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Descaling

Dissolving the mineral scale that hard water leaves inside kettles, coffee makers and other appliances that heat water.

What It Means

Descaling is removing scale, the hard, chalky mineral layer that builds up inside appliances that heat water. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) explains that when hard water is heated, calcium carbonate comes out of the water as solid deposits. A descaling solution dissolves those deposits so they can be rinsed out. Keurig describes its own solution as breaking down calcium deposits and flushing them from inside the brewer.

Try It: Is Your Coffee Maker Due for Descaling?

Enter how you use a Keurig brewer. The schedule is Keurig's; your model's manual comes first.

Keurig's interval for you

Every 3 to 6 months

Not due yet by Keurig's schedule, unless the descale light is on.

How It Sounds at Home

  • "The descale light is on again."
  • "When did we last descale the coffee maker?"
  • "Look at the white crust inside that kettle."

The Breakdown

How often to descale a Keurig brewer (Keurig)

SituationHow often
Typical useEvery 3 to 6 months
Brewers with a descale lightWhen the light comes on
Water high in mineralsMore often than the typical schedule
More than 8 pods a dayEvery 6 to 8 weeks

What a descale looks like. Keurig's method runs its descaling solution through the brewer, then empties the reservoir, refills it with fresh water and runs rinse brews into the sink until the brewer is clear. Steps and amounts differ by model, so follow the manual for yours.

Make it last between descales. Scale comes from minerals in the water, so the harder your water, the sooner it returns. USGS classes water above 180 milligrams per liter (as calcium carbonate) as very hard. Buhata's own suggestion: ask your water supplier how hard your water is, and set your schedule toward the shorter end if it's hard.

Good to Know

Scale builds up in more than coffee makers. USGS says scale from heated hard water can shorten the life of equipment, make electric water heaters less efficient, raise heating costs and clog pipes. It also classes hardness as a nuisance with no health concern. Follow your appliance maker's directions on which descaler to use and how much, and keep it out of contact with other cleaners.

FAQ

How often should I descale my Keurig?

Keurig says every 3 to 6 months, or when the descale light comes on on brewers that have one. If you brew more than 8 pods a day, it suggests every 6 to 8 weeks.

What causes scale in a coffee maker?

Minerals in hard water. USGS explains that heating hard water makes calcium carbonate settle out as solid deposits.

Does hard water mean I need to descale more often?

Yes. Keurig says the right frequency depends on how much mineral is in your water, and mineral-heavy water calls for descaling more often.

Do It in Buhata

Maintenance and Tasks with a repeat

Add "Descale the coffee maker" to Maintenance (Household X add-on) so it rolls forward every three months when ticked.

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Related Terms and Categories

  • Hard water stains

    White, chalky marks left on glass, faucets, tile and toilets when hard water dries and leaves its calcium and magnesium behind.

  • Vinegar cleaning

    Using white vinegar, a mild acetic acid, to dissolve mineral buildup and lift grime. It doesn't replace a registered disinfectant.

  • Water softener

    A home system that removes the calcium and magnesium that make water hard, usually by trading them for sodium in a tank of resin beads.

  • Water heater flush

    Draining a water heater and running water through it to wash out the sediment and minerals that settle inside, usually about once a year.

  • Appliance lifespan

    How many years a home appliance usually lasts before it needs replacing, from about 6 years for a compactor to 15 for a gas range in Consumer Reports' 2009 figures.

Chores, cleaning and home care

Sources

Keurig, "How often do I need to descale my system?", "Keep your brewer running at peak performance" and "How to Descale your Keurig Coffee Maker"; U.S. Geological Survey, "Hardness of Water"

Last updated .