Want to keep your Keurig K-Supreme brewing delicious coffee for years to come? Regular descaling is key! Descaling removes mineral buildup that can clog your Keurig, impacting both the taste and brewing speed of your coffee.
In this article we will show you how to descale your Keurig Supreme easily, making sure it continues to brew perfect cups of coffee for you. We will explain why descaling is important, walk you through the steps, and provide some handy tips to keep your coffee maker happy and healthy.
Why Should You Descale Your Keurig Supreme?
Water, especially hard water, contains minerals like calcium and lime that can build up inside your coffee maker over time.
This buildup, known as scale, can clog the water lines and affect the performance of your machine, leading to longer brewing times, less hot coffee, or even machine malfunctions.
Regular descaling removes these deposits. As a result, your coffee tastes fresh and your machine works efficiently.
Signs Your Keurig Supreme Needs Descaling
Here is how you can tell if your Keurig Supreme needs cleaning.
- Descale Light – If the descale light turns on, it is time to clean the buildup inside your coffee machine. This light comes on now and then to remind you.
- Keurig Not Working Well – If your coffee maker isn’t making coffee as good as before, like if the coffee is weak or doesn’t taste right, it is probably time to clean it.
- Water Coming Out Slower – If the water is coming out slower than it used to, minerals from the water might be blocking the flow.
- Takes Longer to Brew – If it is taking longer than usual to make your coffee, it could mean the machine is struggling with clogs and needs cleaning.
- More Errors – If you are seeing more error messages on your Keurig Supreme, it might mean it is time for a descale.
- Weird Tasting Coffee – If your coffee doesn’t taste right, it could be because of mineral buildup inside the machine.
You should generally clean your Keurig every three to six months, but it might need it more or less often depending on how much you use it and your water quality.
How to Descale Your Keurig K-Supreme
Prepare the Brewer
Safety first! Unplug your brewer and remove all water from the reservoir. Make sure there is no K-Cup pod in the holder.
Descale the Brewer
Pour the entire bottle of Keurig Descaling Solution into the reservoir. Then, fill the same bottle with water and add this to the reservoir too.
Place a large ceramic mug on the drip tray, plug the brewer back in, but keep it powered off. Press and hold the 8oz and 12oz buttons at the same time for three seconds to enter the Descaling Mode. When it starts flashing, hit the brew button to start the process. Continue until the “ADD WATER” light comes on.
Fresh Water Rinse
Empty the reservoir and refill it with fresh water to the MAX line. Press the brew button to start rinsing. Repeat until the “DESCALE” light turns off.
Clean the Brewer
Clean the exit needle located in the K-Cup pod holder and the entrance needles as needed to remove any coffee grinds or debris.
Alternative Method: Using Vinegar
If you prefer using a natural descaling solution, white vinegar is a great alternative.
Follow similar steps as above, but fill the reservoir with an equal mix of white vinegar and water. After descaling, make sure you rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove any vinegar taste.
Troubleshooting Common Issues After Descaling Your Keurig Supreme
Even after a thorough descaling, you might experience some issues with your Keurig Supreme. Here is how you can troubleshoot the most common problems to get your coffee maker back in prime condition.
Machine Not Turning On
After descaling, if your machine won’t turn on, it could be due to a tripped thermal switch, often caused by overheating. To fix this:
- Make sure the machine is plugged in correctly and the electrical outlet is functioning.
- Make sure the water reservoir is securely in place.
- If comfortable, disassemble the machine and press the button on the thermal switch to reset it. If unsure, consult the user manual or contact Keurig support for guidance.
Descale Light Not Turning Off
If the descale light remains on, it may indicate an incomplete descale process or a blockage. Try these steps:
- Sometimes, a simple restart can clear the error.
- Run through the descaling process again to make sure all scale deposits are removed.
- Check the water lines and needle for any blockages, and clean if necessary.
- If the issue persists, contact Keurig Support.
Machine Shuts Off During Brewing
This often relates to the machine overheating, particularly if it hasn’t cooled down sufficiently after descaling. To resolve:
- Let it cool before trying another brew cycle.
- If the machine continues to shut off, check and reset the thermal switch.
Machine Not Brewing Properly
If your coffee doesn’t taste right or the machine brews poorly after descaling, consider the following:
- Double-check that the water reservoir is properly secured.
- Clean the K-Cup holder and needle. After the descaling, coffee grounds or scale leftovers can clog the needle.
- Use filtered water. This can improve both the taste of your coffee and the performance and lifespan of your machine.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can address common issues that may arise after descaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is recommended to descale your Keurig Supreme every three months or whenever the descale notification light turns on.
If your Keurig Supreme won’t turn on post-descaling, check the power outlet and ensure the brewer is properly plugged in. Also, make sure the water reservoir is securely in place. If the issue persists, the thermal switch may need resetting.
If your machine shuts off during brewing, let it cool down completely before trying again. Overheating can cause the thermal switch to trip, so making sure the machine is cool can resolve this issue.
If the descale light remains on, the descaling process might be incomplete or the machine could have a blockage. Try restarting the machine and repeating the descaling process. If the light stays on, check for blockages or contact Keurig Support.
Yes, descaling can help fix issues such as slow brewing, incomplete brews, or poor coffee taste by removing mineral buildup that obstructs water flow and affects machine performance.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to descale Keurig Supreme and doing it regularly every three months or when indicated by the machine, can significantly improve your coffee’s taste and your coffee machine’s performance. It is a small effort that makes sure you continue to enjoy that perfect cup of coffee every morning.
Happy brewing, and remember, a clean Keurig makes the best coffee!
