<p>First of all, note that the smell of the machine itself is unlikely to come from the interior of the parts that heat and transport water -- after all, they are regularly cleaned with hot water and smoke has a hard time getting there.</p>

<p>So running vinegar through the machine won't change that. Rather, it is the other surfaces that cause problems. Thoroughly cleaning <em>all</em> surfaces of the machine may help a little bit (including the easily accessible ones behind the cover), and storing it in a room that is thoroughly aired for some months should also help to some extent. Depending on the temperature, a garage may also be an option. You need to be careful to not break the machine during cleaning and airing, though. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-03-21T12:58:26.587Z
2016-05-19T09:07:49.533Z
2016-05-19T09:07:49.533Z
DCTLib
<p>Pass it to your local authority's electrical recycling scheme, then purchase a new one.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-03-21T15:10:42.103Z
@jen ...And buy an Aeropress ^_^ Actually another good idea is to try to scrub it with a Baking Soda wash. Baking Soda is a good odor eater but If all else fails, it might be time to retire this unit.
Geo
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-03-21T04:19:16.020Z
2016-03-21T04:19:16.020Z
Lightness Races in Orbit
<p>I was recently given a used Keurig from a relative. Unfortunately this person was a heavy smoker. I ran vinegar through the machine as well as removed and rinsed the little cup that holds the k-cups, but it still smells and tastes like tobacco. What can I do?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-04-21T16:47:44.603Z
Reminds me how [the inventor of the K-Cup®, John Sylvan, said](https://coffeeinformer.com/are-k-cups-bad-for-you/) they're "like a cigarette for coffee"…
Geremia
<cleaning><keurig>
Used Keurig smells and tastes like cigarettes
jen
# Used Keurig smells and tastes like cigarettes

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-03-21)

I was recently given a used Keurig from a relative. Unfortunately this person was a heavy smoker. I ran vinegar through the machine as well as removed and rinsed the little cup that holds the k-cups, but it still smells and tastes like tobacco. What can I do?

**Tags:** cleaning, keurig

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Reminds me how [the inventor of the K-Cup®, John Sylvan, said](https://coffeeinformer.com/are-k-cups-bad-for-you/) they're "like a cigarette for coffee"…  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-03-21. Score: 8

First of all, note that the smell of the machine itself is unlikely to come from the interior of the parts that heat and transport water -- after all, they are regularly cleaned with hot water and smoke has a hard time getting there.

So running vinegar through the machine won't change that. Rather, it is the other surfaces that cause problems. Thoroughly cleaning *all* surfaces of the machine may help a little bit (including the easily accessible ones behind the cover), and storing it in a room that is thoroughly aired for some months should also help to some extent. Depending on the temperature, a garage may also be an option. You need to be careful to not break the machine during cleaning and airing, though.


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### Answer by username_3 on 2016-03-21. Score: 3

Pass it to your local authority's electrical recycling scheme, then purchase a new one.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: @username_0 ...And buy an Aeropress ^_^ Actually another good idea is to try to scrub it with a Baking Soda wash. Baking Soda is a good odor eater but If all else fails, it might be time to retire this unit.  

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