If a Keurig K-Compact tastes like plastic, first determine whether the brewer is new, recently cleaned, or has developed the taste after months of normal use. Those situations point to different causes.
If the brewer is new
Wash the removable water reservoir and lid according to the care instructions, rinse them thoroughly, fill with fresh water, and run several water-only cleansing brews before using a pod. New packaging and water-contact parts can have temporary odors that should diminish after proper washing and rinsing.
If the taste appeared after cleaning
Rinse the reservoir thoroughly to make sure no soap or cleaning product remains. Only use cleaning or descaling products in the parts and quantities specified for the brewer. Do not run household cleaners through the internal water system.
Replace stale reservoir water
Empty water that has been sitting in the reservoir for a long period, rinse the tank, and refill with fresh drinking water. If you use a compatible water filter, replace it at the interval specified for the brewer.
Run a water-only taste test
Brew hot water with no K-Cup and let it cool to a safe temperature before tasting. If plain water tastes normal but coffee tastes plastic-like, try a different pod. If the plain water itself has the odor or flavor, continue rinsing and investigate the brewer/water source.
Do not mask the problem with strong cleaners
Avoid bleach, solvents, scented detergents or improvised chemicals. They can leave residues and are not appropriate for the brewer’s internal water path.
When to stop using the brewer
Contact Keurig if a strong plastic or electrical odor persists after normal cleaning and cleansing brews, especially if you see warped plastic, discoloration, overheating, smoke, or a burning smell. Those are not normal “new brewer” odors.
Current K-Compact cleaning, descaling and support information is available at Keurig Support.
FAQ
Should I use vinegar to remove a plastic taste?
Not as the first response. Wash removable parts and run fresh-water cleansing brews first; use only the model-appropriate descaling procedure when descaling is actually due.
Can the K-Cup itself taste plastic-like?
Yes. Test a different pod and a water-only brew to separate a coffee/pod flavor from a brewer-water flavor.
