How to Clean and Descale a Keurig

DIY Descaling Solutions vs. Store-Bought Descalers

You don’t have to rely on store-bought descaling solutions to clean your Keurig; however, some users prefer them for their convenience and precise formulations. Descaling with vinegar is a popular DIY alternative that’s both affordable and effective, but here's a comparison if it helps:

DIY Descale Solutions:

• Pros: Budget-friendly, readily available (white vinegar is a common choice).
• Cons: May leave a lingering odor and vinegar taste if not rinsed thoroughly.

Dedicated Descaling Solutions:

• Pros: Specially designed for coffee machines, often odor-free.
• Cons: Costs more than DIY options.

For most users, either option works well; just be sure to follow step-by-step instructions carefully to avoid damaging your product.

Signs Your Keurig Needs a Deep Clean

Don’t wait for your coffee to taste off before giving your Keurig some TLC. Here are some clear indicators it’s time to clean:

• Your coffee tastes metallic, sour, or otherwise unpleasant.
• The machine takes longer than usual to complete a brewing cycle.
• There’s visible bits of scale, scale buildup, or discoloration in the water reservoir.
• You notice weak or incomplete brews.
• Your Keurig emits strange noises during the brewing process.
• The manufacturing instructions recommend it.
• Your machine has a descale light or other descaling indicator.

Addressing these issues promptly can extend your machine’s lifespan and make great-tasting coffee.

How to Deep Clean a Keurig (Especially a Secondhand One)

Cleaning a Keurig single-serve coffee maker before its first use is particularly important, whether you're using it straight out of the box, adopting hand-me-down coffee pots, or found a great one at the secondhand store.

1. Disassemble and Wash: Remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Wash them with warm, soapy water and let them air dry. Get all the coffee oils and coffee grounds that might be left in the K-Cup holder if you're dealing with second-hand.
2. Inspect for Mold or Residue: Check crevices, coffee pod holder, and the water reservoir for any visible mold or mineral deposits. Is it slimy? Is there visible mold? It shouldn't be, and there shouldn't be.
3. Descale the Machine: Fill the water reservoir with either a descaling solution or a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Run brew cycles without a pod until the entire reservoir is empty.
4. Flush with Plain Water: Refill the reservoir with clean water and run multiple brew cycles to rinse out any remaining solution or vinegar residue.
5. Clean the Needle: Use a Keurig maintenance tool or a paper clip to remove debris from the brewing needle in the pod holder that punctures the pods.
6. Wipe the Exterior Components: Finish by cleaning the exterior surface with a damp cloth.

For secondhand machines, consider repeating the descaling process twice. This'll help if it has been neglected for a long time.

FAQ

Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar solution for descaling my Keurig?

Yes, lemon juice can be a natural cleaning solution alternative to white vinegar rinse for descaling. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water and follow the same descaling steps and rinsing process. Keep in mind that lemon juice may also leave a slight citrus scent, so rinse the water tank thoroughly with fresh water afterward.

What happens if I skip cleanings?

Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to mineral buildup, mold, and bacteria growth, all of which affect the taste of your coffee and the machine’s performance. In severe cases, calcium deposits can clog tubes, or cause damage to internal components, potentially shortening the lifespan of your Keurig.

What if have really hard water?

If you've done a water quality report in the past and know you have a lot of water minerals you might consider using distilled water or a carafe with a water filter rather than tap water in your machine.