Machines might be far more advanced than us, but their instructions tend to be simple. For instance, you’re reminded to clean your machine of mineral deposits as soon as the descale light comes on.
But if it remains on even after you’ve descaled your Keurig, there’s probably an issue with your cleaning method. There’s also a possibility that the machine has faulty wiring.
But if you’re concerned about finding the right way to descale your Keurig, here is a step-by-step guide to follow:
- Step 1: Safety is the top priority.
Before you get into the scrubbing and washing rhythm, you must ensure the coffee maker is unplugged. - Step 2: Disassemble
Once you’ve taken the necessary safety measures, it’s time to disassemble the machine. Carefully remove all the parts and line them on a table. Pour out any excess water into the reservoir. Descaling the device every other month is recommended, so the mineral deposits don’t stick to the bottom. - Step 3: Gather the cleaning supplies
Grab a damp cloth and a spray bottle to pour soapy water onto the reservoir. Once the reservoir is covered in soap, wipe the surface with a cloth. You might need extra muscle work if you haven’t cleaned it in a few months.
Also, make sure to clean the exterior of the reservoir as well. After you’re done descaling the water reservoir, it helps to look at the mug tray and K-cup holder. - Step 4: Dry the pieces and put them back together
Once satisfied with the scrubbing, use a dry cloth to remove any moisture from the surface. Afterward, place the pieces back into their original position. And finally, head on over to the buttons to switch off the descale light. Press down on the 8oz and 10oz buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds.
Under normal circumstances, that should do the trick!
How to do it with vinegar
Even though you’re supposed to clean the water reservoir every few months, we don’t blame you for slagging a bit. However, it’s a mistake that your Keurig coffee maker won’t let you go off easily.
Cleaning becomes even more difficult as the mineral deposits stick to the bottom of the reservoir. And you may find a simple soap solution no longer works.
So what do you do when your key player has lost? You resort to a better player. The top contender is vinegar. You can use it instead of a simple soap solution to descale your coffee maker effectively.
There may be plenty of Keurig descaling solutions available on the market. But they perform just as well as vinegar. Therefore, it’s better to save time and money by investing in a method that’s tried and tested by multiple people around the globe.
Here’s how to use vinegar to descale your Keurig machine:
Step 1: Prepare for intense cleaning.
Once you’ve decided that today is the day you get rid of calcium deposits from your coffee maker, begin by unplugging your machine.
After you’ve removed the risk of electrocution, it’s time to take apart the coffee machine. Lay out the different components on a flat surface and get to work.
Step 2: Prepare a vinegar solution.
If you remember high school chemistry, you’re probably aware that acid helps break apart salts.
Due to the basic chemical nature of calcium deposits at the bottom of the coffee reservoir, the vinegar reacts with it and breaks down the crystals. Fill the reservoir halfway up with water and the other half with vinegar.
Step 3: Brew a steaming cup of vinegar
When using a soap solution, you must put in some effort and scrub away the calcium deposits. But when using vinegar, the chemical reactions do all the work for you.
After filling the reservoir with part water and vinegar mixture, begin the brewing cycle. It may seem like you’re preparing a deadly cup of coffee. Still, the brewing cycle flushes the system clean of calcium deposits.
| Name | Happy Belly White Distilled Vinegar |
| Brand | Amazon Brand |
| Product Dimensions | 2.7 x 2.7 x 7.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.04 Pounds |
Pros
- It’s a great vinegar for the purpose.
- The cost is very reasonable.
- Others agree it’s great for cleaning.
Cons
- It doesn’t clean the machine for you.
[amazon box=”B07N741PC4″ title=”Amazon Brand” description=”Here’s a very basic vinegar.”]
Step 4: Assemble the components and call it a day.
If you’ve followed our steps to the dot, you’ll be left with a squeaky-clean reservoir. All you need to do next is thoroughly rinse it with water to remove any residual vinegar. Furthermore, pat the surface dry, and you’re good to use it again for a few months.
I ran through the steps and now the machine doesn’t work.
Not every day, you head to the appliance store and purchase a coffee machine. You need to do your research and invest wisely. So when you finally end up with a remarkable product, it’s your moral obligation to take good care of it.
But chances are you probably don’t have the time to clean up after yourself frequently if you’re an avid coffee drinker.
As a result, the dust and calcium settle in until it becomes too big a problem to solve. And when you finally decide to handle the situation, your machine turns the other way.
After you’ve spent countless hours trying to descale your Keurig only for it to stop working altogether, it can be frustrating. We understand it’s stressful to solve a problem without a cup of coffee. But we might be able to help.
If your Keurig refuses to work after you’ve descaled it, taking out the water reservoir and putting it back in might do the trick. Mostly, the placement of the components after they’re taken apart and put back together is to blame.
However, you may need to try something different if the Keurig only pours you half a cup. Often, the K-cup gathers dirt and passes it on to the needles.
In this case, you need to take apart the pot holder and separate the funnel from it. Tweak the exit needle in the funnel using a metal paper clip to eliminate debris. Similarly, poke the paper clip into the entrance needle under the brewer’s handle.
Once you’re satisfied with the removed waste, it’s time to reassemble the pieces back together. When you reset the Keurig machine, you should get a full cup of piping hot coffee.
