To descale your Keurig coffee maker and keep it running smoothly, follow these general steps:
- Prepare the Descaling Solution
- You can use either a Keurig descaling solution or a 50/50 mixture of white distilled vinegar and water.
- Pour the descaling solution or vinegar mixture into the empty water reservoir. If using Keurig descaling solution, fill the reservoir with the entire bottle and then add fresh water to the fill line. For vinegar, mix equal parts vinegar and water to fill the reservoir
- Start the Descaling Process
- Place a large mug on the drip tray.
- Lift and lower the handle without inserting a K-Cup pod.
- Press the Brew button to start the descaling brew cycle.
- Discard the hot liquid into the sink.
- Repeat this process until the "Add Water" indicator appears on the machine
- Let the Machine Sit
- After the descaling solution has cycled through, let the brewer stand for about 30 minutes with the power on to allow the solution to break down mineral buildup
- Rinse the Reservoir and Machine
- Remove and thoroughly rinse the water reservoir to remove any residual descaling solution or vinegar.
- Fill the reservoir with fresh water up to the max fill line.
- Run multiple brew cycles with just water (no K-Cup) to flush out any remaining descaling solution. Repeat this rinse cycle at least 2-3 times or until the water runs clear and no taste of vinegar or descaling solution remains
- Reset Descale Indicator (if applicable)
- Some models, like the K-Supreme, have a descale indicator light that needs to be reset after descaling. Follow your model’s instructions to reset it
Additional Tips:
- Descale every 3 to 6 months depending on usage and water hardness. If you use your Keurig daily, descale every 3 months; if less frequently, every 6 months is sufficient
- Remove any water filter before descaling and replace it afterward
- Regularly clean removable parts weekly to maintain optimal performance
This process should take about 45 minutes and will help extend the life of your Keurig while ensuring fresh-tasting coffee
