What To Know
- Fill the water reservoir with the Keurig descaling solution according to the instructions on the bottle.
- Place a clean mug or carafe under the Keurig spout and run a brew cycle with just water.
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe down the exterior of the Keurig, including the spout, drip tray, and water reservoir.
Descaling your Keurig single cup coffee maker is an essential maintenance task that helps keep your machine running optimally and producing great-tasting coffee. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside the machine, which can affect its performance and flavor of your coffee. Regular descaling removes these deposits, ensuring your Keurig continues to brew delicious coffee for years to come.
What You’ll Need
- Keurig descaling solution
- Water
- Clean cloths or paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather Your Materials
Make sure you have all the necessary materials before you begin. You can purchase Keurig descaling solution from the Keurig website or from most major retailers.
2. Empty the Water Reservoir
Remove the water reservoir from the Keurig and empty it completely.
3. Add Descaling Solution
Fill the water reservoir with the Keurig descaling solution according to the instructions on the bottle. Do not use vinegar or other household cleaners as they can damage your Keurig.
4. Run the Descaling Cycle
Place a large mug or carafe under the Keurig spout. Press the “Descale” button on the Keurig and follow the on-screen prompts. The descaling cycle will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
5. Rinse the Reservoir
Once the descaling cycle is finished, empty the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Refill the reservoir with fresh water.
6. Run a Clean Water Cycle
Place a clean mug or carafe under the Keurig spout and run a brew cycle with just water. This will help remove any remaining descaling solution from the machine.
7. Wipe Down the Keurig
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe down the exterior of the Keurig, including the spout, drip tray, and water reservoir.
Troubleshooting
If the “Descale” Button Doesn’t Work
If the “Descale” button on your Keurig is not working, try the following:
- Make sure the water reservoir is full.
- Check if the Keurig is plugged in.
- Reset the Keurig by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
If the Descaling Cycle Stops Prematurely
If the descaling cycle stops before it is complete, try the following:
- Check if the water reservoir is empty.
- Make sure the Keurig is not overheated.
- Reset the Keurig by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
If the Keurig Still Doesn’t Brew Properly After Descaling
If your Keurig is still not brewing properly after descaling, it may need to be serviced. Contact Keurig customer service for assistance.
Benefits of Descaling Your Keurig
Regularly descaling your Keurig single cup coffee maker has several benefits, including:
- Improved coffee flavor
- Reduced mineral buildup
- Extended lifespan of the machine
- Reduced energy consumption
How Often Should You Descale Your Keurig?
The frequency with which you need to descale your Keurig depends on the hardness of your water. If you have hard water, you may need to descale your Keurig every 3-6 months. If you have soft water, you may only need to descale it once a year.
Wrap-Up
Descaling your Keurig single cup coffee maker is a simple and important maintenance task that can help keep your machine running optimally and producing great-tasting coffee. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily descale your Keurig and enjoy delicious coffee for years to come.
Top Questions Asked
How can I tell if my Keurig needs to be descaled?
There are several signs that your Keurig may need to be descaled, including:
- Slow brewing times
- Weak coffee flavor
- Scale buildup on the heating element
- Water leaking from the machine
Can I use vinegar to descale my Keurig?
No, you should not use vinegar to descale your Keurig. Vinegar is a harsh acid that can damage the internal components of the machine. Keurig recommends using only their own descaling solution.
How long does it take to descale a Keurig?
The descaling cycle takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, the entire process, including preparation and cleanup, may take an hour or more.
