Best Coffee Maker Descaler: How to Use & Why

Take some advice from Jerry Maguire and listen to your coffee maker when the “Clean” notification pops on:

“Help me, help you!”

Over time, mineral buildup in your coffee machine can dull the flavor and shorten its lifespan. That’s why regular descaling is a must.

I’ve tried powders and tablets, but Impresa’s Liquid Descaler is hands down my favorite — easy to use and super effective. It’s a #1 Best Seller on Amazon for a reason!

In this guide (and video directly below), I’ll walk you through how to use this descaler on my Bunn coffee maker and explain why descaling is essential for keeping your machine clean, your coffee tasting fresh, and your brewer running smoothly.

Descaler (2 Pack, 2 Uses Per Bottle) - Made in the USA - Universal Descaling Solution for Keurig, Nespresso, Delonghi and All Single Use Coffee and Espresso Machines

Also, for reference as you go through this guide. I demo the descaler on the BUNN Heat N Brew (link below), I’ve owned for 5+ years and it continues to run strong!

BUNN Heat N Brew Programmable Coffee Maker, 10 cup, Stainless Steel, HB

My Quick Video Review

Here’s a quick video review of the Impresa Coffee Maker Descaler solution, which comes in a 2-pack (2 uses per bottle):

Other Coffee stuff you may like

• Need a new coffee mug? Check out my listing of coffee mugs for Dad! Funny, Dad Jokes, Cool & Unique, “World’s Best”, Personalized, and much more!
• Clean water! 99% of coffee is water. A great-tasting cup of coffee starts with quality water. See my review of the Epic Water Filter, my family trusts this brand every single day.

I’ve been using Impresa Descaler Liquid Solution for a few years, and I have to say, it’s the best descaler I’ve used. I’ve tried powder and tablets, but this liquid is easy to use and incredibly effective.

As someone who relies heavily on my BUNN coffee machine, I know how important it is to me (and my wife!) to keep it running smoothly. Every few months I’ll get the “Clean” alert, which means there is limescale build-up. Impresa’s universal descaling solution is a great choice for my BUNN Heat N Brew. It also works on machines like Keurig, Nespresso, and Delonghi. I always look for products that are made in the USA, so this one ticked that box too.

Descaler (2 Pack, 2 Uses Per Bottle) - Made in the USA - Universal Descaling Solution for Keurig, Nespresso, Delonghi and All Single Use Coffee and Espresso Machines

In this review, I’ll break down the pros and cons I found while using this descaler. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of whether this descaler is worth your time and money and what descaling does for a coffee machine/maker.

Also, don’t miss 3 other descaler options below.

Why Descaling your Coffee Maker/Machine is critical

Let’s quickly talk about:

• Why does my coffee maker say descale?
• Why should I descale my coffee maker?

There’s a difference between descaling and cleaning your coffee maker.

Descaling and cleaning your coffee maker are often confused, but they serve different purposes.Urnex

Descaling vs Cleaning

• Descaling removes mineral buildup (like calcium and limescale) from water, which can clog internal parts and affect performance.
• Cleaning, on the other hand, focuses on removing coffee oils, residue, and bacteria that accumulate over time, preventing mold and off-flavors.

Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium present in water accumulate as limescale on the machine’s heating elements. This buildup can hinder the water from reaching its ideal brewing temperature, leading to under-extracted, less flavorful coffee. Additionally, limescale can clog water flow, potentially causing the machine to malfunction.

Limescale decreases efficiency

Neglecting to descale not only affects coffee quality but also reduces the machine’s efficiency. A mere one-millimeter layer of limescale can increase energy consumption by up to 10%, as the heating element works harder to achieve the desired temperature.

Descaler (2 Pack, 2 Uses Per Bottle) - Made in the USA - Universal Descaling Solution for Keurig, Nespresso, Delonghi and All Single Use Coffee and Espresso Machines

Pros and Cons of Impresa Coffee Descaler

What I Liked

1. Highly Effective – I was amazed at how well this descaler worked. My BUNN coffee maker was back to brewing delicious coffee after just one session.
2. Easy-to-Use – The instructions were super straightforward. Just mix it with water and run it through the machine. No guesswork is involved.
3. Great Value – With two bottles and 4 uses, this provides around 1 year of supply (I clean every 2-3 months)
4. Versatile – I love that it’s compatible with so many brands.

What Can Be Improved

1. Bottle Design – I’m totally nitpicking here, but I wish the bottle was a tad bit clearer with a half-bottle marking to avoid any guesswork in how much I poured out.

Quick Verdict

Overall, the Impresa Descaler Liquid Solution is a solid investment for anyone who wants to keep their coffee machine/maker in great shape and extend its life. I’ve incorporated this descaling routine into my regular coffee maintenance. If you’re serious about your coffee, this product deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Unboxing

I ordered this descaler from Amazon and decided to order the 2-pack. The bottles were well-sealed, and I appreciated the easy instructions right on the back of the label. Each bottle is intended for two uses, which means I have enough for 4 thorough cleanings. No additional items or accessories were included.

Descaler (2 Pack, 2 Uses Per Bottle) - Made in the USA - Universal Descaling Solution for Keurig, Nespresso, Delonghi and All Single Use Coffee and Espresso Machines

Specifications

• Brand: IMPRESA
• Item Volume: 8 Fluid Ounces per bottle
• Specific Uses For Product: Coffee Machine Descaler
• Scent: Unscented
• Item Form: Liquid
• Made In: USA

Instructions

The instructions for use are directly on the back of the bottle, no instruction manual or extra paper to keep around.

Features – What I Found

Effective Dual-Package Solution for Extended Use

When I first got my hands on the Impresa Coffee Descaler, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it comes in a convenient two-pack, with each bottle containing 8 ounces of solution. This means I can effectively carry out four descaling sessions, as each session requires just half a bottle.

Using the descaler every 2-3 months has become part of my regular coffee maintenance routine. I’ve noticed that my machine operates more efficiently and the taste of my coffee has improved significantly. This dual-package solution not only saves me money compared to purchasing single-use products.

Pro-tip: Most coffee makers will have a “Clean” alert, so need to add noise to your calendar/reminders.

Highly Compatible with Various Coffee Machines

It’s great to know that this coffee descaler is not just limited to certain brands. The versatility of this product means that it can be used with virtually all single-use coffee and espresso machines, including popular brands like Keurig, Nespresso, and Delonghi. Imagine the freedom of having a single solution that works across all your machines – no more hunting for brand-specific cleaners.

By using a descaler that’s designed to be compatible with a wide range of machines, you save time and effort. You won’t need to stress about whether a specific product is right for your coffee maker. Instead, you can enjoy your coffee with peace of mind, knowing that you’re using a cleaning solution that’s effective for your equipment.

Descaler (2 Pack, 2 Uses Per Bottle) - Made in the USA - Universal Descaling Solution for Keurig, Nespresso, Delonghi and All Single Use Coffee and Espresso Machines

Preservation of Your Coffee Machine’s Lifespan

One of the standout features of this descaling solution is its ability to preserve the lifespan of your coffee machine. The formula works by effectively breaking down mineral deposits and limescale that can accumulate over time, especially in machines that use water with higher mineral content. This build-up can lead to corrosion and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your coffee maker.

By using the descaler regularly, you’re not just cleaning your machine; you’re actively preventing damage that could affect its performance. This means your investment in a quality coffee maker is protected, and you can continue to enjoy great-tasting coffee without the worry of malfunctioning due to neglect.

It’s like giving your machine a spa day every few months!

Simple and Effective Cleaning Routine

From my experience, using the Impresa Coffee Descaler is a straightforward process.

1. Mix the solution with water as instructed, and run it through my machine (I pour it right into the coffee maker)
2. Then, repeat 2 more times with JUST water

The best part is that I can visually see the difference it makes; my coffee maker looks and performs like new after each session. In less than an hour, I can complete the whole descaling process, allowing me to get back to enjoying my coffee without worrying about the build-up of residue.

Pro-tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine to ensure the descaling process is safe and effective.

Improved Taste and Quality of Coffee

By maintaining a clean coffee machine with a reliable descaling solution, you ensure that the quality of your coffee remains high. Over time, limescale and mineral build-up can alter not just the functionality of your machine but also the flavor and aroma of your brewed coffee.

When you use a descaler, you’re essentially restoring your machine to its optimal state.

The science behind this is relatively simple: a clean machine means better water flow and heat distribution, which are crucial for extracting the flavors from your coffee grounds. When you eliminate limescale build-up, you allow the water to flow freely, ensuring a more consistent and flavorful brew every time. As a result, you can enjoy that rich, aromatic cup of coffee that you love without any bitter or off-tasting notes caused by a dirty machine.

Why this Dad loves this product

Using the Impresa Coffee Descaler has truly transformed my coffee-making experience. From the first use, I noticed a significant difference in the taste of my coffee. With just half a bottle needed for each session, I appreciate the value this product offers, allowing me to get up to four cleanings with two bottles.

Descaler (2 Pack, 2 Uses Per Bottle) - Made in the USA - Universal Descaling Solution for Keurig, Nespresso, Delonghi and All Single Use Coffee and Espresso Machines

This descaler is highly versatile, working wonders not only on my BUNN but many other coffee machines. I’ve never had any issues with aftertaste or bitterness, which I’ve experienced with other cleaning solutions in the past. It feels great knowing that I’m using a product that’s made in the USA and is designed to preserve my machines.

If you want to keep your coffee machines running smoothly and extend their lifespan, I highly recommend trying this descaler.

Other Coffee Maker descaler cleaners

Here are a few other options you may want to explore depending on the type of coffee maker you have and your preference of form (i.e. K-Cup, power, tablet):

Quick & Clean [6-Pack] Keurig Cleaning Pods - K Cup Cleaner Pod For Keurig - 2.0 Coffee Machine Compatible, Removes Stains, Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly

Descaling Powder Solution - 4 Uses - Activated Scale Remover for use with Keurig 1.0/2.0, Home Coffee and Espresso Machines, Kettles, Garment Steamers

Coffee Machine Cleaner Descaler Tablets - 24 Count, Compatible With Nespresso, Keurig, Ninja, Delonghi, Miele, Coffee Maker Pot Descaling & Cleaning Tabs, Descale Drip Coffe And Espresso Machines

1. Keurig cleaning pod – Quick & Clean [6-Pack] Keurig Cleaning Pods
2. Powder – Don’t want to use a liquid? I have tried this Urnex Descaling Powder Solution. But, I didn’t like the mess of a powder.
3. Tablets – These descaler tablets [24 Count] are an alternative to pods (if you don’t have Keurig), liquid, or powder descaler.

Dad’s Final Thoughts

Look, I love coffee — a lot. But nothing ruins a great cup faster than a coffee maker clogged with mineral buildup.

If you’ve been putting off cleaning your machine, take this as your sign to just do it — your taste buds will thank you.

Oh, and fun fact: espresso machines in Italy are legally required to be cleaned regularly to maintain quality. If it’s that serious for the pros, maybe we Dads should take a hint!