OK, this works. You will need perhaps 1.5 hours+.
I have the 1-cup version, so I pour one coffee cup of water in for each cup of coffee.
This cleaning process is very frustrating at first. If you have a short fuse or limited patience, plan to do this process once per hour over a day, or an evening.
My version -
--paperclip opened up 2 joints - 2 inches+-
--with paperclip, ream out the three valves which puncture the top of the K-cup (be careful - this tip is VERY sharp - check your aim) - if major resistance, you have probably missed the path and are hitting the gasket; the back valve is most difficult to reach accurately
--2 16-oz measuring cups - you can do this with coffee cups, but the measuring cups allow clearance for the funnel and filter; a coffee cup will not
--one funnel, large enough that it sits - mostly - outside the measuring cup mouth
--1 coffee filter, paper-clipped inside the funnel, funnel inside empty measuring cup, empty measuring cup placed to receive the hot liquid, just like a coffee cup; you will use the same single coffee filter repeatedly until cleaning is finished
--10 oz. white (distilled) vinegar; pour the vinegar into the reservoir ; you will repeatedly use this same vinegar throughout the cleaning; don't discard
--power up; open/close gate to load the vinegar
-- when the machine chokes or quits, hold down the BREW key until the machine gargles, indicating all fluid pushed thru - bottom measuring cup will now have 10 oz. vinegar
-- you should see some sediment in coffee filter.
-- move funnel/filter to empty measuring cup; place as a "new empty coffee cup"
-- ream the nozzle again
-- pour the vinegar; repeat steps starting at "power up"
--- at "repeat 10 times", suddenly flow improves; can run an entire cup without holding down the BREW key
-- keep reaming; keep repeating; and after 15-20 cycles, your machine flows like a new machine.
-- now - just as the flow starts, power the machine off and let it sit for 30 minutes; then finish the cycle; repeat
-- Ok, fresh water, several runs, until water does NOT taste like vinegar; and then run water twice more - each run with fresh clean water.
All done.
BTW - some of these observations indicate that a hose was dislodged. This probably occurred because the pressure of the system exceeded the hose clamp, and blew the line off the connection. You are out of luck here, until you actually figure out how to disassemble the machine; beyond the scope of this discussion. If you can manage to get the hose reattached, with a clamp, than follow this procedure to keep the pressure off the hose in the future.
Good luck.
My Keurig has a small leak that is coming from the bottom of the unit. It starts to leak towards the end of the dispense cycle. Has anyone had this problem? Not much of a handyman but I was wondering if there was an easy fix, other than buying another one.
by Martha
paper clip worked for me and cleaned with vinegar good as new!!!!!!!!!
by Gene Brown
your a life saver . I did as you said with the paper clip and now my keurig works like a charm. Thank you so much.
by kknepp54
Thanks. On Christmas Day, What a life saver!!
Merry Christmas!
by bggoodison
Thank you, fixed my Keurig this morning thanks to this post!
by Sandy Kreps
My Keurig wasn't making full cups and smelled of mildew so I tried running part water and part vinegar through it. I got 1 cup out of it and couldn't get it to do it again. It kept shutting off. After many efforts I was able to get some water/vinegar through it 2x. I tried the paper clip but nothing was clogged. I tried taking the 2 screws out and the hose was fine. Now what?? It's shutting off and/or runs but nothing comes out.
by cpstansby
Thank you this worked perfectly. It was the main line of the three on top that was clogged. I am NOW drinking my coffee and happy.
by malonea3am
Paper clip worked great. My water was just dribbling out on the brew cycle and I put the paper clip into the upper puncture needle area in the lid and then ran a rinse cycle and it worked.
by dlh170
I bought the brewing descaling solutions and spent all day AND HALF the night running 2nd rinses through MY Keurig 2.0... OUT of desperation I found this sight and tried the small PAPER CLIP TRICK , AND SHAZAM, I GOT a healthy stream of WATER and YOU should've seen all the coffee grounds that came out,even AFTER I took IT apart and cleaned IT... so happy NOW...because I talked HIM into buying THE Keurig brewer, IF IT wouldn't work I would've NEVER heard the END of IT.......... THANK YOU,THANK YOU, T. H. A. N. K. Y. O. U. !!!!!!
by donna49747
Great thanks!! Worked for me also.
by RB
Boy this was frustrating, I descaled and my machine was plugged. Finally got it working by removing the top and detaching the tube and had to suck the fluid through the filter (hope you're using vinegar before doing this). After 3 or 4 times reconnected the tube and it works like a charm. Thanks for all the ideas, I was ready to go buy a new system.
by Stella Wheat
They suggest to use a paper clip to clean the nozzle. DO NOT USE A PAPER CLIP. You will possibly rupture the soft plastic elbow above the spout, and you will get an internal leak. It will temporarily work, but it will eventually destroy your unit with a slow leak dripping internally on the components. Use a blunt plastic toothpick or something similar. The real culprit that stops flow totally is the pressure valve located under the hood of your unit, and if you remove the screws that holds the top on (mine is a k60), that you can see when you open your unit, remove the top, and squeeze this valve, it will start flowing again, and then you can run your vinegar through the unit.
by al
About to pitch it out and buy a new one as I figured its just one more thing that’s not made to last more than a year. Amazingly the paper clip trick worked!
Thanks so much for taking the time to post this simple fix!
by Vickie Brewer
Clean what and where with a paper clip?
by willie vader
I posted earlier, descaled several times, used paperclip, took top off, found the L joint hose from spout to back of machine, that looked all clear. After descaling 4 times over a weeks time. I got a full cup of coffee the next day...for 2 days even. Then the "descale" is lit up again. This machine is frustrating! I am still getting full cups, and they taste great but that WORD is still staring at me every time I make a cup.
by Stephanie
Did it! I first turned it upside down and shook it a few times- that seemed to make the pump kick into action as it was only making noise and no water. It began to work but weak and produced about 1/4 cup water. It was backed up and I noticed water spitting out the over flow valve (white rubber thing located on the reservoir side of the machine). Then used the paper clip on each side of the 'needle' in the head of the machine. It then made a full cup, but slowly. Time to descale- added straight vinegar to the reservoir pumping it through until add water light came on then rinsed reservoir and continued with clean water again until add water light came on. Now the stinker works like new. Thank you for the paper clip idea- brilliant!!
by vwhalen
Thanks for the info with the paperclip it is running more smoothly but still having a problem. We were using the k-cups from Costco but ran out so had to use the insert filter. When we went back to the k-cups it will not run the water through. You hear it engage but does not complete the process. The removable insert filter continues to work? Any ideas?
by Collette
Paperc lip worked!
by gdeldreth
YES!! That WORKED like Gang Buster's! Thank you
by Jennifer Guinn
I set my air compressor at a pretty low PSI and blew air back into it through the injector needle at the top and then ran water through a few times -- somehow coffee grounds got inside it but it came out clear after a couple of runs.
by Erik Johnson
Too late! Took off top cover and noticed pinholes from paperclip. Now what, waterproof tape for the water tube?
by Donna
Paper clip?? What did you do with the paper clip?
by Jaci
Helpful Keurig site video: http://www.keurig.com/support/k-cup-brew... See: How to clean your Keurig
I used a plastic toothpick instead of a paperclip, which is a little gentler. Also descaled with white vinegar. Good as new!
by Sally White
Cleaned with paper clips. Ran a full reservior of vinegar and then one of water to clear. It flowed freely without a cup in the holder. When I put th.e cup in it would not flow.\ Took the cup out and it flows again. Tried 2 different brands and it made no difference. HELP!
by Betty Prescott
This morning at 4:15 a.m., I am using the paper clip for the third time to get a cup of coffee, and I have had this unit less than a month. Poured a bottle of descaler it in and followed the directions. No luck. Used that orange thing Keurig sent me, and followed the directions. I got a stream for the first time, not spurts and spits. The water was actually steaming. I have even been placing my cup in the microwave to heat it properly. When I get home from dialysis, I hope this machine still produces a stream of hot water. I think I was up to cleanse number ten out of the twelve recommended. This is ridiculous for a new machine, especially the Keurig brand.
by RAH
Thank you so much!!!!! Worked like a charm.
by Wanda Howard
This fixed my problem also. My husband was saying oh no, but I said let me Google it and Walla it's fixed. He freaked out that I done it. I also fixed our freezer. Lmao.
by bodiver1
I'm going through the same exact thing it won't brew and it's leaking but it has since day 1, I just thought I'd over filled it, but I have tried to clean with the solution and vinegar yet still no brew, about 7/mo old
by Haas Salemohamed
I have a B70. Seems to last me 3 years and the issues begin. Keurig replaced my first one free. Now the replacement won't suck the water and remains on "brewing" without anything happening except noise. I do all the recommended vinegar descalings too. Very disappointed in the brand. Rethinking my choices on the next one.
by angela wilton
It was the 3rd Keurig machine I'd had the same problem with, and it wasn't just clogged from hard water. I believe the microprocessor started to malfunction after about a year, each time. I just threw ours away and bought a Remington iCoffee, and we like it much better. It takes K cups, makes a better cup of coffee in my honest opinion. So far it has worked flawlessly.
by MacJedi
Thank you! My Keurig was doing this over finals week....this was a lifesaver for sure!
by Catherine Dirksen
Hi I did had the same problem. I post it yesterday. N today I try to turn it off the all day. N turn it on today n run like hot cocoa. Cud doesn't have the grounds of coffe left and looks like is pouring water normal. Is like cleaning it with hot water
by Ed Oliva
This is my second Keurig. This is the mini model so cannot remove anything but the cup. So this one started to do the same thing. Would not brew. Just made a grinding sound. So used the paper clip - nothing. Used the vinegar and it works!
Just wonder why this happens when it is the second unit. Have this one since November the same with the first one, only had it for a couple of months.
We use filtered water. Any ideas???? I hope i don't have to send this one back tooooo!
by Pat yost
I just bought a keurig for christmas ans I did everything right but nothing comes out . Only when u do the hot water cycle! Someone help.
by KATELYN HORNBURG
My Keurig only makes half a cup and as it makes it hot water backs into the water reservoir I checked for blockages and didn't find any. Even changed the filter. Help!!!
by Jewels
I just fixed my Keurig with the posts help! Thank you so much I really didnt want a new one and this was the first problem I had in 3 years. Worked fine at noon at 5pm it wouldn't draw water or brew. You are a lifesaver (or Keurig saver)!!
by Denise
Thanks. This helped me a whole bunch. I thought mine was trash until I read this post. Fixed and now it brews good.
by tmaley
my keurig will not pump the vinegar into the head but it will work with water.
I have descaled my pot regularly but this time it will not pump the vinegar. Technical support doesn't know what the problem is other than buy another one. I do not understand why it won't pump the vinegar but will pump the water. Does anyone know what to do with the problem?
1/23/16 by J Fitzhugh
by joycef80
While running water/vinegar solution through my keurig, the decals light came on, makes noise like it is trying but now it isn't brewing at all- NOTHING comes out. Help!!
by Christa Nowak
Worked for me!
by tcostenoble
Thanks just fixed with paper clip saved my life
by 233cat
Paper clip worked great! Keurig is good as new!
by lintaylor31
where do you poke the paper clip?
by lyndamvz
FOR THOSE THAT USED THE PAPERCLIP WITH NO RESULTS:
Used the paper clip and it didn't work. I placed a straw over the object that punctures a hole in the coffee pod and blew air through the line- this don't work (btw, the water reservoir needs to be detached if you're going to blow water through the line). I then sucked on the straw once for about 5 seconds and extracted a large amount of water in that short time. Coffee maker works now!!! Water was not running through at all and this fixed the back up in the line. Just as a precaution, the water is extremely hot when you extract it from the machine via a straw you will get a mouthful of near boiling water.....
by april
Where do you use the paper clip at?
by fleury123
Thanks! It worked great!
by sinnbaad1
My Keurig will run plain water through, but will not process when a pod is in the machine. Susan
by smkarasinski
I got two Keurig one for bedroom and one for the kitchen and both stop working I try everything I clean it and want work at all I never buy it again I am going to put it in case the trash can . I have it to have a coffee maker going back to the old maker By Roberta
by Roberta byrd
Mine would not brew either, I ended up using a straw on the overflow covering the water entry hole at the bottom where the tank sits and blew my heart out until the interior reservoir was clear. Run some vinegar through it and it is as good as new.
by Damian
What do you do with the paper clip my keurig is not brewing??
by crazeeachord
Easy fix for K-cups that dribble (you will need a compressed air tank or compressor). Remove water tank from unit and open K-cup lever to expose spike that penetrates K-Cup. Using air chuck, blow air through spike then blow air through water tank inlet. Replete 2 or 3 times. This WILL dislodge any debris in the pumping system. This operation took me all of five minutes and NOW my coffee maker works just like new.
by Robert Charles
upside down over the sink, hitting the bottom is a lifesaver.
by kellycwpg
When you used the paper clip which I've seen my roommate use before on this, where are u inserting it to clear the clog? Thank you
by Ana
My Keurig stopped working and said prime. I have no book, please help.
by Gayle Levesque
I have a similar Keurig. The 'flow' was low. I started to cleaned it with vinegar but didn't wait the recommended time. It stopped working. It would hiss but the pump didn't work and it wouldn't draw from the reservoir. If I shook it, it would dribble a little water and shut off. I took it to the garage, removed the reservoir and blew air through the lines. I took it back into the kitchen. It worked once and then made the 'steam' noise. My son, a generation X'er suggested that I call Keurig so I did. I explained the problem and explained what I did and they decided to send me a new one. I threw the old one out. Later, I explained the problem to my grandson - the 'miracle' gen-millennium. I retrieved it from the trash He tried it but it didn't work so he changed the 'brew' size. It worked. He changed the brew size again and it worked. He eventually went to the original size and it worked - and worked and worked. I could go through the discussion that followed but I won't.
by Stupid
What would the paper cups be used for in the kcup solution?
by Brian Keon
worked for me too! thank you :) My husband was all set to go buy a new machine!
by JOHN NEAL
Thank you!!!!! You just saved me a nice chunk of money! ☕️
by tattedangelln
Worked like a charm. Wife will be so happy! Thank you!!!
by rejalogan
another thing about them is sometimes when you clean them you have to turn them upside down and shake a little to get them to work again.
by John
this didn't work the first few times. I pushed up a little bit harder, twisted it around a 5-10 times pushing up and down in all three of the holes and WALA. It actually worked. Ran it through a cycle of water, then a cycle with distilled vinegar to descale, then a few cycles of water. Works like new again.
by Aman Kainth
Thank you , fixed my Keurig now thank to this post! Happy Holiday's
by Pio lontoc
My keurig 130 still doesn't make coffee. It heats up and acts as if it's gona make coffe, but just ours. I have used the needle to unclog it and I took the water line Loose at the bottom and blew air into it with an airpressue. It still doesn't work. Any suggestions.
by Terrance
None of these worked for me... I emptied the water reservoir and ran very hot water directly on the screen filter in the bottom several times. Works now!!!
by Mike Nail
Mines brand new and I've only used it three times to make three different cups. The forth time tried making a pot of coffee and it didn't work at all. So decided to check out the Internet to see if other people had similar problems. I get answers to use a paper clip or try vinegar. I didn't try either! The place where the K cup goes people were saying to take it out and use a paper clip. Most appliances are made with many parts, so the part where the K cups go comes in three different parts. Take out the part that hold the K cups and that's actually two parts one and two. Underneath parts one and two there's another part which is part three. Separate the three parts and run them all under water. Doesn't matter if it's hot or cold water. Dry each part and place them together and back into the Keurig coffee maker. Them your good to go! I hope this information was useful! Note- After I ran each part under water a hard piece of coffee fell into my sink.
by Tammy King
Thank you! This fixed my keurig! I really thought it was broke!!
by smileface814
Paperclip didn't help for me, I was gentle so hopefully no damage! I turned it upside down and shook it like someone else had done, it was enough to get the water spitting through the back up valve that goes back into the reservoir. I squeezed that several times to release more water and start the stream. After that it worked just fine.
by i_love_lucy_2
what do you do with the paper clip???
by Melissa
LMAO. A lot of coffee drinkers here I bet.
by Lord Vader's Finest Rocketeers
I saw roxmel2000's comment about how difficult it is to clean silt-like material off the fine filter at the bottom of the reservoir. I came up with a solution; take an old toothbrush and heat the handle just above the bristles. When it is hot enough to be flexible,use a heat gun or matches so you can bend the end of the brush to 90 degrees, then let it cool. With the bristles now at 90 degrees to the handle, you can reach down to the bottom with the bristles and gently scrub the fine screen. Flush with a stream of water to get the fine silt out of the reservoir. Works well for us.
by Don Antilla
Thanks this advice worked perfectly!! I am so happy it's fixed
by kimura1
My K15 was not brewing a full cup. My error was not seating the pod firmly enough so that the base was pierced. Make sure that when placing the pod you use both thumbs to seat it securely (you'll her the pop when the needle pierces the base) THEN close the top lid to pierce the top of the pod.
by tessmacfadyen
I had the issue of no water dispersing and making the noise like it wanted to. Unscrewed the 2small screws where it pierces the coffee. Took the top off and a hose was disconnected. Put it back on and works like new.
by dianagarza701
Thank you, thank you, thank you...I'm back in action!
by constance barbin
When I push the button to make any size cup of coffee the machine does nothing
by Marcus
My Keurig is making the noise to show it's working but the water won't go down or out
by savvygirl082504
I have this same problem. Kuerig make sounds but water does not come out. What do you do with the paper clip
by Barbara bielawne
Does anyone have a K70 Model? I'm not sure if I'm missing a hose piece that goes into water reservoir? My machine makes brewing noises but no water will move anywhere & wondering if my kid maybe did something to the hose (if there was one attached to the area in the reservoir) I've tried paper clip & cleaning but no water gets sucked up from reservoir at all.
by Rebecca Cayenne
This blog was so helpful! Tried the paper clip thing and it still wasn't working. I turned it over and took out the screws on the bottom, all the hoses were connected and fine. Screwed the plate back in, thought it was a gonner, turned it upside right and voila, it works!
by ashley
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