This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
How long has it been since you last cleaned your Keurig coffee machine’s filter screen? If you cannot remember the answer to that question, there is another one you should ask yourself. Have you started to notice that there is something different about the taste of the coffee you make now compared to what it was like when the machine was brand new?
You might have started to notice a difference in the taste. It is likely that something tastes a little different about the morning cup of joe, but it is not obvious enough for you to pinpoint. If you are still using the same flavor, and there are no quality control issues in the K-Cup you’ve been using, it is likely to be a problem with the filter screen.
You should learn how to clean your Keurig’s filter screen because that is probably where the problem lies. As it turns out, the Keurig coffee machine, like any other drip coffee machine, tends to accumulate mineral buildup as you keep using it. It’s just a natural part of using the appliance.
The problem is, if you keep on using the machine without cleaning it, a different taste in coffee might be the least of your worries.
Why is it important to learn how to clean the Keurig filter screen?
As you keep on using the Keurig coffee machine, it can start to collect a lot of potentially harmful germs. The coffee passes through the filter screen at the bottom of the water reservoir as it makes its way through the spout to your cup to drip that delicious cup of coffee for you. Since you do not get to see the filter screen, many people do not realize how dirty this part of their Keurig can get.
Harmful bacteria buildup
Like most things in the kitchen, especially those in daily use, your Keurig can be full of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Sometimes, it can get so bad that it develops a green slime in there – all out of sight and out of mind.
You might think that the Keurig can keep itself decontaminated from everything. After all, it does use hot water to make the coffee, and hot water can kill all the contaminants, right? You will be mistaken if you have that misconception.
Once you use the coffee machine to make a cup of coffee, the remaining water in your Keurig cools down. The environment for the Keurig filter screen can be perfect for the development of bacteria, fungus, and other harmful germs. If you do not clean it for long enough, it can even contaminate your coffee to the extent of making you sick.
Performance issues for the machine
Another reason why you must learn how to clean the Keurig filter screen is to keep its performance optimal. The filter’s job is to eliminate any and all particles that may creep into the coffee through the water. The filter screen does a fantastic job of keeping all the contaminants out.
As you keep on using the machine, the filter begins to accumulate a lot of mineral deposits. Eventually, the mineral deposits, combined with the buildup of germs and bacteria, can begin to block the path of the water. If you have noticed that your Keurig has started to take forever to fill up the cup, the filter screen is definitely in dire need of cleaning.
Dirty water reservoir
If you continue to ignore cleaning the Keurig filter screen, it will lead to the water in the reservoir to become progressively dirtier. Where you would initially find a funny taste about your coffee, you might end up getting a beverage that barely tastes like the coffee you once used to enjoy.
With all these factors in mind, we think it is important that you make an effort to learn how to clean the Keurig filter screen. You would be surprised to learn how easy it is to clean the filter screen.
How to clean the Keurig filter screen
Cleaning the filter screen in your Keurig is a straightforward process. If you have not cleaned the filter screen in your Keurig since you bought the machine, it is also a good idea to clean the water reservoir while you are at it. You can clean both of them at the same time.
Step 1: Turn off the Keurig before you begin.
Step 2: Remove the water reservoir and wipe the base port where it sits using a damp cloth.
Step 3: Remove any remaining water from the water reservoir of your Keurig.
Step 4: Wipe down the inside of your water reservoir using a cloth damped with a soap and water solution.
Step 5: Use a water sprayer to hose down your water reservoir properly.
Step 6: Remove the Keurig filter screen using a #2 Phillips screwdriver. Clean the screen under warm running water with a brush. If you do not have a Phillips screwdriver, you can fill up the water reservoir with 2 inches of warm water and agitate it. For cases with a severe buildup of mineral deposits or algae, it is better to leave the filter screen in a solution of water and vinegar for a few hours.
Step 7: Let both the water reservoir and Keurig filter screen air dry. It is important not to dry them with a towel because that can lead to lint possibly getting into your coffee once you begin using the machine.
How often should you clean your Keurig filter screen?
As you can see, learning how to clean your Keurig filter screen is not that challenging. There is no strict timeline on how often you should clean your Keurig’s filter screen. Ideally, you should clean the filter screen as regularly as you can.
If you are cleaning your Keurig’s filter screen for the first time in months, you might spend a considerable amount of time removing all the buildup. Once it is clean, you should give it a gentle cleaning along with the water reservoir once every couple of weeks. That can help keep it functioning optimally, improve the quality of coffee it produces, and keep your coffee free from any contaminants.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to clean your Keurig filter screen and the water reservoir is more important than you might have thought. Just remember that when you are cleaning the filter screen, you need to be gentle with it. You do not want to risk breaking or damaging the filter screen. Once you’ve cleaned the filter screen, you will notice a difference in the taste.
We hope you found this article useful. It takes a few simple steps and a little effort, but learning how to clean your Keurig’s filter screen can improve your coffee drinking experience for a long time.