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How to Clean a Keurig: 3 Simple Steps

how-to-clean-keurig

Depending on the mineral content of your water, calcium deposits or scale may build up in your coffee maker. Though the Limescale build-up is non-toxic if left unattended, still you need to know how to clean a Keurig otherwise it can hinder the performance of your Keurig.

Regularly descaling your brewer every 3-6 months helps maintain the heating element and other internal parts that come in contact with water. Calcium deposits may build up faster, making it necessary to descale more often.

You will need a large ceramic mug, freshwater, and access to a sink. Do not use a paper cup.

How to Clean a Keurig

Descaling Keurig K-Cup, Rivo, and Keurig 2.0 Brewing Systems

Empty the water from the Water Reservoir. If there is a Keurig Water Filter, remove and set aside. Disable “Auto Off” features per the Owner’s Manual for your brewer, if necessary.

Step 1: First Descaling Solution Rinse

  • Press the Power Button to power the brewer off.
  • Pour the entire bottle of Keurig Descaling Solution into the Water Reservoir. Then fill the empty bottle with water and pour into the Water Reservoir. Press the Power Button to turn the brewer back on.
  • Place a large mug on the Drip Tray Plate and run a cleansing brew using the largest brew size. For Keurig 2.0 brewers, brew 6 ounces of hot water. Do not use a K-Cup/Rivo/K-Carafe pack. Pour the contents of the mug into the sink.

Step 2: Second Descaling Solution Rinse

  • Repeat the brewing process without a K-Cup/Rivo/K-Carafe pack, until “Add Water” is indicated. Let brewer stand for at least 30 minutes while still on. (Not necessary for Rivo system.)
  • Discard any residual solution and rinse the Water Reservoir thoroughly.

Step 3: Fresh Water Rinse

  • Ensure the Water Reservoir is filled with fresh water to and not beyond the max fill line.
  • Place a large mug on the Drip Tray Plate and run a cleansing brew using the largest brew size. For Keurig 2.0 brewers, brew 6 ounces of hot water. Do not use a K-Cup/Rivo/K-CarafeTM pack. Pour the contents of the mug into the sink.
  • Repeat brew process until you have completed at least 12 brews. You may need to refill the Water Reservoir at least one time during this process.

Descaling Keurig MINI and MINI Plus brewers

Step 1: First Descaling Solution Rinse

  • Turn on your brewer.
  • Pour one third (4.6 oz) of the Keurig Descaling Solution into the Cold Water Reservoir, and add fresh water to the 10 oz fill level. (Note measurement lines on the label.)
  • Place a large ceramic mug on the Drip Tray Plate. Do not use a paper cup.
  • Lift the brewer handle but do not add a K-Cup pack.
  • After 5 seconds, lower brewer handle and press the BREW button.
  • Once the solution is dispensed, discard hot contents into a sink.

Step 2: Second Descaling Solution Rinse

  • Repeat the above process until you press the BREW button.
  • When the BREW button turns solid red, power off as it starts to dispense.
  • Let brewer stand for at least 30 minutes.
  • Power on the brewer, lift and lower brewer Handle, then press BREW button.
  • Discard the hot contents into a sink.

Step 3: Fresh Water Rinse

  • Repeat Step 1 (3 times) – using 10 oz of fresh water each time.
  • You may need to perform additional fresh water rinse cycles if you notice any residual taste.

Descaling Keurig B/K130 brewers

Step 1: First Descaling Solution Rinse

  • Turn on your brewer.
  • Press to open Handle but do not add a K-Cup pack.
  • Immediately lower Handle to open the Water Tank Lid.
  • Pour one third (4.6 oz) of Keurig Descaling Solution into Hot Water Tank (note measurement lines on the label) and add fresh water to the fill line.
  • Place a large ceramic mug on the Drip Tray Plate. Do not use a paper cup.
  • Lower the handle and press the BREW button.
  • Discard the hot contents into the sink.

Step 2: Second Descaling Solution Rinse

Repeat the above process until you press the BREW button.

Power off the brewer just after it starts to dispense and then allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes.

Place the mug on the Drip Tray Plate and press the BREW button. Do not add a K-Cup pack.

Discard the hot contents into a sink.

If you can still visibly see the scale in the Hot Water Tank, repeat Step 2.

Step 3: Fresh Water Rinse

Repeat Step 1 (3 times) – using 8 oz of fresh water each time.

You may need to perform additional fresh water rinse cycles if you notice any residual taste.

Final Thoughts

The cleaning action of Keurig Descaling Solution may result in a “foam” dispensed from the brewer. This is natural, as the solution is reacting with the scale inside.

For a brewer that is heavily scaled, the brewer may not fill properly after the descaler is added. If this occurs, you may see only a small or no output dispensed, followed by the sound of air blowing out.

If this occurs:

  • Turn off and unplug the brewer.
  • If there is Keurig Descaling Solution in the Water Reservoir, discard the contents, rinse the Water Reservoir thoroughly and refill with water.
  • Plug the brewer back in, power on, and repeat the Step 3 Fresh Water Rinse cycle. The brewer should begin to function normally as the solution is rinsed out and the scale is removed. If the problem persists, allow the brewer to sit unplugged for at least 30 minutes before continuing with the rinse.

Happy Brewing! All Best Keurig Coffee Maker

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