplug the Keurig and remove the water reservoir. Then, I pour out any remaining water in the reservoir. After that, I turn the Keurig upside down over the sink to let any remaining water drip out.
Next, I take a paperclip and straighten it out. Then, I use the paperclip to clean out the small holes in the needle that punctures the K-cup. This helps to remove any buildup that may be clogging the needle.
Once I’ve cleaned the needle, I reassemble the Keurig and fill the water reservoir with a mixture of water and vinegar. I use a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar, but you can adjust the ratio to your liking.
After filling the reservoir, I run a brew cycle without a K-cup. This helps to clean out any buildup that may be inside the Keurig. I repeat this process until the water reservoir is empty.
Finally, I fill the water reservoir with fresh water and run several brew cycles without a K-cup to rinse out any remaining vinegar.
That’s it! This super amazing simple method requires no tools and is easy to do. Give it a try and see how clean your Keurig can be.
How to Drain a Keurig 1.0 Coffee Maker for Storage

Time Needed
To drain a Keurig 1.0 coffee maker for storage, you will need about 15-20 minutes of your time.
Tools Required
To complete this task, you will need the following tools:
- A large bowl
- A clean cloth or paper towel
- A Phillips-head screwdriver
Step-By-Step Guide
- Turn off and unplug your Keurig 1.0 coffee maker.
- Lift the water reservoir lid and remove the water filter, if installed.
- Remove the water reservoir and pour out any remaining water into a large bowl.
- Place the water reservoir back onto the coffee maker and press down firmly to ensure it is properly seated.
- Turn the coffee maker upside down over the bowl to drain any remaining water from the internal tank. Be sure to hold the coffee maker securely to prevent any damage.
- Remove the six screws on the bottom of the coffee maker using a Phillips-head screwdriver.
- Carefully remove the bottom cover and set it aside.
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up any remaining water from the internal tank.
- Reattach the bottom cover and secure it with the six screws.
- Store your Keurig 1.0 coffee maker in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it again.
By following these simple steps, you can safely and effectively drain your Keurig 1.0 coffee maker for storage. Remember to always take your time and be careful when handling any electrical appliance.
How to Drain a Keurig 2.0 Coffee Maker for Storage

Time Needed
The process of draining a Keurig 2.0 coffee maker for storage should take about 15-20 minutes.
Tools Required
To drain your Keurig 2.0 coffee maker, you will need the following tools:
- A large bowl
- A clean towel
- A Phillips head screwdriver
Step-By-Step Guide
- Turn off and unplug your Keurig 2.0 coffee maker. Allow it to cool down completely.
- Remove the water reservoir and the drip tray from the coffee maker. Empty any remaining water from the reservoir and discard any used K-Cups from the machine.
- Locate the screw on the bottom of the coffee maker. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw and release the water from the internal tank into the bowl.
- Once the water has drained completely, replace the screw and wipe down the bottom of the machine with a clean towel.
- Reattach the water reservoir and the drip tray to the coffee maker.
- Store the coffee maker in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it again.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Keurig 2.0 coffee maker is properly drained and ready for storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I properly store my Keurig?
When storing your Keurig, it is important to ensure that it is clean and dry. Remove any remaining water from the reservoir and allow the machine to cool down before storing it in a dry and cool place.
What is the process for draining a Keurig?
To drain a Keurig, first unplug the machine and remove the water reservoir. Then, turn the Keurig upside down over a sink to remove any remaining water. Finally, use a paperclip or a needle to clear any clogs in the exit needle.
Can I leave water in my Keurig for an extended period of time?
It is not recommended to leave water in your Keurig for an extended period of time as it can lead to mold growth and affect the taste of your coffee. It is best to remove any remaining water after each use.
How do I clean my Keurig to ensure proper drainage?
To clean your Keurig, first, remove the water reservoir and wash it with warm soapy water. Then, use a paperclip or a needle to clear any clogs in the exit needle. Finally, run a cycle of vinegar and water through your Keurig to remove any buildup.
What are some common reasons for a Keurig not draining?
A Keurig may not drain properly due to clogs in the exit needle, a dirty water reservoir, or a malfunctioning pump. It is important to regularly clean and maintain your Keurig to prevent these issues.
How often should I drain and clean my Keurig for optimal performance?
It is recommended to drain and clean your Keurig every three to six months to ensure optimal performance and prevent clogs or buildup. However, if you use your Keurig frequently, cleaning it more often may be necessary.
References
I have compiled a list of resources that I found helpful when researching how to drain a Keurig. These resources provide additional information and tips for those who are interested in learning more about this process.
- Keurig Support: The official Keurig website provides step-by-step instructions on how to descale and drain your Keurig machine. They also offer video tutorials and a FAQ section to help answer any questions you may have.
- WikiHow: This website offers a comprehensive guide on how to clean and maintain your Keurig, including how to drain it. The guide includes detailed instructions and images to help you through the process.
- Coffee Detective: This website provides a detailed explanation of why it’s important to drain your Keurig and how to do it properly. They also offer tips on how to prevent clogs and other issues from occurring in the future.
- YouTube: There are many videos on YouTube that demonstrate how to drain a Keurig machine. These videos provide a visual guide and can be helpful for those who prefer to learn by watching.
Overall, these resources provide valuable information and guidance on how to properly drain your Keurig machine. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your machine stays clean and functioning properly for years to come.
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