How to Clean Mold from Keurig Water Reservoir? (how does mold grow on a Keurig water reservoir + more information)

If you own a single-cup coffee brewer like Keurig, you must take care of it well to ensure it does not have mold. Cleaning mold from the Keurig water reservoir is not difficult. Read on to find out more!

You can clean mold from the Keurig water reservoir using Keurig cleaning solution, white vinegar, or baking soda. Keurig coffee makers are pretty convenient, and many coffee fans do not realize they need to clean them. I cannot function in the morning without drinking coffee. This is what made me invest in a Keurig coffee maker. After using it for some time, I realized a change in the taste of my coffee. It suddenly has an earthy flavor, and I was concerned about this change.

I started investigating the causes and realized mold was growing in the water reservoir. Through research, I learned to clean mold from my Keurig coffee maker and created this post to share with you. You will also know how mold grows in the water reservoir, the signs of mold, and how to prevent mold growth in this coffee maker.

How do molds grow in the Keurig water reservoir?

A Keurig water reservoir can form a breeding ground for mold due to the presence of moisture in it. The water in the reservoir and the plastic material of this coffee maker create proper conditions for mold growth.

Where you place the Keurig in the kitchen can also be a mold-making factor. If, for instance, you put it in the pantry or dark corner, it can make mold grow faster. When the water reservoir is infested by mold, you should clean it since it can cause health risks. Once mold grows in a Keurig water reservoir, it emits more spores.

What are the signs of mold in a Keurig?

If you start experiencing mold allergy symptoms every time you use the Keurig, this could indicate that it is infested by mold. Some of the common symptoms of this include headache and sneezing.

Apart from mold allergy symptoms, another sign is the visible growth of mold on the water reservoir. These fungi may also grow on the placement tray or the cup holder. Mold can either be present in the form of green or black-colored residue in the Keurig coffee maker. You may also notice a foul smell from the machine as you make your cup of coffee. If you see any of this, it is time to clean the Keurig coffee maker.

How to clean mold from the Keurig water reservoir?

Find out whether the water reservoir is dishwasher safe. If it is, you can run it through a cycle as you wash the other parts by hand. Before cleaning mold from the water reservoir, ensure that you wear a facemask if you are allergic to this virus.

You should then switch off the coffee maker and empty the water tank. Then take out the mesh screen and filter holder. Ensure that there is no pod in the coffee maker. After this, you can clean the different parts by hand or in the dishwasher.

What can I use to clean mold from my Keurig?

Keurig recommends that you deep clean this coffee maker through a process known as descaling from time to time. You can descale it to clean mold using a Keurig cleaning solution. Alternatively, you can clean mold from your Keurig using vinegar or baking soda. Let it look at each method separately.

If, for instance, you are using a Keurig cleaning solution, start by mixing it with water in a 1:1 ratio, then fill the water reservoir with this mixture. You should then brew a cup of hot water and repeat this until you drain all of the solutions from the reservoir. Once you get the add water notification, you should let the Keurig coffee maker sit for around half an hour as it is still on so that the solution can clean all the mold.

After 30 minutes, rinse the water tank under running water and then fill it with fresh water. To flush out the cleaning solution from the coffee maker, brew at least 12 cups of hot water.

If you have white vinegar, start by filling the water reservoir with this halfway, then fill the other half with some hot water. Stir the mixture, then let the solution sit in the water reservoir for about 30 minutes. After this period, use the brew function to run the solution through the coffee maker until all of it has emptied.

Mix the coffee maker with white vinegar solution and brew it several times. After this, you should rinse out the coffee maker by running some fresh water through the brew cycle until it no longer has an acidic taste.

The last method is using baking soda to clean mold from the Keurig. Start by making a paste using water and baking soda, then apply it inside the walls of the water reservoir. Allow this paste to sit for a while, then scrub the tank. Do not forget to rinse it under running water. You can use the remaining paste to clean the filter holder and drip tray.

Make another paste of water and baking soda and fill the tank with it. Brew this mixture, scrub the tank again, and fill it with clean water. Ensure you clear the baking soda from the water reservoir before the coffee maker.

How to prevent mold from growing in a Keurig

You can do this by changing the water in the water reservoir regularly. Take your time to dry the coffee maker’s inside after using it. Open the water reservoir lid when you are not using the coffee maker to give it enough time to dry. You should also clean and dry the placement tray from time to time.

Conclusion

A Keurig coffee maker can become mold if it is not cared for properly. If you have noticed any of the signs of mold that we have discussed above, you should take your time to clean it properly. Cleaning mold from the water reservoir is not complicated or time-consuming.

You can clean it through the dishwasher if it is dishwasher-safe. If it is not, you can try using other methods such as white vinegar, Keurig cleaning solution, or baking soda. Keeping the Keurig clean not only prevents it from mold but can also extend its lifespan.

FAQ section

Will the mold in my Keurig water reservoir contaminate my coffee?

Yes. Prolonged exposure to mold in the water reservoir can contaminate your coffee, making you sick. You may start experiencing respiratory problems from taking such coffee.

Is mold in a Keurig coffee maker poisonous?

Not every mold in a Keurig coffee maker is poisonous. Most of it can make you sick by causing allergic reactions.

Can descaling help with mold in my Keurig?

Yes. Descaling can help get rid of mold in your Keurig.