How to Descale a Keurig Coffee Maker

Keurig recommends descaling every 3–6 months depending on water hardness. A descaled Keurig brews hotter, faster, and produces better-tasting coffee. Here's a complete step-by-step guide.

What You'll Need

• Descaling solution (see below)
• A large mug or container (at least 12 oz)
• Fresh water for rinsing
• Access to a sink

Use the Essential Values Universal Descaling Solution — compatible with Keurig, Nespresso, Breville, De'Longhi, and most other brands. One bottle provides 4 uses. Do not use white vinegar — Keurig advises against it as it can damage internal components and void the warranty.

How Often to Descale

• Every 3 months in hard water areas
• Every 6 months in soft water areas
• When the "Descale" light or message appears on your Keurig

Step-by-Step: Descaling a Keurig

The process is similar across most Keurig models. Always check your manual for model-specific instructions.

Preparation

1. Turn off the Keurig and unplug it
2. Remove and discard any water filter from the reservoir
3. Empty the water reservoir completely
4. Remove any K-Cup pod from the machine

Descaling Cycle

1. Pour the descaling solution into the empty reservoir. Follow the package instructions — typically one full bottle of solution, then fill the empty bottle with water and add that too (total approximately 14–16 oz of liquid).
2. Place a large mug on the drip tray.
3. Plug in and power on the Keurig.
4. Enter descale mode. On most models: press and hold the 8 oz and 12 oz buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until the descale light flashes. On touchscreen models, go to Settings → Maintenance → Descale.
5. Press the brew button when prompted. The machine will brew the descaling solution into your mug. Discard the contents of the mug.
6. Repeat until the ADD WATER light illuminates — this means the reservoir is empty and the descaling solution has been fully run through.

Rinse Cycle

1. Fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water to the MAX line.
2. Press the brew button when prompted to begin the rinse cycle.
3. Repeat until the machine completes the full rinse cycle (typically 12 rinse brews). Discard each mug of rinse water.
4. The descale light will turn off when the rinse cycle is complete.

After Descaling

• Reinstall a fresh water filter if your model uses one
• Fill the reservoir with fresh filtered water
• Brew one or two mugs of hot water (no K-Cup) to confirm normal operation
• Note the date — set a reminder for your next descaling in 3–6 months

Signs Your Keurig Needs Descaling

• "Descale" light or message on the display
• Coffee brewing slower than usual
• Coffee not as hot as it used to be
• Reduced coffee volume per brew
• Unusual gurgling or sputtering sounds during brewing
• Coffee tastes flat or slightly off

Preventing Buildup Between Descaling

• Use filtered water: Reduces mineral content and extends time between descaling sessions significantly
• Use a water filter: Many Keurig models accept a charcoal water filter in the reservoir — replace every 2 months
• Don't leave water sitting in the reservoir for days: Empty and refill with fresh water regularly

Descaling a Keurig takes about 45–60 minutes including the rinse cycle. Done every 3–6 months, it keeps your machine brewing at full temperature and speed — and your coffee tasting the way it should.