Descale Keurig

Keurig Descaling Solurtion

The Importance of a Happy and Healthy Keurig

By: James Butler      Revised by: Mark Cambell   Last updated: Feb 2, 2024

Just like all of us, your trusty Keurig coffee maker needs a little TLC "Tender Loving Care" every now and then to stay in tip-top shape. One essential maintenance task is descaling, which helps remove mineral buildup that can accumulate over time and use. Mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium are natural in most water sources, but when heated to brew coffee they can cling stubbornly to the inner workings of your Keurig. Left unchecked, this scale can negatively impact your machine's performance and longevity.

So how often should you descale Keurig? Most experts recommend using Keurig descaling solution every 2-3 months if you use your Keurig coffee maker daily. Those who only brew a cup or two per week may be able to stretch it to every 4-6 months. Of course, water hardness in your area also plays a role - if you have very hard water, you may need to descale a bit more frequently. The bottom line is to keep an eye out for any signs your Keurig is feeling sluggish or the taste is off, as that's often an indication it's time to descale Keurig.

Now for the fun part - getting your Keurig squeaky clean! There are several descaling solutions available on the market, but three of the best options are:

1-Keurig Descaling Solution - This solution is specifically designed for Keurig coffee makers and is made with citric acid, a natural and safe ingredient.

2-Urnex Dezcal - This non-toxic descaling solution is made with biodegradable ingredients and is effective in removing mineral buildup.

3-Durgol Swiss Espresso Descaler - This solution is highly effective in removing mineral buildup and is safe for use with all coffee machines.

Once you have your descaling solution, follow these simple steps to descale your Keurig coffee maker:

1-Empty the water reservoir and remove any used K-Cups from the machine.

2-Fill the water reservoir with the descaling solution and add water to the fill line.

3-Place a large mug or container on the drip tray.

4-Start the brew cycle without inserting a K-Cup.

5-Pour the contents of the mug or container back into the water reservoir.

6-Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the "add water" indicator appears on the screen.

Let the coffee maker sit for 30 minutes, allowing the descaling solution to work its magic.

Discard any remaining solution and flush the water reservoir with fresh water.

Fill the water reservoir with fresh water and run several brew cycles without a K-Cup to flush out any remaining descaling solution. 

Descaling a Keurig with vinegar :

For those who dislike the use of descaling solutions out there, white vinegar is a classic economical option. Just be sure to use distilled white vinegar with no additives. Vinegar is safe, non-toxic, and does a marvelous job dissolving those stubborn mineral deposits. 

Simply remove the water reservoir and fill it about 3/4 full with equal parts vinegar and water. Replace the reservoir and brew an empty cycle to circulate the solution. Repeat 2-3 times, then do a final rinse with plain water. 

Whichever route you choose, just be sure to reward your hardworking Keurig afterward with its favorite beverage blend. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in keeping your brewing buddy brewing smiles for many happy years to come! Now who's ready for a freshly scaled cup of coffee?