If you've invested your hard earned money in one of the best Keurig machines, you'll need to know how to descale your Keurig with vinegar. Vinegar is a miracle cleaning product that can break down limescale buildup inside the mechanics of your Keurig machine, as well as countless other cleaning hacks. But in order to use vinegar to clean your Keurig, there are a few tips you'll need to know.
Even in the best coffee makers will become sluggish and eventually stop working altogether if you don't descale them. This process can clog water lines, impact heating elements, and even alter the flavor of your favorite brew.
We'll guide you through the steps to descale your Keurig, a process that can benefit other coffee makers too. Using vinegar — a cost-effective and readily available solution that's as effective as specialized cleaning products. Let's get started.
What you'll need
- White distilled vinegar
- Water
- Large cup/mug
- Microfiber cloth
What is descaling?
Descaling is the process of removing mineral buildup, or 'scale' from your coffee maker. This buildup can clog water lines, affect heating elements, and even change the taste of your coffee.
Regular descaling keeps your Keurig running smoothly and ensures every cup tastes great. And if you don't do it for a prolonged period of time, the buildup could kill your machine altogether, so even if you can't taste the difference, if you can't remember the last time you descaled your coffee maker, it's probably a good idea to do it now.
1. Prepare your Keurig
Start by emptying the water reservoir and removing any K-cups from the machine. If your Keurig has a water filter, take it out, otherwise it will become soaked with vinegar which could continue to impact the taste of your coffee long after you've finished cleaning.
Place a large mug on the drip tray to catch the cleaning solution as it runs through.
2. Create the cleaning solution
Fill the water reservoir halfway with white distilled vinegar. Then, fill the rest with fresh water. This 50/50 solution is strong enough to dissolve mineral deposits but won't damage your machine.
Make sure you're using the right vinegar to do this. It needs to be white distilled vinegar, also known as cleaning vinegar, which has a higher level of acetic acid than edible vinegars, making it a more effective cleaner.
3. Run the desclaing cycle
Begin the descaling process by running the machine without inserting a K-cup. Use the largest cup setting and repeat until the reservoir is empty. Remember to dump the mug after each cycle.
As your machine pumps this solution through its internal mechanisms, it will start to dissolve limescale buildup in and flush it out, so you should expect to see a discolored liquid in your mug as you run this process.
4. Let it sit
Once the reservoir is empty, let your Keurig sit for about 30 minutes. This allows the vinegar solution to work on any stubborn deposits in the machine's internal components.
5. Rinse thoroughly
After the waiting period, fill the reservoir with fresh water and run several cycles to rinse out any remaining vinegar. Continue until you no longer smell vinegar in the water coming out, and it looks completely clear.
6. Clean external parts
While the machine is rinsing, take the opportunity to clean the exterior. Wipe down the outer surface, drip tray, and K-cup holder with a damp microfiber cloth.
7. Reassemble and test
Once you're confident all the vinegar is flushed out, replace the water filter. Fill the reservoir with fresh water and run a final cycle to ensure everything tastes right.
To keep your Keurig in top shape, plan to descale every 3-6 months, depending on your water hardness and frequency of use. Regular cleaning will extend the life of your machine and keep your coffee tasting great.
Whether you're team Nespresso or Keurig, or you're intrigued by Ninja's first barista-style coffee machine, maintenance is key. Clean machines ensure great brews, no matter your preference.
