Keurig Won’t Turn on After Descaling: 6 Easy Ways To Fix It

Keurig machines are famous for their convenience and ease of use, but they can experience problems from time to time. One such issue is when the Keurig won’t turn on after the descaling process.

Descaling is a necessary process that removes mineral buildup in the coffee maker and ensures it runs smoothly, but it can also cause problems if not done correctly.

If you get a descaling warning, we will discuss the common issue in this blog post and provide six easy ways to fix it.

Why is your Keurig not Turning on after the Descaling cycle?

To be sure of how to do a proper descaling process, here is the normal descale method:

1. Mix a descaling solution. You may buy a descaling solution or create your own by combining equal parts water and white vinegar.
2. After adding the descaling solution, fill the reservoir with water up to the fill line.
3. Replace the water reservoir and turn the Keurig on. Place a large mug or cup on the drip tray.
4. Run a brew cycle without a K-cup by pressing the brew button. When the cycle is complete, pour the mug’s contents into the sink and repeat this step until the “add water” light comes on.
5. Allow the Keurig to sit for 30 minutes with the descaling solution inside. This allows the solution to dissolve mineral deposits and buildup inside the machine.
6. After 30 minutes, remove the water reservoir and dump any remaining descaling solution. Rinse the reservoir thoroughly with water and refill it with clean water.
7. Replace the water reservoir and run several brew cycles without a K-cup to flush out any remaining descaling solution.

Suppose you need to get Keurig’s official descaling solution or prefer not to use it. In that case, there are a few alternatives of homemade descaling solutions that you can use to descale your Keurig effectively. Here are some options:

1. White Vinegar Method

White vinegar is an effective and inexpensive alternative to Keurig’s descaling solution. Use a mixture of white vinegar and water to descale your coffee maker.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice can also be used to descale your Keurig. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water and use this solution to descale your Keurig.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural cleaner that can be used to descale your Keurig. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1 quart of water and use this solution to descale your coffee maker.

Several other possible reasons your Keurig may not turn on after descaling. These include:

1. A malfunctioning power source
2. A clogged water line
3. A faulty heating element
4. A faulty power button
5. Overheating
6. Software glitches

If any of these issues occur, it can prevent Keurig from turning on or functioning properly. It’s essential to identify the specific cause of the problem to find the appropriate solution to fix the issue.

How to Fix a Keurig that won’t Turn on after Descaling?

Now that we’ve identified the possible causes let’s discuss how to fix the issue. Here are six easy ways to get your Keurig up and running again:

1. A Malfunctioning Power source

If your Keurig won’t turn on after descaling due to a malfunctioning power source, the first step is to check the power source itself. Ensure that the Keurig machine is correctly plugged into a functioning power outlet. Try plugging the device into a different outlet to ensure the problem is not with the original outlet.

If the outlet is functioning properly and the coffee maker is still not turning on, you may need to check the power cord for any visible signs of damage or wear. Contact Keurig customer service if the power cord looks to be broken.

In some cases, resetting your coffee machines can also help fix the issue. Disconnect the appliance for a few minutes, then reconnect it. This can reset the electrical system and resolve any power issues preventing the Keurig from turning on.

2. A Clogged Water line

If your Keurig doesn’t turn on after descaling due to a clogged water line, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue. Here’s how:

1. Start by unplugging the Keurig and removing the water reservoir. Check the water line for any visible signs of mineral buildup or debris. If you notice any clogs, use a paper clip or a needle to remove the buildup carefully.
2. Next, fill the reservoir with fresh water and replace it in the Keurig. Turn the machine on and run a brew cycle without a K-cup. This can help flush out any remaining debris or mineral buildup in the water line.
3. Run a vinegar solution through the machine if the water line is still clogged. Pour the solution into the water reservoir after combining equal quantities of white vinegar and water. Run the machine through several brew cycles without a K-cup until the reservoir is empty. This can help dissolve any remaining mineral deposits and unclog the water line.
4. Once you’ve cleared the water line, fill the reservoir with fresh water and run several brew cycles without a K-cup to flush out any remaining vinegar or debris. Your Keurig should now be ready to use.

3. A Faulty Heating Element

If your Keurig doesn’t switch on after descaling because of a malfunctioning heating element, you may do a few actions to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Here’s how:

1. Start by unplugging the Keurig and allowing it to cool down completely. This can help prevent any potential injury from hot water or parts.
2. Remove the water reservoir and ensure that it is full. Turn the machine on and wait for it to heat up. The heating element may be faulty if the device does not heat up or the water does not get hot.
3. If you suspect the heating element is the issue, contact Keurig customer support for assistance. They can assist you in troubleshooting the problem or, if necessary, offer a replacement heating element.
4. While waiting for assistance, you can perform a factory reset on your Keurig. This helps fix software glitches that may be causing the machine to malfunction. The steps for performing a factory reset can be found in the Keurig user manual.
5. Suppose you have experience working with electronics and feel comfortable doing so. In that case, you can also try opening up the Keurig and inspecting the heating element for any visible signs of damage or wear. If you notice any damage, it may be necessary to replace the heating element.

4. A Faulty Power Button

If your Keurig doesn’t switch on after descaling owing to a malfunctioning power button, you may troubleshoot and solve the problem. Here’s how:

1. Start by unplugging the Keurig and examining the power button for any visible signs of damage or wear. If the button appears damaged or stuck, it may need to be replaced.
2. If the button works properly, consider resetting the Keurig by disconnecting it for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. This can occasionally assist in resolving software bugs causing the power button to misbehave.

5. Check the Thermostat

A possible cause may be a malfunctioning thermostat. The thermostat controls the temperature of the water in the Keurig, ensuring that it is hot enough to make coffee.

Here’s how to check the thermostat:

1. Start by unplugging the Keurig and allowing it to cool down completely. This can help prevent any potential injury from hot water or parts.
2. Remove the water reservoir and ensure that it is full. Turn the machine on and wait for it to heat up. The thermostat may be faulty if the device does not heat up or the water does not get hot.
3. If you suspect the thermostat is the issue, contact Keurig customer support for assistance.
4. While waiting for assistance, you can perform a factory reset on your Keurig. This helps fix software glitches that may be causing the machine to malfunction. The steps for performing a factory reset can be found in the Keurig user manual.
5. Suppose you have experience working with electronics and feel comfortable doing so. In that case, you can also try opening up the Keurig and inspecting the thermostat for any visible signs of damage or wear. If you notice any damage, it may be necessary to replace the thermostat.

6. Software Glitches

If your Keurig does not come on after descaling owing to software issues, you may use numerous methods to investigate and resolve the problem. Here’s how:

1. Start by unplugging the Keurig and allowing it to cool down completely. This can help prevent any potential injury from hot water or parts.
2. Check the Keurig’s internal components, such as the circuit board or the pump, for any visible signs of damage or wear. If you notice any damage, it may be necessary to replace the damaged components.
3. If you suspect software glitches may cause the issue, try factory resetting your Keurig. This can sometimes help fix software issues preventing the machine from turning on.
4. You may need to update Keurig’s software if a factory reset does not work. Check the Keurig website for any available updates, or contact Keurig customer support for assistance.

It’s essential to identify the specific cause of the issue to find the appropriate solution to fix the problem. Following these steps, you can ensure your Keurig is functioning properly and brewing delicious coffee.