How to Empty a Keurig Coffee Maker for Storage

The full-size and miniature Keurig coffee makers are designed to brew a perfect cup every time. But as with any coffee maker, the results you get will only be as good as what you put in. Over time, deposits can accumulate inside the Keurig coffee brewer, and those deposits can affect the taste of the finished product. Cleaning your Keurig on a regular basis is the best way to ensure proper operation and delicious coffee. If you need to store your Keurig for more than a few days, it is a good idea to drain all of the water out of the unit, since that moisture can create an unpleasant aftertaste the next time you brew a cup of coffee. Does this Spark an idea?

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Pitcher
Coffee mug
Flat-head screwdriver

Instructions

Mini Keurig Models
- 1
  
  Close the water fill lid on the top of the Keurig mini coffee brewer. Ensure that the lid is securely shut.
- 2
  
  Place an empty coffee mug on the drip plate. Make sure the cup is positioned to catch the water coming out of the Keurig unit.
- 3
  
  Push the "Brew" button in and hold it down continuously. Keep holding the "Brew" button until all the water has drained out of the unit.
Standard Keurig Models
- 4
  
  Turn off the Keurig coffee brewer and unplug the power cord. Allow the coffee maker to cool for at least half an hour.
- 5
  
  Take the water reservoir off the brewer and put it aside. Turn the Keurig around so the back of the unit is facing you. Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the small knob on the back counterclockwise. Remove the back panel from the Keurig and set it aside.
- 6
  
  Place the rear of the Keurig coffee brewer close to the edge of your counter. Locate the plastic tube on the right side of the back panel and pull it out of the retaining clip. Pull the plug out of the tube and place the tube over a pitcher or other container.
- 7
  
  Allow the water to drain into the container. Leave the tube in the pitcher until you are sure all the water has drained out of the unit.
- 8
  
  Replace the plug in the drain tube and reassemble the Keurig coffee brewer. Pack the coffee maker carefully, preferably in the same box it came in.