To descale your Keurig coffee maker, follow these expert steps:
What You Need
- Keurig Descaling Solution (or white vinegar as an alternative)
- Fresh water
- Large ceramic mug
- Access to a sink
Descaling Process
- Prepare the Machine
- Turn off the Keurig and remove any K-Cup pods.
- Empty the water reservoir.
- Remove the water filter if your machine has one.
- Add Descaling Solution
- Pour the entire bottle of Keurig Descaling Solution into the empty water reservoir.
- Fill the empty descaling solution bottle with fresh water and add it to the reservoir, diluting the solution
- Run the Descaling Brew Cycles
- Place a large mug on the drip tray.
- Power on the Keurig and select the largest brew size.
- Start the brew cycle without inserting a K-Cup pod.
- Discard the hot liquid into the sink.
- Repeat brewing cycles until the machine prompts "add water" or the reservoir is empty
- Let the Machine Sit
- After the descaling solution has cycled through, let the machine sit for about 30 minutes to allow the solution to break down mineral deposits
- Rinse the Machine
- Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly.
- Fill it with fresh water to the max line.
- Run multiple brew cycles with just water (no K-Cup) to flush out any remaining descaling solution or vinegar taste.
- Repeat until the reservoir is empty or the water runs clear
- Clean Removable Parts
- While descaling, remove and wash the water reservoir, K-Cup holder, drip tray, and filter with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry
- Reset Descale Indicator (if applicable)
- Some Keurig models have a descale light that needs to be reset after descaling.
- Follow your model’s specific instructions to reset the descale light, which may involve pressing and holding certain buttons or unplugging the machine briefly
Additional Tips
- Descale every 3 to 6 months depending on water hardness and usage to maintain peak performance and taste
- White vinegar can be used as a cost-effective alternative to commercial descaling solutions, following the same process
By following these steps, your Keurig will be free of mineral buildup, ensuring better tasting coffee and prolonging the life of your machine.
