Descale a Keurig coffee maker is a straightforward process that can be done using either vinegar or a commercial descaling agent. Here’s how you can do it with both methods:
How to descale a Keurig With 2 Methods
Using Vinegar:
Prepare the Vinegar Solution:
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. For a full descaling, you might need about 4 cups of each.
Empty the Reservoir:
- Remove any water filter from your Keurig, and then empty the water reservoir.
Fill Reservoir with Vinegar Solution:
- Fill up the reservoir drop with the vinegar and water solution.
Run the Brewing Cycle:
- Run the brewing cycle multiple times without a K-cup until the reservoir is empty. This process will circulate the vinegar solution through the machine, removing scale and buildup.
Let the Keurig Sit:
- If there’s significant buildup, let the Keurig sit for 30 minutes to an hour with the vinegar solution inside before completing the brewing cycles.
Rinse Thoroughly:
- After descaling, refill the reservoir with fresh water. Run several brewing cycles with just water to rinse out any remaining vinegar taste.
Using a Descaling Agent:
Prepare the Descaling Solution:
- Follow the instructions on your descaling agent to prepare the solution, which usually involves mixing it with a specific amount of water.
Empty and Fill the Reservoir:
- Remove any water filter and empty the reservoir. Then, fill it with the descaling solution.
Run the Descaling Cycle:
- Similar to the vinegar method, run the brewing cycle multiple times until the reservoir is empty to allow the descaling solution to circulate through the machine.
Let the Solution Sit:
- If recommended by the descaling solution’s instructions, let the machine sit for a period to allow the solution to work on the buildup.
Rinse with Water:
- After descaling, thoroughly rinse the machine by running several cycles with just fresh water to remove any leftover descaling solution.
Tips:
- Frequency: Depending on your usage and water hardness, descale your Keurig every 3 to 6 months.
- Water Filters: Replace any water filters as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Consult Manual: Always consult your Keurig’s manual for specific instructions or warnings related to descaling.
Both methods are effective, but vinegar is a more natural and cost-effective solution, whereas commercial descaling agents are specifically formulated for coffee machines.
