What To Know
- Remove the brew head and soak it in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for 15-30 minutes.
- Use a soft cloth or paper towels to wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker, removing any remaining descaling solution or vinegar.
- Repeat the descaling cycle with a stronger solution or let it soak for a longer duration.
Descaling your Keurig coffee maker is an essential maintenance task that ensures your machine operates optimally and delivers a consistently delicious cup of coffee. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you descale your Keurig in a few simple steps:
Why Descaling is Important
Over time, mineral deposits accumulate in your Keurig coffee maker due to the presence of calcium and magnesium in water. These deposits can clog the internal components, affecting the machine’s performance and potentially shortening its lifespan. Descaling removes these deposits, restoring your coffee maker to its pristine condition.
Materials You’ll Need
- Keurig descaling solution or white vinegar
- Measuring cup
- Large mug or carafe
- Soft cloth or paper towels
Step-by-Step Descaling Instructions
1. Prepare the Descaling Solution:
Measure 12 ounces of Keurig descaling solution or white vinegar into a large mug or carafe.
2. Fill the Reservoir:
Pour the descaling solution into the empty Keurig reservoir.
3. Run a Descaling Cycle:
Place a large mug or carafe under the brew head and select the largest brew size. Press the “Start” button to initiate the descaling cycle.
4. Repeat the Cycle:
Once the descaling cycle is complete, repeat the process with fresh descaling solution or vinegar. This second cycle helps flush out any remaining deposits.
5. Rinse the Reservoir:
Empty the reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Fill it with fresh water and run a few cycles to flush out any remaining descaling solution.
6. Clean the Brew Head:
Remove the brew head and soak it in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for 15-30 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and reinsert it into the coffee maker.
7. Wipe Down the Exterior:
Use a soft cloth or paper towels to wipe down the exterior of the coffee maker, removing any remaining descaling solution or vinegar.
How Often to Descale
The frequency of descaling depends on the hardness of your water. As a general rule of thumb:
- Soft water: Descale every 3-6 months
- Medium water: Descale every 1-3 months
- Hard water: Descale every 1-2 months
Signs of a Clogged Keurig
If your Keurig is experiencing any of the following issues, it may be time to descale:
- Slow or weak coffee flow
- Noisy operation
- Leaking
- Unusual odors or tastes in your coffee
Troubleshooting
My Keurig is still not working after descaling:
- Ensure you used the correct amount of descaling solution or vinegar.
- Repeat the descaling cycle with a stronger solution or let it soak for a longer duration.
- Contact Keurig customer support for further assistance.
My coffee has a bitter taste after descaling:
- Rinse the reservoir and brew head thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining descaling solution.
- Run a few cycles with plain water before brewing coffee.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other descaling solutions besides Keurig’s?
A: Yes, you can use white vinegar as an alternative descaling solution. However, it’s important to use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water.
Q: How long does the descaling process take?
A: Each descaling cycle takes approximately 30 minutes. The entire process, including rinsing, can take up to an hour.
Q: Can I descale my Keurig with bleach?
A: No, never use bleach to descale your Keurig. Bleach can damage the internal components and is not recommended for use on coffee makers.
