What Is In keurig Descaling Solution
Are you looking for information about what is in Keurig’s descaling solution?
If so, then you are certainly not alone. Many people search for this answer daily. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. But don’t worry, I am here to help!
This blog post will give you the low down on what’s actually in a Keurig descaling solution and whether it’s a good idea to purchase one.
What is a Keurig Descaling solution?
After running the grounds through the machine, many people use the Keurig descaling solution to ‘reset’ the coffee maker. It’s been used by many people, so many that it’s considered a standard procedure by most.
But, unfortunately, many dangerous bacteria and impurities in the water get stuck in the machine after being used.
Descaling solution is a liquid chemical used to remove limescale off metal surfaces, such as those found in coffee machines. And, to make the procedure better, this chemical is combined with hot water.
This specific procedure is usually done to remove limescale in coffee machines or other appliances with similar metal for the thing you need to clean.
Many people use this procedure to get rid of the unpleasant smell of their coffee maker.
Why do you need to descale your machines?
It is important to descale your coffee maker because of limescale, a mineral deposit that builds up over time.
Many things can cause this mineral buildup, including your water source and the minerals in your tap water.
In addition, limescale builds up on the heating element inside the machine, blocking parts from heating up as they should.
A blocked heating element can wreak havoc on the brew temperature of your coffee as well as the taste of it.
What is actually in the Keurig Descaling solution?
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients in the Keurig descaling solution. The components can vary depending on the specific manufacturer, but in most cases, they are similar. The elements are usually made up of an acid, a bi-product of the acid, and water.
- Citric Acid: This is used in many products to neutralize acidic and abrasive substances. It can be considered a cleaning agent and is used in countless cleaners and other products.
Nearly all food and drink items will contain this ingredient, including toothpaste, mouthwash, and even your toothbrushes. Unfortunately, the chemical is highly corrosive.
- Water: This is the main ingredient in most solutions, made up of dozens or even hundreds of different types of water molecules.
Water is essential to all living organisms for apparent reasons, but it can cause problems if impurities or microbes are present. It ranges from bacteria to toxic chemicals to even chloramines.
- Silicic Acid: Silicic acid (orthosilicic acid) is a non-aqueous solution synthesized chemical. It is mainly used in agriculture to guard against conditions such as osteoarthritis by increasing cartilage collagen production.
About 2% to 4% silicic acid is required in the Keurig manufacturing process. It will aid in acidifying the alkali metals' solution.
- Bleaching & Phosphates Agents: This is not the solution for you if you are looking for an environmentally friendly process. Bleaching agents are typically not ecologically friendly.
However, the bleaching agents used in the Keurig descaling solution will shed some light on this. Typically sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), or sodium percarbonates.
These highly alkaline chemicals are used to improve the appearance of water by reducing the number of suspended particles in it.
Phosphates are widely used in non-organic farming for fertilizers but can also be used in cleaners and other household chemicals to help keep them from clumping.
Can I make my own Keurig Descaling Solution?
You can make your own descaling solution out of vinegar and water. Just pour a cup of white vinegar into your device and run it through a brew cycle. This solution will remove any calcium buildup or other impurities that are in your machine and leave it smelling fresh. Plus, there is no need to purchase an expensive descaling solution!
Can I use CLR to descale my Keurig?
Please don’t use CLR to descale your Keurig. You can find plenty of homemade descaling solution recipes online, but none of them compare to what Keurig has to offer. The citric acid in the product will remove the mineral deposits in your machine and leave it smelling new again.
Can you clean a Keurig with hydrogen peroxide?
Using hydrogen peroxide to clean a Keurig machine doesn’t work. Hydrogen peroxide is an unstable oxidizer that breaks down quickly in the presence of metals and will not work to break up or remove limescale. In addition, it cannot be used as an acid at a high pH level, because the high concentration of oxygen will cause the solution to decompose and release oxygen gas, resulting in bubbling and foaming.
What is a good descaler?
We recommend using descaling solutions like Primex that have a combination of citric acid and bi-product of the acid (such as sodium carbonate) and water. A good descaler also works to remove water scale from the heating element of your coffee machine.
Conclusion:
These are the most common ingredients in the Keurig descaling solution. They are all used to neutralize or help remove impurities found in water, specifically in mineral deposits. There are many brands of products on the market these days.
Some people use vinegar; others use lemon juice. But, they all have similar ingredients listed above depending on if they are using an "eco-friendly" or "nano" product.
So, if you are still having trouble deciding what to buy, choose a popular or known brand. That way, you can speak to customer service if you have any unanswered questions!
