Being a coffee lover, I never get tired of experimenting with different coffee pods and drinks, and Keurig helps me with that.
However, I have noticed that when I brewed flavored coffee, iced coffee, hot chocolates, or even tea, the taste changes over time. While searching, I found that it is basically due to the mixing of flavors from different pods and the residue left behind.
So, if you don’t clean Keurig often, you can also face this issue.
To facilitate its customer, Keurig includes Keurig rinse pods as parts of their maintenance kits. However, many Keurig owners are still confused about which parts of the brewer these cleaning pods are meant to clean and how often they should be used. They also find it difficult to compare descaling solutions and cleaning pods.
I have used Keurig cleaning rinse pods and am satisfied with the result. To facilitate you, I have written the complete article guide on How to use Keurig rinse pods and why you should use them!
What is Keurig Rinse Pod?
Rinse pods contain natural cleaning agents that help to rinse residues and oil building inside your coffee maker over time.
Rinse pods look similar to K-cups, and are very effective in cleaning the K-cup holder, the brewer funnel, and exit needles. These cleaning pods are specifically designed to clean away leftover coffee residues and oil.
Its special formula not only helps in cleaning but also helps in clearing out any leftover coffee grinds that are carried from the previous brew to your current brew.
Keurig rinse pods are compatible with all Keurig models. Each pack of Keurig rinse pods contains 10 pods, and each pod is meant to be used only once.
How to use Keurig rinse pods?
To clean out leftover residue and oil with Keurig Rinse pods, follow these instructions. The procedure is exactly similar to coffee brewing.
- Fill the water reservoir with clean drinking water.
- Place large cup on drip tray. Open the head of the Keurig machine and insert a Keurig rinse pod inside the K-Cup pod holder.
- Close the lid and select the largest brew size button.
- Once the machine is done, discard the water that is collected in the cup.
- Discard the Keurig Rinse pod from the machine.
- Put back the cup on the drip tray and run 2-3 water-only cleaning cycles before brewing coffee.
3 Ingredients of Keurig Rinse pods
As mentioned earlier, the Keurig rinse pod is a non-toxic, safe, and very effective cleaning agent. It consists of 3 main natural ingredients that make it very effective in cleaning.
CRITIC ACID
Citric acid is an effective synthetic cleaning chemical for cleaning corrosion, hard water stains, and calcium buildup from coffee machines.
Citric acid is perfect for cleaning Keurig machines because it doesn’t leave behind a strong taste like other acid-based cleansers.
Sodium citrate
Sodium Citrate is an acid neutralizer and acts as a cleaning agent. It reduces the amount required to clean appliances, making the cleaning process more effective and efficient.
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate also known as baking soda works effectively to remove accumulating grease and dirt from the K-cup holder.
These 3 ingredients combo creates a non-toxic, safe and effective cleaning agent that is gentle and odorless and is used globally for its effectiveness.
Read a detailed guide on how to clean Keurig machines properly
Keurig Rinse pods vs descaling solution
You might be wondering that is Keurig rinse pods are the same as the descaling solution.
Technically, both contain citric acid, which is very effective in cleaning. However, both are quite different from each other in terms of purpose, frequency of use, residual smell, and ingredients.
Below is the table that summarizes the difference between the Keurig cleaning pod and the descaling solution.
| Keurig rinse pod | Descaling solution | |
| Area of cleaning | Clean the K-cup holders and the exit needles | Clean and descale the water pathway and internal heating element |
| Frequency of use | Recommended to use it at least once a week | Used for descaling the machine once in 3-6 months |
| Odor | Leave no or little smell that can be removed with a single rinse cycle using only water. | Leaves a strong odor that is removed by doing several water-only cycles. |
| Ingredients | Contain citric acid Sodium citrate, Sodium bicarbonate | Citric acid, Silicic acid Bleaching agents Water |
How often do you use Keurig rinse pods?
Manufacturers recommend using Keurig rinse pods once a week to eliminate flavors residue and oil that is building up in your K-cup holder compartment.
However, there is no universal rule that you have to wait for a week to clean up the machine. If you notice a bad taste in your Keurig coffee you should use a rinse pod to prevent such flavor contamination before brewing.
Are Keurig Rinse Pods Necessary?
Definitely yes, if you’re a coffee snob and love to brew different types of flavored beverages then you should use a Keurig rinse pod.
Using Keurig Cleaning Pods is especially important if you love to brew different types of beverages (hot chocolates, coffees, teas) to avoid flavor carry-over.
Check out our favorite K cups
FAQs
are Keurig rinse pods toxic?
No, Keurig Rinse pods are not toxic and completely safe to use.
These cleaning pods contain citric acid, Sodium citrate, and Sodium bicarbonate which have no negative effect on health.
Do Rinse Pods Descale the coffee Maker
No Keurig Rinse Pods don’t descale the coffee maker they just clean the pod holder and coffee maker’s outlet.
For thorough cleaning, it is recommended to descale the Keurig once every three months.
Related Keurig Articles
- Can you put hot milk in Keurig? Do and Donts
- How to make stronger coffee with Keurig
- How to lookup Keurig Serial number
- How to prime a Keurig
- How to reuse K cup coffee pods
