Keurig Not Working After Cleaning with Vinegar [FIXED]


If you’re a coffee lover, you might have invested in a Keurig machine for its convenience and ease of use. One of the maintenance tasks that you need to do periodically is cleaning the machine, which includes using vinegar to descale it. However, what do you do when your Keurig stops working after cleaning it with vinegar? 

In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your Keurig machine is not working after cleaning it with vinegar, and how you can fix it.

Keurig Not Working After Cleaning with Vinegar: Likely Causes

keurig not working after cleaning with vinegar


1. Clogging

In most cases, you would be dealing with a clogging issue. This is one of the most common reasons why your Keurig machine may not work after cleaning with vinegar.

The vinegar solution may have dislodged some debris or scale buildup in the machine, which has now clogged the machine’s water lines. As a result, the water cannot flow through the machine properly, and you won’t get a full cup of coffee or any coffee at all.

2. Mineral Buildup

Another reason why your Keurig machine may not work after cleaning with vinegar is due to mineral buildup. Vinegar is an acid that dissolves minerals like calcium and lime, which are often found in tap water.


However, if your tap water is very hard, the vinegar solution may not be able to dissolve all the mineral buildup in the machine. As a result, the minerals can build up and clog the machine’s water lines, preventing the water from flowing through the machine.

3. Improper Cleaning

If you did not clean your Keurig machine properly after using vinegar, it could be the reason why your machine is not working. For example, if you did not rinse the machine thoroughly after using the vinegar solution, the vinegar could have corroded the machine’s internal components, causing damage that affects the machine’s performance.

How to Fix a Keurig Machine Not Working After Cleaning with Vinegar

1. Clean the Needle 

If your Keurig machine is not working after cleaning it with vinegar, the first thing you should do is clean the needle. The needle is the part of the machine that punctures the K-cup, and over time, it can become clogged with coffee grounds or other debris, which can prevent the water from flowing through the machine properly. To clean the needle:

  • Unplug the Keurig machine and remove the K-cup holder and funnel.
  • Locate the needle on the underside of the K-cup holder.
  • Use a paperclip or a needle to gently clean the needle, being careful not to damage it.
  • Reassemble the K-cup holder and funnel and plug the machine back in.

2. Clean the Water Reservoir 

If cleaning the needle did not solve the problem, the next step is to clean the water reservoir. The water reservoir is the container that holds the water that is used to brew your coffee, and it can become dirty or contaminated over time. To clean the water reservoir:

  • Unplug the Keurig machine and remove the water reservoir.
  • Wash the water reservoir with soap and warm water, using a sponge or cloth to remove any dirt or residue.
  • Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely.
  • Replace the water reservoir back in the machine and plug it back in.

3. Run Water through the Machine 

After cleaning the needle and water reservoir, run water through the machine without a K-cup to flush out any remaining vinegar or debris. To do this:

  • Fill the water reservoir with fresh water.
  • Place a large mug on the drip tray.
  • Turn on the Keurig machine and select the largest cup size.
  • Without inserting a K-cup, run a brew cycle.
  • Discard the water in the mug and repeat the process until the water runs clear.

4. Descale the Machine 

If cleaning the needle, water reservoir, and running water through the machine did not solve the problem, the next step is to descale the machine again. Descaling is the process of removing mineral buildup from the internal components of the machine, and it should be done periodically to keep the machine working properly. To descale the machine:

  • Unplug the Keurig machine and remove any remaining water from the water reservoir.
  • Mix the descaling solution according to the instructions on the package.
  • Fill the water reservoir with the descaling solution.
  • Place a large mug on the drip tray.
  • Turn on the Keurig machine and select the largest cup size.
  • Without inserting a K-cup, run a brew cycle.
  • Discard the solution in the mug and repeat the process until the water reservoir is empty.
  • Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly with clean water and refill it with fresh water.
  • Run several cycles of water through the machine without a K-cup until the water runs clear.

5. Contact Keurig Support 

If your Keurig machine is still not working after following all these steps, it may be time to contact Keurig support. They can help troubleshoot the problem and provide you with additional solutions, such as repairing or replacing the machine if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your Keurig machine with vinegar is an essential maintenance task that helps to keep your machine running smoothly. When cleaning the appliance, you should always read through the user manual and follow the instructions. This would help prevent future problems with the machine and prolong the lifespan of the Keurig coffee maker. 

To fix a Keurig machine that is not working after cleaning it with vinegar, you should first clean the needle and water reservoir, run water through the machine, and descale the machine again with a stronger solution if necessary.

If these steps do not work, it is best to reach out to Keurig support to guide you on the best fixes to apply. With these steps, you can get your Keurig machine back to brewing delicious coffee in no time.

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