How To Descale a Keurig

Are you wondering how to descale a Keurig? Proper maintenance of your Keurig coffee maker is essential for ensuring a long lifespan and optimal performance and it usually ends up with descaling the machine. Descaling is a crucial part of this upkeep because if you don’t do it, it can become clogged with mineral deposits and become an unsightly monstrosity.

In this guide, we will walk you step by step through the descaling process for various Keurig models.

What Does Descale Mean on a Keurig

If you live in an area with hard water, i.e: water that contains a lot of heavy elements and minerals, chances are you’re accustomed to hard water stains and scaling. Hard water tends to contain high levels of calcium and magnesium, amongst other minerals. These minerals cause buildup and clogging in the internal components of a Keurig over time, and can also harm your health! Not only that, but you might need to throw it away, like this tea kettle. 

When hard water runs through the Keurig, it can leave behind mineral deposits in the internal components such as the water reservoir, tubing, and spray heads. Over time, mineral deposits build up and clog the internal components, reducing the machine’s performance and efficiency. Additionally, the mineral buildup can cause the machine to run less efficiently. To prevent clogging caused by hard water, it is recommended that you descale your Keurig regularly, typically every three to six months, depending on the level of hardness of your water. It’s also recommended to use filtered water to prevent buildup of minerals and impurities in the machine.

Essential Supplies

• A large ceramic mug
• Fresh, clean water
• Keurig Descaling Solution (or white vinegar as a less effective substitute)

General Steps for Descaling Your Keurig

Before diving into model-specific instructions, here are the general steps you should always follow:

1. Disassemble the Parts: Power off your Keurig machine and unplug it. Remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Wash these components with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse well.
2. Prepare the Descaling Solution: Fill the water reservoir with the Keurig Descaling Solution until the fill line. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of half vinegar and half water.
3. Initial Rinse Cycle: Plug your Keurig back in and turn it on. Position a large mug on the drip tray. Run a brew cycle without inserting a pod, and then dispose of the dispensed liquid.
4. Multiple Cleansing Cycles: Keep performing cleansing cycles until the “Add Water” indicator becomes active. After this, let the descaling solution sit in the machine for 30 minutes with the machine still on.
5. Final Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the water reservoir and fill it with fresh water. Run several brew cycles until the “Add Water” indicator lights up again to ensure all descaling solution or vinegar is flushed out.
6. Reassemble and Test: Put all the components back in place. Your Keurig is now ready for regular use.

 

How to Descale a Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus

1. Initiate Descaling Mode: Hold the 6 oz and 10 oz buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
2. Preparation: Turn off the machine and unplug it. Remove and clean the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder with warm soapy water.
3. Fill With Descaling Solution: Fill the reservoir with Keurig Descaling Solution up to the maximum fill line.
4. Start the Cycle: Turn on the machine and place a large mug on the drip tray. Cycle without a coffee pod. Dispose of the liquid.
5. Additional Cycles: Continue this process until the “Add Water” light lights up. Let the machine sit for 30 minutes.
6. Rinse and Repeat: Empty and rinse the reservoir. Fill it with fresh water and run multiple cleansing cycles until the “Add Water” indicator lights up again.

How to Descale a Keurig K-Elite

1. Activate Descaling Mode: Press the 8 oz and 10 oz buttons simulteneously for 3 seconds.
2. Unplug and Disassemble: Turn off your Keurig. Unplug it and remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Clean these parts in warm, soapy water.
3. Descaling Solution: Pour the Keurig Descaling Solution into the reservoir until the fill line is reached.
4. Initial Brew: Turn the Keurig back on. Place a large mug or container on the drip tray and run a cycle without inserting a coffee pod. Discard the liquid.
5. Additional Brew Cycles: Keep running brew cycles until the “Add Water” light comes on. Leave the machine on for 30 minutes to allow the descaling solution to work.
6. Final Rinsing: Empty the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly. Fill it with fresh water and run several brew cycles to remove any remaining descaling solution.

How to Descale a Keurig K-Select and K80

1. Start Descaling Mode: Press and hold the 8 oz and 12 oz buttons for 5 seconds.
2. Disassemble for Cleaning: Power off and unplug your machine. Take out the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Clean these components with warm water mixed with mild soap.
3. Prepare the Solution: Fill the reservoir with Keurig Descaling Solution until the maximum fill line.
4. First Brew Cycle: Power your machine back on, place a large container on the drip tray, and cycle without a coffee pod. Dispose of the liquid.
5. Subsequent Cycles: Continue running brew cycles until the “Add Water” light illuminates. Allow the machine to sit on for 30 minutes.
6. Rinse Well: Empty the water reservoir and rinse it out. Fill it with fresh water and run multiple brew cycles until the “Add Water” indicator lights up again.

How to Descale a Keurig K-Classic

1. Enter Descaling Mode: Press the small mug and large mug buttons at the same time for 3 seconds.
2. Initial Steps: Turn off the machine and disconnect it from the power source. Remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder for cleaning. Use warm water and dish soap.
3. Fill Reservoir: Pour the Keurig Descaling Solution into the water reservoir up to the maximum fill line.
4. Brewing Start: Turn the machine back on, place a large mug on the drip tray, and run an initial brew cycle without inserting a pod. Dispose of the liquid.
5. More Brew Cycles: Keep repeating the brew cycles until the “Add Water” light turns on. Let your machine stay on for 30 minutes to let the solution work.
6. Final Cleanse: Empty the water reservoir, rinse it well, and fill it with fresh water. Run several cycles to flush out any remaining solution until the “Add Water” light turns on again.

How to Descale a Keurig K-Slim

1. Engage Descaling Mode: Typically, the Keurig Slim doesn’t have a dedicated descaling mode. You’ll just run multiple brew cycles with the descaling solution.
2. Initial Cleaning: First, power off your Keurig Slim and unplug it from the wall. Remove essential components like the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Wash these parts using warm water and a mild soap.
3. Solution Preparation: Fill the water reservoir with Keurig Descaling Solution, making sure you reach the max fill line.
4. Initial Descaling Cycle: Plug the machine back in and turn it on. Place a large mug on the drip tray. Run a brew cycle without using a coffee pod, and then dispose of the hot liquid that collects in the mug.
5. Repeat Brew Cycles: Keep running brew cycles until the “Add Water” indicator turns on. After that, leave the machine powered on for about 30 minutes to let the descaling solution work its magic.
6. Final Rinse: Remove any remaining descaling solution from the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly. Fill the reservoir with fresh water and run several more brew cycles to ensure all residues are flushed out. Keep doing this until the “Add Water” light turns on again.

Keurig Won’t Turn On After Descaling

It’s not uncommon for a Keurig machine to be a tad uncooperative after the descaling process. Often, this is a thermal switch that springs into action if the Keurig senses excessive heat during descaling. This switch is designed to safeguard the Keurig from potential overheating problems. If you’re wrestling with this issue, here’s a step-by-step guide to get things back on track:

1. Reassess the Power Connection: Start simple. Detach your Keurig from its power source, pause momentarily, and ensure a snug reconnection. A firm push might be necessary to ensure it’s securely nestled in the socket. If there’s no sign of life, consider relocating the brewer to a different locale in your kitchen, aiming for a fresh wall outlet.
2. Tackle the Thermal Switch: Before diving in, disconnect your Keurig and grant it a cooling period spanning a few hours. Once adequately cooled, reestablish the power connection and attempt to power it up. This maneuver aims to reset the thermal switch, restoring the machine’s usual rhythm.
3. Inspect the Power Button: Over time, the power button can become a haven for dust and debris, which can impede its connection with the internal circuitry. Wash the button with a soft cloth or brush, eliminating any lurking grime.
4. Embark on a Cleaning Spree: If the machine remains defiant, it’s time to initiate a cleaning cycle. Employ vinegar or Keurig’s proprietary descaling concoction to tackle potential mineral accumulations or blockages that could hamper performance.

Keurig Descale Light Won’t Turn Off / How To Turn Off The Descale Light On Keurig

If the descale light on your Keurig coffee maker won’t turn off, there could be a few possible causes. Here are steps you can troubleshoot with:

1. Make sure the descale process has been completed properly. The descale light will turn off once the descale process has been completed and the machine has been properly rinsed.
2. Check the water filter. If it’s clogged, it can cause the descale light to stay on. Replace the water filter if it is clogged or has not been replaced in a while.
3. Check for error messages or codes on the display. Some Keurig models will display an error message or code if there is a problem with the machine. Refer to the user manual for more information on what these codes mean and how to resolve them.
4. Reset the machine. Unplug the coffee maker, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the machine and turn off the descale light.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is possible that there is a problem with the machine itself. In this case, you may need to contact Keurig customer service for further assistance. Press and hold the 8oz / 12oz buttons again for 5 seconds and it should turn off. For older Keurigs press and hold both the smallest & largest buttons at the same time. If the light still doesn’t turn off then contact Keurig’s support team.

Keurig Won’t Turn On After Descaling

It’s not uncommon for a Keurig machine to be a tad uncooperative after the descaling process. Often, this hiccup is attributed to a thermal switch that springs into action if the Keurig senses excessive heat during descaling. This nifty switch is designed to safeguard the Keurig from potential overheating mishaps. If you’re wrestling with this issue, here’s a step-by-step guide to get things back on track:

1. Reassess the Power Connection: Start simple. Detach your Keurig from its power source, pause momentarily, and ensure a snug reconnection. A firm push might be necessary to ensure it’s securely nestled in the socket. If there’s no sign of life, consider relocating the brewer to a different locale in your kitchen, aiming for a fresh wall outlet.
2. Tackle the Thermal Switch: Before diving in, disconnect your Keurig and grant it a cooling period, spanning a few hours. Once adequately cooled, reestablish the power connection and attempt to power it up. This maneuver aims to reset the thermal switch, restoring the machine’s rhythm.
3. Inspect the Power Button: Over time, the power button can become a haven for dust and debris, which can impede its connection with the internal circuitry. Wash the button with a soft cloth or brush, eliminating lurking grime.
4. Embark on a Cleaning Spree: If the machine remains defiant, it’s time to initiate a cleaning cycle. Employ vinegar or Keurig’s proprietary descaling concoction to tackle potential mineral accumulations or blockages that could hamper performance.

What Does Descale Mean on a Keurig

Not only does descaling improve the taste of your coffee, but it also helps maintain the functionality of your Keurig machine. Scale buildup can clog the internal tubes and valves, leading to slower brew times, inconsistent water flow, and even potential malfunctions. By descaling, you ensure your Keurig operates smoothly and delivers the quality brews you expect.

Remember, each Keurig model may have specific descaling instructions outlined in the user manual.