Can You Descale a Keurig with Lemon Juice? Yes, and Here’s How!

by

Is your Keurig not brewing like it used to? Are your cups of coffee tasting a bit off? It might be time to descale your Keurig! Descaling is the process of removing mineral buildup that accumulates over time. Many people use vinegar to descale their Keurigs, but what if you’re not a fan of the lingering vinegar taste and smell? The good news is that you can descale your Keurig with lemon juice!

Why Lemon Juice?

Lemon juice is a natural and effective alternative to vinegar for descaling your Keurig. Lemons contain citric acid, a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and mold. Citric acid is also effective at breaking down mineral deposits. Plus, lemon juice leaves a pleasant, fresh scent, unlike vinegar.

What You’ll Need

  • Lemon juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
  • Water
  • Large ceramic mug

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to descale your Keurig with lemon juice:

  1. Prepare the Lemon Juice Solution: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water to fill the Keurig’s water reservoir. If you’re using fresh lemons, you’ll need quite a few! It can take up to 12 lemons to get enough juice. Alternatively, you can use bottled lemon juice.
  2. Fill the Reservoir: Pour the lemon juice and water mixture into the Keurig’s water reservoir.
  3. Run a Brewing Cycle: Place a large, empty mug on the Keurig’s mug stand. Without inserting a K-cup, run a brew cycle.
  4. Repeat: Empty the mug and repeat the brewing cycle until the water reservoir is empty. This allows the lemon juice solution to work its way through the machine, breaking down mineral buildup.
  5. Rinse with Water: Once the reservoir is empty, fill it again with fresh water.
  6. Run Brewing Cycles Again: Repeat the brewing cycle with fresh water until you can no longer detect the taste or smell of lemon in the water. This step is crucial to ensure your coffee doesn’t end up with a lemony flavor.

Alternative Method: Citric Acid

If you don’t have lemons on hand, you can use citric acid powder, which can be found online or in some grocery stores.

Here’s how to descale your Keurig with citric acid:

  1. Create the Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of citric acid with 4 cups of water. For smaller Keurig models, adjust the amount accordingly.
  2. Pour: Pour the citric acid solution into the Keurig’s water reservoir.
  3. Brew: Place a mug under the spout and begin a brew cycle. Discard the water after the cycle, and repeat until the Keurig indicates it needs more water. For Keurigs without a removable reservoir, turn the machine off mid-brew to allow the solution to sit inside.
  4. Wait: Let the remaining solution sit in the reservoir for about 4 hours.
  5. Rinse: After 4 hours, pour out the remaining solution and clean the reservoir with soap and water.
  6. Flush: Run several cycles with fresh water to remove any traces of citric acid.

Tips and Tricks

  • Regular Cleaning: Clean the water reservoir at least once a week with soapy water to prevent mineral buildup.
  • Water Filter: If your Keurig has a water filter, replace it every two months.
  • Descaling Frequency: Descale your Keurig every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use it and the hardness of your water.
  • Smell Test: After descaling, always do a smell test to ensure no lemon or vinegar scent remains. If you still smell it, continue running water through the machine until the smell is gone.

Lemon Juice vs. Vinegar: Which is Better?

Both lemon juice and vinegar are effective descalers, but there are some differences. Vinegar is typically more readily available and cheaper than lemon juice. However, lemon juice has a more pleasant scent and may require fewer rinsing cycles to remove the taste. Some users also find that citric acid, the active ingredient in lemons, works better on tough mineral buildup.

What About Keurig Descaling Solution?

Keurig also sells its own descaling solution. This solution is formulated specifically for Keurig machines and may be more effective than DIY methods. However, it is also more expensive. If you prefer a brand-name product, Keurig’s descaling solution is a good option.

Conclusion

Descaling your Keurig is essential to keep it functioning properly and ensure your coffee tastes its best. While vinegar is a popular choice, lemon juice is a great alternative if you want to avoid the lingering vinegar smell and taste. With its fresh scent and effective cleaning power, lemon juice is a natural way to keep your Keurig in top shape. So, next time your Keurig needs a little TLC, reach for the lemons!