When it comes to single-serve coffee brewers, Keurig is the blueprint. The brand launched the first machine of its kind in 1998 as a more efficient office break room alternative. Now, over 25 years later, it's a household staple across the country. Today, Keurig offers several models for every kind of coffee drinker and a list of K-Cup options as long as a Cheesecake Factory menu.

Industry researchers estimate that there are over 25 million Keurig machines used across the United States. While models vary, these brewers contain multiple components that make your morning routine more convenient. Parts like the drip tray and the filter discard bin avoid unnecessary spills and messes, but the machine is still not advanced enough to clean itself. In fact, your Keurig is a hotbed for mold and bacteria.

The constant exposure to moisture makes nearly every piece of your Keurig susceptible to germs. Thankfully, you can prevent these particles from entering your coffee mug with proper cleaning and maintenance.

I consulted Carolyn Forté, executive director of Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab, to unpack everything you need to know about keeping your Keurig clean. Because each part operates differently, they don't always follow the same cleaning schedule. Thankfully, Forté's recommended Keurig-cleaning routine can be broken up over time for the different elements.

What You Should Clean Once A Week

You should clean the removable parts of your single-serve coffee brewer every week. That includes (but isn't limited to) the drip tray, the water reservoir, the lid, and the K-Cup holder.

"Where mold often grows is in the drip tray because water lies in there and people forget to clean it," Forté says.

Mold can also develop inside the machine itself. According to Forté, this is less likely and typically happens when the machine is filled with water and unused for long periods of time. When water sits in the reservoir for several days, it can take on a stale flavor and may even encourage bacterial growth that'll impact the flavor of your morning cup.

Thankfully, all of these removable parts are easy to clean. You can easily clean the removable parts of your Keurig with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Nearly all of the pieces can be dried with a dish towel, but make sure to air dry the inside of your water tank to avoid lint getting into your next cup.

While you're at it, there's another step you can take to make your machine squeaky clean. Keurig offers rinse pods that you can use to clear out any lingering residue and flavors. This is especially useful if you alternate between different types of K-Cups.

What You Should Clean Every Two Months

After a while, the water filter in your reservoir becomes less effective, which can give your coffee a stale, unpleasant taste. An old filter that's past its prime will also allow all of the minerals present in your tap water to build up inside your machine—which will impact your Keurig's performance overall.

To keep your coffee tasting fresh and your appliance operating smoothly, Forté recommends replacing your filter cartridge every other month.

This process is thankfully fairly simple. First you need to remove and discard the old filter. Most models will have a built in filter inside the reservoir itself—but if there's any doubt, consult the manual for your machine. Then, using a sponge and warm, soapy water, clean and dry your filter holder.

Then you're ready to swap in your new filter. All new filters need a bit of prep before using them for the first time. Forté recommends soaking the filters in clean water for five minutes, then rinsing it under the sink for another minute. Then, all you need to do is snap it into the holder, return it to the reservoir, and you're ready to go!

What You Should Clean Every Three To Six Months

The interior of your machine requires maintenance the least often, but it's the most necessary. "What clogs the interior is mostly hard water build-up," says Forté.

Even with filtered water, calcium deposits develop all over the inside of your Keurig. While this doesn't present a serious health concern like mold and bacteria do, this build up can severely impact how effectively the machine operates.

Depending on how many cups of coffee you make on a regular basis, you'll need to descale your machine somewhere around two to four times a year. Keurig sells their own descaling solution online, but Forté says distilled white vinegar works just as well.

The descaling process may vary depending on your model, so refer to the instructions on Keurig's website when your machine is ready for a tune up.

How often do you clean your Keurig? Let us know in the comments!