The Keurig Supreme is one of the most versatile and efficient coffee makers. It offers great functionality and brews delicious coffee. However, the compact coffee maker requires some care, attention, and maintenance. A well-maintained Keurig Supreme coffee maker ensures a consistently great-tasting cup of coffee every time.
Over time minerals like calcium and magnesium within the coffee machine cause it to function less efficiently. As a result, it will affect the coffee quality and your brewer’s lifespan.
Therefore, descaling your Keurig Supreme is essential in maintaining the longevity of your coffee machine and preserving the quality of your coffee. But the question is, how are you going to do it?
Descaling removes mineral deposits and coffee residue from your coffee maker’s internal components. This process ensures that each cup you brew has a delicious taste and aroma.
This article will provide valuable insights into descaling your Keurig Supreme coffee maker effectively and efficiently.
By following this simple step-by-step guide, you can keep your Keurig Supreme in peak condition. Keep reading!
Why Descaling a Keurig Supreme is Important?
Descaling your Keurig Supreme is essential to get the most out of your coffee maker. If you are still not convinced, here are some reasons why you should religiously descale your Keurig Supreme:
Descaling Improves Coffee Quality
Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate within the coffee maker with time. These deposits can negatively impact the taste of the coffee, giving it a bitter flavour.
Descaling your Keurig Supreme regularly will help you maintain the quality and taste of the coffee it brews.
Better Performance and Efficiency
Regular descaling of the Keurig Supreme ensures optimal performance and efficiency. Calcium deposits and other minerals can build up within the machine, leading to clogging and compromised water flow.
Clogging affects the ability of your coffee maker to maintain proper brewing temperatures, making it less efficient in brewing coffee.
Descaling can restore the efficiency of your Keurig Supreme and enjoy consistent coffee quality.
The lifespan of the Coffee Maker
One significant advantage of regularly descaling your Keurig Supreme is the extension of the coffee maker’s lifespan. Mineral deposits can cause wear and tear on the machine’s internal components, leading to potential malfunctions.
Regular descaling maintains the coffee maker’s functionality, helping to prevent costly repairs and extend its overall lifespan.
How to Descale a Keurig Supreme: Step-by-step Process
Descaling your Keurig coffee maker requires a few simple steps and only 30 minutes of your time. Here are the easy-peasy steps to descale your Keurig:
Step 1: Preparing the Coffee Brewer
Before starting the descaling process, perform these steps:
Turn off your Keurig and allow it to cool down if used recently.
Remove any coffee pods from the coffee machine and ensure that the water reservoir is empty.
Remove the drip tray and the water tank. Rinse both parts with soapy water and let them air dry.
Put the drip tray and water back into the coffee machine.
Place a large mug on the drip tray to collect the descaling liquid during the process.
Step 2: Adding the Descaling Solution
If you are using Keurig descaling solution, follow these steps:
Pour the entire bottle of Keurig Descale Solution into the empty water reservoir.
Fill the empty bottle with water and pour that into the reservoir. This will create the necessary descaling solution and water mixture needed for the process.
Step 3: Start the Descaling Process
To activate the descaling mode on the Keurig K-Supreme:
Press and hold the 8oz and 12oz cup-size buttons together for 3 seconds.
The “Descale” light will turn on, indicating that the coffee machine is in descale mode.
The “Brew” button will begin flashing, signalling it is ready for the descaling cycle.
Start the descaling cycle by pressing the flashing “Brew” button.
The Keurig Supreme will run hot descaling liquid through the system.
Step 4: Run Rinse Cycles
The rinse cycle is important to remove any lingering descaling solution from the coffee machine.
Once the descaling mode is complete, remove the mug from the drip tray and discard the collected descaling liquid.
Remove the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
Refill the reservoir with fresh water, making sure not to exceed the maximum fill line.
Run a few brew cycles without any K-Cup pods to thoroughly rinse the internal components of the Keurig brewer. Be sure to discard the water in the mug between each cycle.
Once the rinsing process is complete, your Keurig K-Supreme will be ready to brew a fresh cup of coffee with no lingering descaling solution.
Maintenance Tips for a Keurig Coffee Maker
To maintain optimal brewing of your Keurig and improve the coffee quality, you can follow these expert tips:
Replace Charcoal Water Filter
Keurig Supreme machines often have a built-in charcoal water filter that should be replaced regularly. Replacing the filter every 2-3 months or after 200 uses is important to maintain the machine’s performance.
Doing this will help ensure the quality of the water and coffee brewed and prolong the machine’s lifespan.
To replace the filter:
Turn off and unplug the Keurig Supreme machine.
Open the water reservoir lid and lift it out of the machine.
Remove the used charcoal water filter.
Rinse the new filter under cold water for about 20 seconds.
Insert the new filter into the filter holder, ensuring it sits flat.
Place the water reservoir back onto the machine and close the lid.
Switch to Filtered or Bottled Water
In addition to using the charcoal water filter, it is advisable to use filtered or distilled water in the Keurig Supreme.
Using good quality water will prevent mineral buildup, improve the taste of the coffee, and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Follow a Regular Cleaning Routine
Maintaining a regular cleaning routine is essential for the longevity of your Keurig Supreme machine. It ensures peak performance and guarantees a delicious and authentic cup of coffee every time. The following are some key cleaning tasks:
Wipe the exterior of the coffee machine daily with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and fingerprints.
Once a week, clean the K-Cup holder by removing it and rinsing it in warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to air dry before reinserting it into the machine.
Descale your Keurig every 3 to 6 months to remove mineral buildup from the machine’s interior.
Replace the charcoal water filter every 2 to 3 months.
Troubleshooting Common Keurig Coffee Maker Issues
If your coffee maker is giving you a hard time, these troubleshooting steps might resolve any issues:
Resolving Clogged Coffee Maker
One common issue with a Keurig K-Supreme Plus is a clog in the coffee maker. Clogs can occur due to coffee grounds or scale build-up.
To resolve this issue, check the exit and entrance needles and clean them using a straightened paper clip or similar tool.
Another method to prevent and resolve clogs is the regular descaling of the coffee machine. Descaling helps to remove calcium deposits and build-up, ensuring the coffee maker functions efficiently.
Addressing Flavor Changes
Changes in the flavour of brewed coffee can be attributed to a few factors. One possible reason is the use of wrong descaling solutions.
Always use the recommended descaling solution for the Keurig K-Supreme Plus to maintain optimal flavour. You can use Keurig descaling solution or white vinegar to descale your brewer.
Another potential cause is the presence of coffee grounds in your coffee. Ensure the K-Cup pod holder is cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of coffee grounds.
Resolving Temperature Issues
Temperature issues with the Keurig may be due to a malfunctioning thermal switch or inadequate water flow. To troubleshoot temperature problems:
Ensure the water reservoir and its components are clean and debris-free, which may delay water flow and cause temperature fluctuations.
Inspect the thermal switch for any defects or wear. Contact a professional for proper diagnosis and repair if it appears faulty or damaged.
Verify that the heating elements are functioning correctly. If not, this may require professional assistance.
Preventative Measures for Your Keurig Coffee Machine
Here are some preventative measures that can save you and your Keurig from a lot of trouble:
Using the Right Water
Always use filtered water instead of hard water to ensure your Keurig Supreme stays in optimal condition. Hard water contains minerals that can build up inside the coffee machine over time, affecting its performance and taste.
Using filtered water can prolong the life of your appliance and maintain its warranty. Furthermore, consider using a water filter, such as the one with the Keurig Supreme, to remove impurities and ensure the best-tasting coffee.
Regular Descaling and Cleaning
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your Keurig coffee machine functioning at its best. Descaling the device every three to six months or more frequently if you’re using hard water is recommended.
In addition to descaling, clean your Keurig Supreme regularly by wiping down the exterior, removing and washing the drip tray, and rinsing the K-Cup pod holder.
Proper Storage and Usage
To prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your Keurig Supreme, follow these storage and usage guidelines:
Follow the Reservoir to the Max line
When filling the water reservoir, never exceed the max line. Overfilling can cause water to leak into internal components, potentially damaging your appliance.
Storage Conditions
Store your Keurig Supreme in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will protect it from temperature-related damage.
Proper Usage
Always follow the user manual’s instructions for proper usages, such as inserting K-Cup pods correctly and operating the controls.
Following these preventative measures will keep your Keurig Supreme in excellent condition, preserving its functionality and warranty for an enjoyable coffee experience.
Conclusion
If you don’t want your coffee to taste odd and weird, you must descale your Keurig Supreme coffee maker. Keurig machines gradually become less efficient and nearly useless if you don’t descale them as required.
You can use a commercially made descaling solution or a homemade one to remove scale build-up and coffee residue from your coffee maker. Descaling your Keurig every 3 to 6 months ensures optimal performance, consistently brewing a great cup of coffee.
