Follow these steps to remove and clean the pod holder:

1. Switch off the SENSEO® coffee machine.
2. Pull the lever up as far as it goes and wait 24 hours before you open the lid again. You may need to use quite some force. 
3. Remove the pod holder.
4. Clean the sieve in the center of the pod holder with a brush or place it in the dishwasher.

To prevent this from happening again, make sure to regularly descale your SENSEO® coffee machine with the pod holder in place.

If this did not solve the issue, please contact us.