You would love to make your Keurig descaling liquid at home. But you are not sure about the Keurig descaling solution ingredients to use. You are not alone because you may not know everything. In this article, you will not only learn what is contained in the descaling solution but also how to descale a Keurig.

Keurig descaling solution ingredients include 50-55% citric acid, 40-45% water, 2-4% silicic acid, and 4-6% phosphates and bleaching agents. Use the ingredients in their exact quantities to achieve maximum results.

In this article, I will discuss in detail the Keurig descaling solution ingredients, how to know when to descale the brewer, how to descale your coffee machine, why you need to descale it, among other topics. So, stay with me as I dive deeper into it.

What is a Descaling Solution?

A descaling solution refers to a liquid chemical you use to get rid of hard deposits and minerals from the surface of your Keurig. To make the process smooth, mix the solution with hot water before using it.

The water you put inside your brewer has various components, minerals, and chemicals. After it is heated and pumped for brewing, these materials remain in your coffee machine. They continue to build up every time you brew. As a result, they clog your Keurig and inhibit its functions.

Descaling your Keurig using the solutions helps remove these material residues. Therefore, you avoid blockages that can disfunction your coffee machine.

Keurig Descaling Solution Ingredients

1. Water. You use water because it is neither base nor acid. That means it is neutral. When making your Keurig descaling solution, you will need 40-45% water alongside other ingredients.
2. Citric Acid. Most industries use citric acid as a preservation agent. However, it serves as a disinfectant against microorganisms and bacteria in a descaling solution. You will need 50-55% of citric acid in your Keurig descaling solution.
3. Silicic Acid. You can also refer to it as orthosilicic acid. It is a chemical that comes from non-aqueous solutions. In the formation of the Keurig descaling solution, 2-4% of the acid will acidify the liquid.
4. Phosphate And Bleaching Agents. Most people use bleaching agents for whitening objects. However, in this particular process, you will need 4-6% of the bleaching agent. It will help remove all the impurities inside the brewer.

Note: You don’t have to worry about how you will get these ingredients. I can assure you that they are available in that market near you. Just make sure you source sufficient amounts. That way, you will make an adequate descaling solution for the repeat processes.

How Do You Know You Need to Descale Your Keurig?

If you are waiting for your Keurig to notify you when to descale it, I am sure the unpleasant flavor and smell in your coffee are signals for you to act.

Also, I can see the frustration on your face when you brew half a cup instead of a full one. And the brewing speed has become slower than usual. Not to mention those strange noises from your Keurig that are driving you crazy.

What about the taste of those coffee grounds in your cup? You might be wondering how they got there. Right? All these indicate that your Keurig needs proper descaling.

Besides, how long have you stayed without descaling your coffee machine? It is recommended you do it after every 3-6 months.

How to Descale Your Keurig Using the Descaling Solution

Watch this video to see how you can descale your Keurig K-Cafe machine.

If you have a Keurig K-Mini coffee maker and want to descale it, I recommend you watch this two-minute YouTube video.

Alternatively, follow these steps when you want to descale your Keurig:

Step 1: Prepare the Keurig.

Unplug the Keurig from the power supply switch and pull out all the removable parts. Some of those components include the pod holder, drip tray, and lid. Thoroughly wash them with soapy water, rinse, and dry them using a piece of cloth.

Wipe the exterior and other unremovable components using a wet cloth and allow them to dry. Remember to dispose of the used k-cups and empty the water reservoir. When you finish cleaning, reassemble your Keurig to begin the descaling process.

Step 2: Pour the descaling solution and water inside the reservoir

Measure equal amounts of the descaling solution and distilled water and pour it into the reservoir. You can use the descaling solution produced by Keurig and other manufacturers or your homemade one. Just remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using different brands.

Step 3: Put a large mug on the drip tray

The purpose of the mug is to hold the brewed solution. That way, you can avoid spillages and overflow.

Step 4: Run a brew cycle with the descaling solution in the reservoir

The main reason for brewing is to enable the descaling solution to pass through various sections. Through that, it gets to remove all the material deposits and flush them out. When the cycle is complete, pour out the brewed water in the large mug.

Step 5: Leave the Keurig at a stand for 30 minutes

When your brewer alerts you to add water, stop the process. But don’t switch off your Keurig.  Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. The period is to allow the descaling solution to work on the entire limescale in the coffee machine.

Step 6: Rinse the coffee machine

Ensure that the water reservoir is empty. Clean and rinse it properly, then pour inside clean water. Run water only brew cycle to rinse your brewer and remove the descaling solution.

Step 7: Repeat the water only brew cycle several times

Repeating the brewing process with clean water helps remove the cleaning solution from your Keurig. I am sure you wouldn’t want to have a taste of the descaling solution in your coffee.

So, repeat the process while observing the water coming out. If it doesn’t have traces of the descaling solution, then you are good to go.

Why Do You Need to Descale Your Keurig Brewer?

Regular descaling of your Keurig is vital because:

• It helps prevent material buildup in your coffee machine that can hinder its proper functioning. For instance, the limescale can build up in the water tubes and clog them. As a result, the water may fail to flow to enable the brewing process. Through regular descaling, you can avoid this.
• Regular descaling enables you to have a tasty cup of coffee.
• It fastens your brewing process.
• You protect your coffee machine from breakdown.
• It helps reduce electricity consumption.

Final Thoughts

Since you now know Keurig’s descaling solution ingredients are citric acid, water, silicic acid, phosphate, and bleaching agents, I would love to hear that you managed to make your homemade descaling solution. Keep on with the great work of regular cleaning and descaling your coffee machine. The end results are fulfilling.