How to Replace a Keurig Charcoal Filter

If you're making coffee the same way as ever, but it somehow just doesn't seem to taste as yummy, then you might be overdue for a Keurig filter replacement. The great thing about Keurig coffee makers is they're convenient in so many ways — from the use of pods to filtering the water for you. But those filters don't last forever, and when they go, then so does a big factor in having a consistently tasty cup of coffee. Don't worry, though, because it's easy to replace.

Unplug your Keurig coffee maker and move it so you can see the water reservoir. The filter's in there. There's a long handle, the upper filter holder, and lifting this out will take the filter mechanism out. At the bottom is the lower filter holder. When you pull these apart, inside you'll find the replaceable carbon water filter.

Be sure to read your Keurig charcoal filter instructions, in case your model is unique. (If you've lost them, the manufacturer has them all online.) The general process for most Keurig filter replacements begins with priming the charcoal filter. This is important to get all the charcoal residue out of the filter, after which it's ready to use.

Simply unpack the filter and submerge the carbon filter in a dish of fresh, cold water for at least five minutes. After the new filter has soaked for five minutes, rinse it under cold water for 60 seconds. Now your Keurig water filter is ready to use and it's time to install it.

Just before you put your filter back in place, it's a good time to clean your water reservoir with a warm, soapy scrub at the sink. Really get into the nooks and crannies, because sediment and grime can appear overtime. For the best-tasting coffee, it's wise to clean the reservoir every three weeks or so.

Now, take the filtration housing — the upper and lower water filter holder — out of the water reservoir. Pop them apart by pressing in the tabs on both sides of the bottom of the handle to remove the lower filter holder. Once it's apart, simply remove and discard the old filter cartridge. Take the lower filter holder to the sink and rinse out the mesh on the inside, give it a more thorough clean if you think it needs it.

Put the new filter into place and snap the upper filter holder back on. Put the filtration device back into place in the reservoir by pressing it firmly down until it snaps into place.

With the filter back in place, it's time to refill the reservoir with fresh, cold water. As for the filter, Keurig recommends replacing it every two months, but they don't say if that's for a couple who drinks a couple cups a day each or if it's for a small office, so use your judgment. Some people use them for a few months. The more coffee you drink, the sooner you may need to replace the filter.

If you still find things taste different than you remember, you may need to consider descaling the machine. Keurig has a helpful video on their support site for those who'd like an instructional visual.