Cleaning and descaling your Keurig coffee maker is an important part of appliance maintenance. Allowing coffee residue and mineral deposits to build up can negatively affect the taste of your coffee and the performance of the brewer over time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean and descale your Keurig.
Why You Should Clean and Descale Your Keurig
Here are some of the key reasons why cleaning and descaling your Keurig regularly is recommended:
- Removes mineral deposits – Hard water can leave mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium that build up in your Keurig over time. Descaling dissolves these deposits so they don’t clog your machine.
- Improves coffee taste – Mineral deposits and rancid coffee oils can make your coffee taste bitter or weak. A clean machine helps optimize coffee flavor.
- Extends appliance life – Allowing residue and deposits to accumulate can cause damage over time. Regular cleaning and descaling helps maintain your Keurig.
- Prevents mold – Damp coffee grounds left in the K-Cup holder can promote mold growth. Regular cleaning prevents this health hazard.
- Fixes flow issues – If you notice decreased flow or dribbling from the brew head, a thorough descaling may help restore proper flow.
Supplies Needed
Before you start the descaling process, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:
- Keurig descaling solution – Use the Keurig branded descaling solution or citric acid powder. Avoid vinegar.
- Large ceramic mug – You’ll need a large mug to fit under the brew head to catch the cleaning solution.
- Fresh water
- Paper towels or rags – For wiping and drying the machine.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to clean and descale your Keurig brewer:
Prep Work
- Empty the water reservoir and remove the water filter if you use one.
- Power on your Keurig brewer and run a hot water brew cycle without a pod to preheat the machine.
Descaling Solution Brew
- Fill the water reservoir to the MAX line with fresh water.
- Add the descaling solution to the water reservoir per the instructions on the bottle.
- Place a large ceramic mug on the drip tray.
- Select the largest brew size and run a brew cycle. This circulates the descaling solution through the internal workings of the machine.
- Once complete, let the solution sit for 30 minutes to fully dissolve mineral deposits.
Flush the Descale Solution
- Discard any descaling solution left in the water reservoir. Rinse the reservoir thoroughly.
- Fill the water reservoir with fresh water to the MAX line.
- Place the mug back on the drip tray.
- Repeat brewing the largest cup size until the “Add Water” warning appears. This flushes the descaling solution out of the system.
Rinse and Dry
- Lift the handle and remove the K-Cup holder assembly. Rinse under fresh water and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe down the exterior of the brewer with a damp cloth. Dry all surfaces completely.
- Reassemble the brewer once fully dry.
Reset Descaling Reminder
- Refer to your user guide for instructions on how to reset the descaling reminder light after completing the procedure. This resets the internal timer.
And that’s it! Your Keurig is now cleaned, descaled, and ready to brew great tasting coffee again. We recommend descaling every 3-6 months depending on your water hardness and coffee usage for optimal performance.
FAQs About Cleaning and Descaling a Keurig
Here are some frequently asked questions about cleaning and descaling your Keurig brewer:
What is the best descaling solution to use?
Keurig recommends using their branded descaling solution. Citric acid powder mixed with water also works well. Avoid descaling with vinegar as it can be corrosive.
How often should I clean and descale my Keurig?
Descaling every 3-6 months is recommended. Hard water areas or frequent use may need descaling more often. Refer to your owner’s manual.
Why does mineral buildup happen?
Water contains mineral like calcium and magnesium that get deposited inside your Keurig over time through normal use. These build up and need to be dissolved.
What are signs my Keurig needs descaling?
Signs include slow brew times, low flow, dripping, mineral deposits on the needles, coffee tasting bad, and the descale light turning on.
Can I use vinegar to descale my Keurig?
Vinegar is not recommended as it can be too harsh and corrosive for some internal components. Use a gentle citric acid descaler.
How do I reset the descale reminder light?
Once descaling is complete, refer to your specific model’s owner guide for how to reset the descale reminder light built into the machine.
Can I prevent mineral buildup?
Using filtered water can reduce mineral deposits. But occassional descaling is still required. Fully rinsing after each use helps keep your Keurig cleaner too.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning and descaling your Keurig coffee maker is simple and ensures your brewer continues performing optimally. The mineral deposits that build up over time from hard water need to be periodically removed by dissolving them with an acidic descaling solution. Follow the steps outlined above using a Keurig descaling product or citric acid for safe and effective results. Refer to your owner’s manual if you have any additional questions. Keeping your Keurig properly maintained allows you to continue brewing great tasting coffee for years to come.