How to Descale a Keurig Machine in 4 Easy Steps

If you’re a Keurig coffee machine owner, you know how convenient it is to brew a fresh, hot cup of coffee with the push of a button. However, like any small appliance, Keurig machines require proper maintenance to keep performing their best. One of the most important maintenance tasks is knowing how to descale your Keurig machine.

I know a lot of people go months or even years without descaling their Keurig, and then they wonder why it breaks down or why the coffee isn’t as good or as hot as it used to be. The mineral deposits that build up inside a Keurig machine from repeated use can clog tubes, affect water temperature, and reduce the quality of your coffee. Descaling removes these deposits so your Keurig functions properly again.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to descale a Keurig machine in 4 easy steps. By following this simple process, you can extend the life of your Keurig and enjoy better-tasting coffee every morning.

Step 1: Prepare the Water Reservoir

Start by removing any K-Cups from your Keurig brewer. Remove and empty the water reservoir completely.

You’ll also want to empty out any water remaining in the internal heating chamber where the coffee brews. You can do that by holding down the brew button. After about five seconds, the remaining water inside the machine should drain out.

Remove the water reservoir, dump out any liquid, and reattach it to your machine empty. Your Keurig is now ready for the descaling solution.

Step 2: Add Your Descaling Solution

There are a few options for descaling solutions. For the best results, use a descaler made specifically for coffee machines like the Keurig Descaling Solution. Alternatively, you can make your own natural descaler with white vinegar.

If using a store-bought descaling solution, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves adding the entire bottle of descaler to the reservoir, filling the bottle with water, and then adding that water to the reservoir as well.

To make a DIY descaler, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. For example, for a 12 cup reservoir, use 6 cups of white vinegar and 6 cups of water. The natural acids in white vinegar will break down the mineral deposits inside your Keurig for an all-natural clean.

Step 3: Run the Descaling Cycle

Once your descaling solution is added to the water reservoir, you’re ready to run the descaling cycle. Do not insert a K-cup! Place a large mug on the drip tray to catch the descaling solution as it flows out.

Power on your Keurig and follow the directions below based on your machine to start the descaling process. This will run the solution through the internal heating and brewing chambers to remove limescale and calcium buildup.

For K-Supreme, K-Supreme Plus, K-Slim, K-Slim + Iced, and K-Iced Plus Keurig Machines: Press and hold the 8oz and 12oz buttons together for three seconds. Then press the brew button once the descaling light starts flashing.
For K-Express and K-Iced Keurig Machines: Press and hold the 8oz and 12oz buttons together for three seconds. Then press the 12oz button once the descaling light starts flashing.
For K-Express Essentials and K-Iced Essentials Keurig Machines: Press and hold the 6oz and 10oz buttons together for three seconds. Then press the 8oz button once the descaling light starts flashing.
For All SMART Keurig Machines: Press the Descale Now button on screen if it’s there. If not, press both the left and right arrow buttons together, navigate to descale, and select it. Then hit brew to start the process.
For All K-Duo Keurig Machines: Select the 12oz mug size, and hit brew. Then, select the carafe size, and hit brew.
For K-Mini and K-Mini Plus Keurig Machines: Simply press the brew button.
For All Other Keurig Machines: Simply press the brew button.

Continue this process until the “add water” light comes on or the descaling light stops flashing. Let the machine stand for a half hour.

Step 4: Rinse Away Residue

After descaling, it’s crucial to flush any descaling solution residue from your machine. Start by discarding any liquid left in the water reservoir.

Next, fill the reservoir with fresh water and run it through your brew cycle. Repeat this rinse cycle several times to remove any lingering descaler. This prevents descaling chemicals from affecting the taste of your coffee.

Take extra care to rinse thoroughly if using vinegar, as any remaining vinegar residue can alter the flavor of your next few cups. Keep rinsing with fresh water until the “descale” light turns off, indicating the cycle is complete.

Do You Need to Descale a Keurig Machine?

Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium that are naturally found in water build up inside your Keurig. You’ll notice this mineral scale as white deposit on the inner tubes and heating chambers. Mineral deposits clog small parts, hamper water flow, lower brewing temperature, and negatively affect the taste of the coffee. In some cases, a build-up of scale can lead to your Keurig not heating water properly, which can result in sour, unappealing coffee.

Descaling removes this harmful scale to keep your Keurig working properly. If you notice weak coffee, unusual noises, leaking, a “descale” indicator light, or if it’s been 3 to 6 months since your last descale, it’s definitely time to descale your Keurig.

A clean machine ensures hot, robust coffee brews. Neglecting to descale leads to poor performance and early machine failure. Descaling extends the lifespan of your Keurig by reversing mineral damage.

How Often Should You Descale a Keurig Machine?

Keurig recommends descaling your machine every 3 to 6 months, and I have to agree with that timeline, in general. However, water mineral content varies by region. Areas with hard water need to descale more often, as mineral buildup occurs more quickly. Plus, homes that use their Keurigs frequently should descale more often.

Here are general descaling guidelines based on use:

Homes with 1 to 2 daily coffee drinkers should descale every 6 months.
Offices with constant use should descale every 3 months.
In hard water areas, descale every 1 to 2 months.

Also descale immediately if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned below:

Weak brews
Keurig leaking from the bottom
Keurig not getting hot enough
Keurig machine making strange noises while brewing
Keurig machine taking longer to brew than normal

Following these steps to descale your Keurig properly takes less than an hour. While not the most glamorous cleaning task, it extends the life of your machine considerably. Your reward is hot, robust cups of Keurig coffee for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use if I don’t have descaling solution or white vinegar?

If you have citric acid on hand, you can make a DIY descaling solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of citric acid powder with 1 cup of water. Citric acid has properties that will break down the mineral deposits. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards to remove any acidic residue. Limit use of citric acid descaler to once every 3 to 6 months.

Can I descale my Keurig using lemon juice instead of vinegar?

I don’t recommend using lemon juice to descale a Keurig machine. The acidic nature of lemon juice can damage the inner tubes and seals over repeated use. Vinegar is a safer option for an all-natural descaler. Lemon juice is also not as effective at breaking down mineral buildup. Stick to vinegar or citric acid for a homemade descaling solution.

How can I prevent mineral buildup in my Keurig?

You can prevent mineral buildup in your Keurig by using filtered water instead of tap water. You can also use a water filter in your machine to remove minerals and impurities, resulting in cleaner water that won’t leave as much scale behind. Also, descale regularly every 3 to 6 months. Frequent descaling prevents significant mineral scale that’s difficult to remove.