Descale a Coffee Maker

Descaling of KitchenAid Coffee Maker to Remove Mineral Deposits

Coffee makers need to be descaled periodically to remove mineral deposits that affect brewing times and taste.

Signs that your coffee maker needs to be descaled include:

1. The cleaning indicator light comes on (select models).
2. Excessive brew times.
3. Gurgling or other unusual noises during the brew cycle.

To Descale the Coffee Maker:

• The Coffee Maker should be descaled as soon as possible after the Cleaning Needed Indicator light illuminates.
• A commercial descaling agent or vinegar can be used to descale the unit.
• When using a descaling agent follow the directions on the package for the recommended amounts of descaling agent and water to use.
• When using vinegar, fill the carafe with a solution consisting of half vinegar and half water.

The following video contains information about descaling your coffee maker:

affresh^® cleaners are available at many retailers. Find one here.

NOTE: We recommend the affresh® coffee maker cleaning tablets that are available in retail stores.

• If you have a coffee maker with a grid that makes it difficult to put the entire affresh® tablet into the water reservoir, you can crush the tablet into smaller pieces in a plastic sandwich bag and pour the powder into the water reservoir.

Steps for Descaling:

1. Before descaling, always remove the water filter and ensure the brew basket does not contain coffee or coffee filters.
2. Run the Coffee Maker through a complete brewing cycle using a full carafe of the descaling solution.
3. If the cleaning-needed indicator lights after the brewing cycle is complete, repeat Step 2 until the cleaning-needed indicator no longer illuminates after brewing.
4. Rinse the Coffee Maker by running it through two brewing cycles using a full carafe of fresh, cool water each time.
5. Wash the brew basket and carafe in hot, soapy water and rinse with hot water.
6. Reinstall or replace the water filter.