How to descale a Keurig K-Supreme Plus: 6 easy steps (2023)

Descaling your Keurig K-Supreme Plus coffee maker is a critical maintenance step for your machine. It's the best way to ensure your coffee stays delicious for years to come.

In this post we will see what descaling is and how to descale a Keurig K-Supreme Plus (or K-Supreme or K-Supreme Plus Smart). We also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Keurig descaling and offer more than just a few helpful tips.

What scale does a Keurig K-Supreme have?

Scale is the accumulation of limescale on a coffee maker. Magnesium, calcium, and other minerals in your water are left behind in your Keurig, which can clog the machine and affect the taste of the coffee.

You can recognize hard water by the fact that the water looks a little milky when it comes out of the tap. Water runs through your pipes.

All water has some mineral deposits, so there is no way around permanent decalcification. Even if you use filtered water, hard water is likely to form in your Keurig K-Supreme Plus coffee maker.

Cleaning vs. Descaling your Keurig K-Supreme Plus

Chances are you have some knowledge of cleaning versus descaling your coffee maker just based on what we already said about hard water buildup.

The difference is worth noting, however, as you may need to clean your Keurig before descaling to really clean your system.

Cleaning can include simple steps like removing the coffee pod. It may also include cleaning and disposing of any loose coffee grounds that may have escaped from the pod. This also includes cleaning coffee oil residues from the brewing chamber.

If your Keurig has a little "coffee dirt" on it, it may need cleaning and descaling. While cleaning should be done daily, you only need to descale your Keurig every few months.

How to descale a Keurig K-Supreme Plus

Step 1: Prepare your machine

Descaling your Keurig K-Supreme Plus starts with preparing the machine for the process. If you have used the device within the last hour, wait a few moments to allow it to cool down.

Second, if you haven't already removed any capsules from the machine, now is the time to do so. If you are using a charcoal water filter on your sump, you will need to remove that as well. It usually requires a small twisting motion to pull out the filter.

Step 2: Add the cleaning solution

Pour out your descaling solution. if you boughtKeurig descaling solution, just use it according to the directions on the bottle. Otherwise you can use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Be sure to fill the container to the brim with the solution you are using.

Step 3: Collect the trash

Place a ceramic mug in the machine under the capsule chamber as if you were brewing a cup of coffee. The larger the mug the better as you will be emptying the entire container.

Step 4: Run the descaling cycle

Make sure your Keurig K-Supreme Plus is plugged in but turned off. Once that's done, look for the 12-ounce and 8-ounce coffee mug icons at the top of the machine.

Push both down at the same time. Press and hold these buttons for 3 seconds. If you do not switch off the machine, you will not have access to the descaling mode.

You'll know it worked because the K light at the top will start flashing. Eventually you will see a light at the top of the device that says "Descale".

Press the K button when it lights up.

Keep this part in mind as you brew the worst-tasting cup of coffee you've ever brewed, except instead of having coffee, you have a descaling solution in your cup.

You may need to empty the cup about 5 times before the solution runs out.

Step 5: Flush the machine

Once all the solution has gone through the machine, a light will flash at the top. Reminds you to add water to the container. To perform this part, remove the reservoir and rinse it several times to remove the residual solution from the tank.

Once that's done, fill it up with some fresh water. However, do not replace the filter just yet.

The K-Light turns on again. Press the light and fill the mug. Repeat this about five times until the process has completely emptied the reservoir.

At this point, the machine may ask you to add fresh water, but it appears to be off. Repeat the process again. You may wish to flush the reservoir again after performing the process a second time. After all, you don't want to taste leftover vinegar or descaler solution in your next cup of coffee!

Step 6: Exit

Turn on your Keurig K-Supreme Plus. This time you'll see new neon lights showing "Strength" and "Temperature".

Replace filters.

This process should reset the Keurig K-Supreme Plus descaling indicator.

How often should I descale a Keurig K-Supreme Plus?

You should do this process at least every 3 to 6 months. If you have very hard water in your area, you may need to do this more often. Also, descale more often if you notice a change in the taste of your coffee if your coffee has changed in tasteKeurig is slowly brewing, or if yourKeurig says cousin.

How do I know if I need to descale?

The Keurig comes with some sort of warning light. It kind of reminds me of a little neon sign. On the Keurig K-Supreme Plus, the warning light is prominently located on top of the device.

Also, your device might have that chalky look we talked about. It won't go well. Water can also move slowly through smaller parts of the device.

One good thing to remember is that hard water deposits will eventually clog the unit's pipes as well as the nozzles. If you've ever had a shower clogged with limescale, this phenomenon will probably sound familiar.

After all, hard water can directly affect your coffee enjoyment. That means the amount of coffee Keurig produces, its flavor, or even its temperature can change. None of these changes will be for the better.

Do I need a special descaling solution?

Normally you do not need to use a special descaling solution. Many people simply rely on a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. This should work fine for routine descaling, but the vinegar may not be enough if you have a lot of buildup in your machine.

You can also purchase a special manufacturer-developed Keurig descaling solution. The argument for this is simple. Keurig designed the solution to work specifically on your machine.

It's a tougher mix that tolerates more buildup than white vinegar, and it's also gentler on Keurig's pressure hoses. If you're using the manufacturer's descaling solution, follow the directions on the bottle to get the right mix.

what's next

Descale your Keurig regularly for the ultimate cup of coffee that gives you mountaineering power. Hard water deposits on yourKürig K-Supreme, K-Supreme Plus, orKeurig K-Supreme Plus SmartMake your Java taste weird and your machine fail.

Proper maintenance is important if you want toExtend the life of your Keurig. HoweverWhich Keurig do you have?, they all need a little maintenance to keep theirsfavorite coffee cupsbeer just right.