Can Keurig Carafe Go in Dishwasher?

Key Takeaways:

  • The carafe and removable parts of the Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker are not dishwasher safe.
  • Washing the carafe and parts by hand is recommended to avoid damage.
  • High heat and harsh detergents can affect the carafe’s insulation and coffee taste.
  • Handwashing allows thorough cleaning while being gentle on materials.
  • Alternative cleaning methods like vinegar can be used for thorough dishwashing.

What is the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker?

The Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker is a popular single-serve and carafe coffee brewing system. It allows you to brew both single-serve K-cup pods and full carafes using ground coffee. The machine has a 60 oz water reservoir, a 12 cup glass carafe, and can brew pod sizes from 6-12 oz and carafe sizes from 6-12 cups.

Some key features of the K-Duo Plus include:

  • Brews K-cup pods or loose ground coffee
  • 60 oz removable water reservoir
  • 12 cup glass carafe with insulated stainless steel handle
  • Strength control for bolder coffee
  • Dispenses hot water on demand

The K-Duo Plus comes with a variety of removable parts including the water reservoir, K-cup pod holder, ground coffee filter basket, carafe lid, and carafe.

Why Can’t the Keurig Carafe Go in the Dishwasher?

The carafe and removable parts of the Keurig K-Duo Plus are not dishwasher safe according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

There are a few reasons why Keurig specifically states that these components should not be placed in the dishwasher:

  • High heat – Dishwashers often use very hot water and high heat drying cycles which can damage the carafe’s insulation and affect the coffee’s taste.
  • Harsh detergents – The strong soaps and chemicals in dishwasher detergent can be too abrasive for the carafe and parts over time, wearing down the materials.
  • Warping risk – The high heat of the dishwasher can warp or distort plastic components like the K-cup pod holder.
  • Coffee residue – Dishwasher heat can bake on sticky coffee residue making it harder to remove.

Keurig designed the K-Duo Plus carafe and parts to be hand washed to protect them from wear and tear over the long term.

What is the Recommended Way to Clean the Carafe?

To properly clean the K-Duo Plus carafe and parts, Keurig recommends washing them by hand rather than placing them in the dishwasher.

Here are some tips for effective handwashing:

  • Rinse or soak the carafe and parts in warm water immediately after use to prevent residue from drying on.
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
  • Carefully wash the interior and exterior of the carafe, lid, filter basket and other parts.
  • Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water.
  • Air dry fully before reassembling and storing.

Be gentle when handling the glass carafe to prevent cracks or breaking. Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals.

Handwashing allows you to thoroughly clean the carafe and components while being gentle on the materials. It also removes coffee oils and prevents buildup of hard water stains over time.

Can You Use Vinegar or Other Cleaners to Wash the Carafe?

While handwashing is best, some people use alternative cleaning methods like vinegar to give the carafe a deeper clean periodically.

White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can dissolve dried coffee residue and hard water deposits. To use it, fill the carafe with 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar and let it soak for 30-60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Vinegar should not be used every day as it can wear down the metal over time. Use it occasionally for a thorough cleaning. Avoid diluting vinegar in the dishwasher as it can damage rubber seals.

Baking soda is another natural cleaning solution. Make a paste of baking soda and water and use a soft cloth to gently scrub the carafe’s interior. Rinse thoroughly after.

Any natural, non-abrasive cleaner can be used sparingly to clean the carafe. Avoid harsh chemicals that can leave residue affecting coffee taste. Always handwash, rinse and dry fully after using cleaners.

What About the Dishwasher-Safe Parts of the Keurig Brewer?

While the carafe cannot go in the dishwasher, some components of the Keurig K-Duo Plus brewer are labeled as dishwasher safe according to Keurig.

These parts include:

  • Drip tray
  • Pod holder (top rack only)

The water reservoir and K-cup pod bin can also be washed on the top rack, but handwashing is recommended by Keurig to prolong their lifespan.

Use caution and a light wash cycle if choosing to wash these parts in the dishwasher. Avoid high heat drying which can warp plastic.

The metal puncturing needles for piercing pods should always be handwashed. Dishwasher detergent can corrode and damage them over time.

How Should You Store the Clean Carafe?

It’s important to properly store the carafe after washing and drying to keep it clean between uses. Here are some tips:

  • Fully dry – Ensure no moisture remains on the carafe or lid before storage. Air dry completely.
  • Reattach lid – Put the lid back on tightly to prevent dust or other contaminants from getting inside.
  • Cool, dry place – Store the carafe out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry spot like a cupboard. Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures.
  • Protect from other items – Place the carafe carefully to prevent chipping or cracking if knocked over. Avoid stacking heavy pans or other objects on top of it.
  • Regular cleaning – Wash the carafe after each use for the freshest tasting coffee. Deep clean periodically with vinegar or baking soda.

Proper storage keeps the carafe clean and free of odors or buildup between brewing. Always inspect for cracks and damage before reusing.

Can Putting the Carafe in the Dishwasher Void the Warranty?

Damage from improper use can potentially void the warranty coverage on the Keurig coffee maker and carafe.

According to Keurig, the warranty does not cover damage caused by:

  • Use of dishwasher or other water immersion
  • Failure to descale or maintain the brewer
  • Damage from misuse, abuse, or neglect

So while running the carafe through the dishwasher likely won’t immediately destroy it, over time it may cause cracking, warping, or other problems not covered under the 1 year limited warranty provided by Keurig.

To maintain the warranty, it is advisable to follow the included directions and wash the non-dishwasher safe parts by hand only. Contact Keurig support with any questions.

Are There Alternatives to Washing the Carafe by Hand?

For those wanting to avoid handwashing, there are a few alternative options:

  • Purchase a separate carafe – Use the Keurig for single cups and buy a separate dishwasher-safe thermal carafe for making full pots.
  • Disposable K-cup pod carafes – Keurig makes disposable plastic carafes that just need K-cup pods and water. Simply throw away after use.
  • Clean with dishwasher insert – Products like the Carafe Cleaner insert allow you to sanitize the carafe in the dishwasher safely.
  • Replace carafe – Order a replacement glass carafe so you always have a clean backup ready.
  • Use paper filters – The removable mesh filter basket can be replaced with paper filters which are disposable.

While handwashing is still recommended, these alternatives can reduce the effort required.

The Bottom Line

Can you put the Keurig K-Duo Plus carafe in the dishwasher? No, Keurig specifically advises handwashing the carafe and removable parts to prevent possible damage from high heat and harsh detergents. For optimal flavor and longevity, gently wash the carafe by hand, rinse thoroughly, and allow to fully air dry after each use. Occasionally deep clean with natural cleaners like vinegar for a sparkling clean carafe. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your Keurig coffee maker and carafe performing their best.


Meghan

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