Coffee expert warns one lazy habit can turn your single-serve machine into a germ trap

Coffee Updates & News Coffee expert warns one lazy habit can turn your single-serve machine into a germ trap It's an easy step to forget after brewing — but expert says skipping it can can lead to hidden buildup over time By Andrea Margolis Fox News Published April 28, 2026 6:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Army veteran turns single coffee cart into major brand Army veteran Amadeo Falce, founder of Blue Dove Coffee, discusses his inspiring journey from combat medic to successful entrepreneur. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! There's one key step with certain types of coffee machines that's easy to forget — but doing so can lead to major issues with your brew. if (window && window.foxstrike && Array.isArray(window.foxstrike.cmd)) { window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) { Strike.insertAd('tablet', 'lb2', 'tablet-tw-ad-lb2', ''); }); } else { console.error('Error: window.foxstrike not found'); } if (window && window.foxstrike && Array.isArray(window.foxstrike.cmd)) { window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) { Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban1', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban1', ''); }); } else { console.error('Error: window.foxstrike not found'); } Whether using a Keurig or Nespresso, every pod machine confronts users with the same moment after brewing: Remove the used pod.If you take the pod out immediately after brewing, it may still be boiling hot and increase your risk of burns. if (window && window.foxstrike && Array.isArray(window.foxstrike.cmd)) { window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) { Strike.insertAd('desktop', 'lb2', 'desktop-desk-ad-lb2', ''); }); } else { console.error('Error: window.foxstrike not found'); } 'EGG COFFEE' DRINK GOING VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS DOCTOR WARNS OF HIDDEN HEALTH RISK if (window && window.foxstrike && Array.isArray(window.foxstrike.cmd)) { window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) { Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban2', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban2', ''); }); } else { console.error('Error: window.foxstrike not found'); } But if you wait too long, you might forget to take it out entirely — and realize the next day that you left a damp, used pod sitting in the machine overnight. if (window && window.foxstrike && Array.isArray(window.foxstrike.cmd)) { window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) { Strike.insertAd('tablet', 'lb3', 'tablet-tw-ad-lb3', ''); }); } else { console.error('Error: window.foxstrike not found'); } Though it seems harmless, that habit can affect your machine's performance and your coffee's taste, said Andrew Pautler, the Missouri-based founder of the specialty coffee website Pull & Pour Coffee. A forgotten coffee pod left overnight may seem like a harmless act, but it can impact flavor and machine performance. (iStock)Pautler, whose website focuses on coffee tips and recipes, told Fox News Digital that leaving used pods in a brewer creates a "warm, damp environment inside the machine." if (window && window.foxstrike && Array.isArray(window.foxstrike.cmd)) { window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) { Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban3', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban3', ''); }); } else { console.error('Error: window.foxstrike not found'); } That damp environment can spell trouble for the flavor of your drinks.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER if (window && window.foxstrike && Array.isArray(window.foxstrike.cmd)) { window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) { Strike.insertAd('tablet', 'lb4', 'tablet-tw-ad-lb4', ''); }); }…

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