Have you noticed a change in your morning coffee taste? Your trusty Keurig coffee machine could be the culprit. Over time, mineral deposits build up inside your machine from the water you use. These deposits can affect how your coffee tastes and how your machine performs.
But don’t worry! There’s an easy, at-home solution to this problem. This guide will show you how to descale your Keurig K-Supreme and K-Supreme Plus using vinegar.
It’s a simple and cost-friendly way to keep your machine running smoothly and your coffee tasting great.
By following these steps, you’ll extend the life of your Keurig and ensure that your morning coffee ritual is always a delight. Let’s get started and give your Keurig the TLC it deserves!
If you own a different model, like the Keurig K-Slim, we have specific guides for it as well. Check out our detailed articles on how to descale the Keurig K-Slim for tailored instructions.
Descaling Overview for Keurig Supreme and K Supreme Plus:
- Prep: Unplug your Keurig coffee machine, empty the water reservoir, and ensure no coffee pod is inside.
- Mix Solution: Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and fresh water up to the max line.
- Descale Mode: Power up your Keurig Supreme coffee maker and activate the descale mode.
- Run Cycles: Using the “K” button, brew the solution until the “add water” light turns on.
- Rinse: Empty the reservoir, rinse with clean water, then brew freshwater cycles to remove any vinegar taste.
- Check: Ensure the Keurig supreme descale light is off, indicating a successful process.
Equipment and Materials Needed:
- Keurig K-Supreme or Keurig K-Supreme plus Coffee Maker
- Distilled White Vinegar (approximately 14 ounces or 2 cups)
- Fresh Water (approximately 14 ounces or 2 cups for the descaling process and more for subsequent rinsing)
- A large ceramic mug or container (able to hold 12 fluid ounces of liquid)
- Measuring cup
- Mild dish soap
- Soft cloth or sponge
“Descaling your Keurig [K supreme and K supreme plus] removes calcium deposits that can impact performance.” – support.Keurig.com
Step-by-Step Guide to Descaling a Keurig K-Supreme and K-Supreme Plus with Vinegar:
The process will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 1: Preparation
Ensure that your Keurig machine is turned off and unplugged. Make sure there is no K-Cup in the machine.
Remove the water reservoir, dump out any water, and remove any water filter if present.
Step 2: Vinegar + Water Fill
Fill the reservoir with 14 ounces (approximately 2 cups) of distilled white vinegar.
To the vinegar, add an equal amount of fresh water (14 ounces or 2 cups). This creates a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water in the reservoir.
Step 3: Enter Descaling Mode
Plug in and turn off the machine. Hold the 8-ounce and 12-ounce buttons together for three to five seconds. The descale light should come on, indicating that the machine is in descaling mode.
Step 4: Run Descaling Cycles
Press the flashing “K” button to start the descaling process. The machine will run approximately 12 ounces of vinegar solution through the machine into your container. Once finished, discard the hot solution in the container.
Press the “K” button again and repeat the process until the “add water” light comes on.
Step 5: Rinse and Refill Reservoir
Remove the water reservoir, discard any remaining solution, and rinse thoroughly with soap and water. Refill it with fresh water to the max line and reinstall the reservoir.
Step 6: Run Fresh Water Cycles
With the machine still in descaling mode, press the flashing “K” button to start running fresh water through the machine. Discard the water in your container after each cycle.
Press the “K” button again, repeat the process, and keep an eye on the “descale” light.
Step 7: Check the Descaling Light
If the descale light is still on, you might need to repeat the descaling process or consider using a Keurig descaling solution.
Check out our article about How to descale with Keurig descaling solution.
If the descale light is off, your machine has been successfully descaled.
Enjoy brewing with your freshly descaled Keurig!
Keurig Mastery: Tips for Top-Notch Brews
- Regular Maintenance: Descaling should be done every three to six months, depending on the hardness of your water. Don’t wait for the descale light to come on, as this might mean there’s already significant build-up affecting the performance of your machine.
- Extra Rinsing: When using vinegar, it’s advisable to do extra rinsing to flush out all the vinegar.
- Refill the reservoir to the max line with fresh water to achieve that. Turn on the machine and run additional new water cycles (approximately 2-4 times) by pressing the 12-ounce and the “K” buttons.
- External Cleaning: Don’t forget to also clean the machine’s exterior with a soft cloth or sponge and mild dish soap.
Following this guide, you should be able to successfully descale your Keurig K-Slim with vinegar, improving your coffee maker’s performance and lifespan.
Watch the Video: Descaling Your Keurig K-Supreme and K-Supreme Plus with White Vinegar
Final Thoughts
Descaling your Keurig, notably models like K Supreme Plus and Keurig K Supreme, is pivotal for optimal brewer performance. By employing white vinegar, you adopt an eco-friendly approach and ensure a flawless cup of every brew from your coffee machine.
We’re excited about helping you maintain your Keurig machine. If you’ve recently descaled your Keurig Supreme coffee maker or have insights on coffee machines in general, drop a comment below. Whether it’s about the charcoal water filter, coffee grounds, or any other topic, we’d love to hear from you!
FAQs
Can I use something other than white vinegar to descale my Keurig?
Yes, you can also use Keurig’s own descaling solution or other descaling products designed for coffee machines. However, white vinegar is a cost-effective and readily available alternative that works effectively.
Will the vinegar leave a taste in my coffee?
Not if you thoroughly rinse your machine afterward. It’s important to run several cycles of fresh water through the machine after descaling to ensure all vinegar residue is gone.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
It’s recommended to use white vinegar for descaling as it’s odorless and colorless. Apple cider vinegar may leave a slight taste or color and may not be as effective in removing mineral deposits.
