How to Descale a Keurig or Nespresso Coffee Machine | Lifehacker

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Pod-based espresso machines like Keurig and Nespresso are extra handy than their pot-filling predecessors, however they nonetheless get soiled inside, the identical as any espresso maker. You ought to descale your machine each three months or so, eradicating calcium buildup and different gunk in there. Sure, you should buy merchandise designed to do that for you, however you can too simply use vinegar.

How to descale a Keurig

To descale your Keurig machine, fill your water reservoir with a mix of half water and half distilled white vinegar. Place a big mug or bowl the place you’d usually put your espresso cup and run the machine as regular, dumping the combination each time the mug fills. Keep doing this till the water reservoir runs out of combination. Wash and refill the reservoir, then repeat the method to rinse it out, refilling your container till there’s nothing left within the machine. 

Be cautious to not overwork your poor Keurig. Consider giving it a half-hour break between descaling and rinsing. 

How to descale a Nespresso

Nespresso warns in opposition to utilizing vinegar or other-branded descaling options, which you might argue is as a result of they need you to spend cash on theirs. Still, in case you’re nervous, simply purchase the Nespresso cleansing merchandise. Online, loads of folks have mentioned utilizing vinegar to wash theirs out, however to be on the protected facet in case you’re going to do it, dilute the vinegar fairly a bit. I attempted it utilizing one half vinegar and two elements water, and solely operating the answer by way of as soon as, and it labored nice. 


Credit: Lindsey Ellefson

Be certain to comply with the instructions to your particular mannequin, however typically, you’re doubtless going to have to show off your machine, push the highest button and lever concurrently till the sunshine turns orange, and press the lever down as soon as to begin descaling. It will take some time, however it’ll empty your reservoir. (Conversely, I simply “brewed” a cup of the combination and had no points.) Rinse the machine by washing out the reservoir, filling it with water, and operating some plain water by way of a number of occasions. 

Tools for descaling pod-based espresso machines

If you’re low-cost like me, seize some distilled white vinegar and get to it. You can get 128 ounces for $3.99 at Target

If you’re nervous about utilizing vinegar, Amazon has Keurig’s three-month brewer upkeep equipment ($17.99) and Nespresso’s descaling resolution ($19.99) accessible, too.