One of the most convenient and easy-to-use coffee makers around is a Keurig. These single-use coffee machines help you get your morning coffee faster and with less of a hassle. If you've had one for a while, then you're probably aware of the cleaning and maintenance that needs to be done to a Keurig. However, are you cleaning every part of it? What about the needle? We have researched the best ways to clean the Keurig needle so that you can keep having delicious coffee every day!
Cleaning the Keurig needle is an easy but often overlooked process. Cleaning the needle inside of your Keurig machine is essential for taste and cleanliness. You should be cleaning it regularly to get the most out of your Keurig. The most effective way to clean your Keurig's needle is by following steps with a specific tool. You can also use similar steps with what you have around the house! Follow these steps:
- Prepare for the process
- Turn the Keurig off
- Find the needle
- Use the Keurig needle cleaning tool
- How do you clean the needle on a Keurig without the tool
Keeping your Keurig needle clean is simple and very important. It might seem easy enough to look at the process above and start cleaning this part. You might find that there's some more information that you'll want, however. Stick with us below so that you can learn the ins and outs of this entire process!
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Cleaning The Keurig Needle
This often forgotten part on your Keurig machine is just as important as the rest of them. The needle is the part of this appliance that pierces the top of the k-cups when you close the pod holder. It goes into the pod and allows the water to enter it and brew the coffee. That's why it's important to know how to keep it performing its best!
Why You Should Clean Your Keurig's Needle
There are two main reasons why cleaning your Keurig's needle is important. Like with cleaning the rest of your machine, you should do it for safety and taste the coffee that it makes. Since the needle comes in contact with moisture and coffee grounds, it's easy for debris to get stuck on it.
The longer those used coffee grinds stick onto the needle, to more they have a chance to decay and mold. If this happens then, that will contaminate your cups of coffee. Not only is it a health hazard, but it also affects the taste of any coffee brewed with it.
How Often To Clean Keurig Needle?
How often you clean your Keurig's needle depends on how often you use it. If you use your Keurig multiple times every day, then you'll want to clean it more regularly. You'll want to clean the needle every couple of weeks for the best result.
Cleaning it that frequently may not be necessary if you don't use your Keurig every day. However, regardless of how often you use it, you should clean the needle a minimum of once every month.
1. Prepare For The Process
The first thing you will need to clean your Keurig's needle properly is the needle cleaning tool. It is specifically designed to quickly and efficiently clean the needle. If you don't have that tool, you can also grab a paper clip, pin, or something similar.
You can use that to clean the needle with an alternative process shown further down in the article. You may also want a clean cloth of some sort to wipe off your tools during use.
Click here to shop for Keurig needle cleaning tools on Amazon!
2. Turn The Keurig Off
This first step is purely for safety. It may seem unnecessary, but it's always better to be safe rather than sorry. You'll first want to make sure that your Keurig machine is off. Next, unplug it from the outlet as an extra safety precaution. When cleaning, especially when it involves water, it's best not to have the appliance plugged in.
3. Find The Needle
The next step is to locate the Keurig's needle so that you can clean it. To do this, start by opening up the part of the machine where the k-cup goes in. Once it's open, look at the top section of the compartment. This will be the part that is attached to the little handle used to open it.
You will be able to see the pointed needle sticking out a little. Depending on which cleaning method you use, you will need direct access to it.
4. Use The Keurig Needle Cleaning Tool
Now it's time to use the specialized needle cleaning tool. First, you will want to fill the top part of the tool with lukewarm water. It will be clear with a hole in the top of it. Once it has water in it, set the tool in the k-cup spot in the compartment. The bottom part of the tool should fit into this spot easily.
Finally, close the compartment like you would if you were brewing a cup of coffee. Open and close it several times, and you should see some coffee ground in the water inside the tool. This means that it is doing its job and cleaning the needle!
Here is a great video reference showing this process!
5. How Do You Clean The Needle On A Keurig Without The Tool?
If you don't have a Keurig needle cleaning tool, you can still get the job done with a paperclip or something similar. First, follow steps 1 - 3 of the process outlined above. Next, take your paperclip and straighten one end of it out. Finally, gently place the straightened part of the paperclip into the needle and wiggle it around a little to loosen up any coffee grounds or particles. Run your machine with water to finish up!
Here is a look at how to do this entire process in a little more detail!
How Do You Clean The Needle On A Keurig 2.0 Without The Tool?
The process of cleaning the needle on a 2.0 Keurig without a tool is very similar to the process above. First, use a straightened paperclip or a pin to clean the upper needle on the machine. Next, to clean the lower needle, there is a different way. You can remove the part that the k-cup goes into.
This part has a small passageway where the coffee travels through on its way to your cup. Once this part is removed, you can hand wash it and rinse it with warm water from your kitchen faucet. Place it back in its spot, and you are good to go!
How Do You Clean A Mini Keurig Needle?
Since the k-cup compartment on a mini Keurig is very similar to a standard Keurig, you can clean it with the same methods. It should come with a needle cleaning tool, or you can purchase a replacement. You can also use the paperclip method to clean out the needle.
Can You Replace The Needle In A Keurig?
You can purchase and replace the needles in a Keurig. The bottom needle replacement is easier to find than a puncture needle replacement, however. To replace them, you need the entire part that houses the needle and not just the needle.
What Model Keurig Do I Have?
There is a reasonably simple way to tell what model of Keurig you own. To do this, pick up your Keurig and look at the bottom of it. You should see some writing. It will show you what type of Keurig you have or at least the serial number to look that up online to see what your model is. Being able to tell your exact model can be very important for maintenance and part replacement!
Does Walmart Sell Keurig Parts?
Keurig does offer its parts and accessories in a wide variety of places. One of the most convenient places to find these things is at your local Walmart. Walmart offers a good variety of accessories, k-cups, and even replacement parts. Check out this Keurig parts page on Walmart.com to see exactly what they have to offer!
Finishing Thoughts
You can easily clean your Keurig's needle with or without the specific tool by following some easy steps! Make sure your Keurig is off and unplugged before cleaning. The simplest cleaning method is to fill the designated tool with water and place it in the k-cup position. Then open and close it several times to clear the needle.
You can also use a paperclip by placing it in the needle and wiggling it around to clear it. Once both of these methods are done, you should rinse your Keurig through with plain water to have delicious and clean coffee!
Click on the links below to learn more about how to get the most out of your Keurig machine!
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Can You Keep A Coffee Maker On All Day?
