If you’re reading about how to clean your Keurig coffee maker, you might be wondering what the difference is between Keurig rinse pods and descaling solution. Both the rinse capsules and the descaling solution contain citric acid, but they have different uses. You need to use both, but at different times. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Keurig Rinse Pod?
Over time, coffee grounds and oil can build up in your coffee maker. A Keurig rinse pod is the quickest and easiest way to clean your K-cup pod holder, brew funnel and outlet needle. These Keurig Cleansing Capsules contain a special formula that can rinse away coffee grounds and oils. They can also help clean any coffee residue from old pods.
What is a descaling solution?
The water used to brew your K-cups contains minerals that cause limescale to build up inside your coffee maker. These aren’t toxic, but they can affect your Keurig’s water flow, as well as the taste and temperature of your coffee. Descaling Solutions are safe, odorless formulas that work quickly to remove mineral buildup with a mild cleaning acid.
When to use Keurig Rinse Pods vs Descaling Solution
Keurig says to use a rinse pod once a week. However, if you frequently use your brewer to make hot chocolate, tea or flavored coffees, you may want to use them more often. Using different flavored K cups of coffee between brews will prevent any blending of the flavors. That way, you can enjoy your coffee capsule as the manufacturer intended.
Use the descaling solution when prompted by your Keurig to descale or every three months, whichever comes first. If your machine is not pumping water well, it is a sign that it needs to be descaled. Do you live in an area that has hard water? In that case, you may need to descale more frequently.
If I use Keurig Rinse Pods, do I still need to descale?
Yes! Both Keurig Rinse Capsules and Descaling Solution contain citric acid, but they have different uses. A rinse pod goes in the K cup holder and only cleans that area. A descaler goes into the water tank and runs all the way through the brewery. This allows the solution to remove limescale from all areas where water flows.