If you’re a proud owner of a Keurig coffee maker, chances are you’ve had the “Descale” message pop up on your machine at some point. It’s a good reminder that it’s time to give your machine some extra love and attention. Descaling a Keurig means cleaning the internal components of the machine to remove limescale buildup and ensure the machine runs efficiently.
Not only will this help keep your coffee tasting great, but it will also help your Keurig last longer and save you money in the long run. Descaling isn’t hard, so don’t worry – it can be done in a few simple steps!
What is Descaling?
Descaling your Keurig is an important part of making sure it runs properly and to its full potential. Descaling is basically a way of cleaning the internal components of your Keurig to remove limescale buildup, which can affect its performance over time. Doing this can help maintain the quality of your beverage and keep your machine running smoothly.
It’s also a good idea to descale your machine every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use it.
The process of descaling your Keurig is relatively simple, and only requires you to purchase a descaling solution and follow a few steps. You’ll need to prepare the machine by running some water through it without any coffee in the K-cup holder. You’ll need to run the descaling solution through the machine in the same way, letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing the solution out.
You’ll need to reset the machine and you’ll be ready to brew a cup of coffee again. If your machine is still saying ‘Descale’ after you’ve done this, you may need to troubleshoot the issue to ensure that everything is back to normal.
Why is Descaling Important?
Descaling your Keurig is an essential maintenance task that must be done regularly. The descaling process flushes out built up scale and residue that can clog or damage the machine and reduce its efficiency. Without descaling, your Keurig will not be able to make the same quality of coffee that you’ve grown to expect and enjoy.
Descaling is easy and only takes a few minutes. All you have to do is follow the instructions in your user manual.
Most machines come with a cleaning solution, but if not, you can always buy one from a local store. Make sure to run a few cycles of plain water after descaling to make sure that all the cleaning solution has been flushed out of the machine.
Keeping your Keurig clean and properly descaled is essential for enjoying the best cup of coffee. So make sure to add descaling to your regular cleaning routine and your machine will keep running smoothly, and your coffee will keep tasting great.
How to Descale a Keurig
Descaling your Keurig is an important part of maintaining the machine and keeping it running efficiently. It’s a relatively easy process that doesn’t take very long. To get started, prepare the machine.
Make sure the tank is empty and all the parts of the machine are free of coffee grounds. You should also turn off the machine and unplug it from the wall.
You’ll need to run a descaling solution through the Keurig. Many descaling solutions are available for purchase, but you can also make your own solution by combining equal parts water and white vinegar.
Place the descaling solution in the tank and then run a cycle with the solution. When it’s finished, rinse out the tank and reset the machine.
If your Keurig still says descale after going through the cleaning process, you may want to check the filter to make sure there isn’t any buildup. If not, you may want to take your machine to a professional to have it serviced. Descaling your Keurig regularly will help keep it running in tip-top shape and ensure you get the best cup of coffee every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Machine
Before you can descale your Keurig, you’ll need to make sure the machine is prepared. You’ll need to empty out the water reservoir, and then take out all removable pieces and wash them with a mild detergent.
Make sure you rinse them off with hot water, then set them aside and let them dry. You’ll also need to check that all of the hoses and tubes in the machine are free from any blockages or obstructions. Once all of these steps are complete, you should be ready to begin descaling.
Step 2: Run the Descaling Solution
It’s time to run the descaling solution through your Keurig. Start by filling a container large enough to hold the descaling solution with 8 ounces of the solution and 8 ounces of cold water.
Once the container is full, carefully pour the descaling solution into the reservoir in your Keurig. Select the 8-ounce setting on your Keurig and press brew.
Allow the descaling solution to run through the machine and into the cup. Repeat the process two more times, discarding the solution each time. Once you’ve finished, you can be assured that your Keurig is now free of any limescale buildup.
Step 3: Rinse and Reset
After you have finished descaling your Keurig, it’s important to rinse the entire machine with fresh water. This will help get rid of any residue left behind from the descaling solution.
Start by filling the reservoir with fresh, filtered water and running it through the machine until all of the solution has been purged. Open up the bottom panel and take a look inside. Make sure all of the components are clean and free of any debris.
Reset your Keurig to its original settings. Run a few cups of fresh water through the machine to make sure everything is working properly.
This is also a great time to check if your Keurig needs any other maintenance. If everything looks good and the machine is running properly, you’re all set! Enjoy your freshly descaled Keurig and all its delicious beverages.
Troubleshooting a Keurig that Still Says ‘Descale’
If your Keurig is still displaying a ‘Descale’ message after you have descaled the machine, it’s important to take a few steps to get it running smoothly again. You should check that the descaling solution is compatible with your Keurig machine. Different machines require different types of descaling solution and using the wrong one can cause issues with your machine.
You should check that you followed the descaling instructions correctly.
If you missed any steps or didn’t do them in the correct order, this could be the reason your Keurig is still displaying the ‘Descale’ message. If you’re still having trouble, try descaling the machine again with the correct solution and following the instructions carefully. If none of these steps work, it’s best to contact Keurig directly to get expert advice.
Final Thoughts
Descaling your Keurig regularly is essential to ensure optimal performance and a great cup of coffee every time. Although it can be a bit of a process, it’s not difficult and just requires a few steps. Make sure to use a descaling solution and whichever process you follow, make sure to rinse the machine after.
If your Keurig is still giving you the “Descale” signal after you’ve completed the process, you can try a few simple troubleshooting techniques. If all else fails, contact customer service, as they’re always happy to help.
Descaling your Keurig every once in a while is a great way to keep your machine running smoothly and consistently. It doesn’t take too much time and it’s a great way to make sure you always get the perfect cup of coffee! So don’t wait until it’s too late and make sure to descale your Keurig on a regular basis.
FAQs
How do I get my Keurig out of descale mode? ›
*To turn off the descale indicator light once you have completed descaling your brewer, press and hold down the 8oz & 10oz buttons together for 3 seconds.
Why won't my descale light go off on my Keurig? ›When the Keurig descale light stays on, it is often because the water reservoir is full. This is because the descaling process requires water, and it is the water reservoir that contains the water. If the water reservoir is complete, then the descaling process won't be able to start, and the light won't turn off.
Why is the descaling light still on after descaling? ›If the descaling light is still on, the machine hasn't been rinsed with enough water after using the descaling agent. We recommend that you flush the machine with fresh water. Remove the water tank from the machine and fill it to the 'max' mark with tap water.
How do I reset my Keurig plus after descaling? ›If the descaling light on your Keurig Supreme Plus Smart coffee maker is not switching off, turn off your machine and press the 8 Oz and 12 Oz buttons at the same time.
How long does Keurig stay in descale mode? ›Descaling procedure takes about 45 minutes (75 minutes for K-Duo™ Brewers). Press the power button to turn the brewer off. Pour the entire bottle of Keurig® Descaling Solution in the water reservoir.
How do I reset the descale light on my Keurig K Express? ›When flashing, press the 8 oz button to start the rinsing process. Once the brew is complete, pour the hot liquid into the sink. Continue to brew 8 oz until the DESCALE notification turns off. The coffee maker has now exited Descale Mode and will be ready for use!
How long does it take for descaling to start? ›The descaling process can be taken care of in a matter of 20 minutes, after which you may again enjoy the full yield of your Citiz® coffee machine.
Can I use vinegar to descale my Keurig? ›If the Keurig descaling solution isn't on hand, white vinegar is the cleaning solution you can have on hand. You'll want to do equal parts water and vinegar. Fill the reservoir about halfway with white vinegar, and then add water until you reach the top.
What to do if the descale light stays on? ›Place a large ceramic cup under the machine, find the 8oz and 10oz buttons, and press them both simultaneously. Let the machine run until the cup is filled, and then dispose of the water. If the descale light is still on, hold down the 8oz and 10oz buttons simultaneously for five seconds, and the light will go off.
How do I get my Nespresso back to normal after descaling? ›Reset to factory settings
NOTE: Choose special function by pressing the lever down: 1 time for "Descaling". 2 times for "Emptying the system". 3 times for "Reset to factory settings". Turn the machine "OFF" by pushing the lever down for 3 seconds.
Why won t my Nespresso machine exit descaling mode? ›
You need to perform the rinse cycle after descaling. Press the orange light button after you fill the water tank with fresh drinking water. Press and hold the button for 7 seconds after the rinse cycle. The blinking lights stop automatically, and your machine will exit descaling mode.