Descaling your Keurig coffee maker is a vital maintenance requirement to ensure your morning brew is just the way you like it. Over time, mineral deposits from water can accumulate in the machine, affecting its performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to descale your Keurig.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, gather white vinegar or a commercial descaling solution, fresh water, and a mug. Don’t have white vinegar or a descaling solution? Just use water!
Empty and Clean
Ensure there’s no water in the reservoir, and remove any remaining coffee pods. Wash the drip tray and K-cup holder with mild soap and water.
Prepare the Descaling Solution
Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or follow the instructions on your descaling solution packaging. Pour the mixture into the water reservoir.
Descale Cycle
Place a large mug on the drip tray, start the descale cycle (without a coffee pod), and let the solution run through the machine. Discard the contents of the mug.
Wait and Repeat
Allow the machine to sit for about 30 minutes to let the descaling solution work on the mineral deposits. Afterward, run multiple descale cycles with fresh water until the vinegar scent dissipates.
Clean External Parts
Wipe down the exterior of the Keurig with a damp cloth. Pay attention to buttons, the water reservoir, and any other accessible surfaces.
Clean the Needle
Remove the K-cup holder and clean the exit needle using a paperclip or the Keurig needle-cleaning accessory. Be extra gentle to avoid damage.
Perform a Water-Only Rinse
Run additional brew cycles with just water to ensure all traces of the descaling solution are flushed out. Empty the reservoir and repeat until there’s no vinegar or descaling solution odor.
Final Check
Double-check that all components are thoroughly dry before reassembling your Keurig for use.
Send Yourself A Calendar Reminder
Regular descaling, ideally every 3-6 months depending on water hardness, will keep your Keurig coffee maker in top-notch condition.
