The Simple Fix to Turn Off Your Keurig's Descale Light

5 min read SEP 05, 2023

The descale light in a coffee machine can illuminate for various reasons, and one is the accumulation of calcium or dirt particles that impede the machine's internal components, ultimately leading to a malfunction. Another factor that can trigger the descaling light is when refillable K-cups are used and packed too tightly, causing water flow restriction within the machine.

It is recommended that users descale their coffee machines regularly to remove any mineral buildup and use refillable K-cups with a moderate amount of coffee grounds to ensure proper water flow to prevent such occurrences. Neglecting these maintenance practices can result in the machine breaking down, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

How to Fix It?


It is important to clean/descale the machine every three months to maintain the optimal functionality of your Keurig. If the Keurig descale light has turned on, it is time to perform this essential cleaning process. Fortunately, we have a helpful, in-depth guide on effectively descaling your Keurig and restoring your machine to its prime condition.

The following are the step-by-step instructions to describe your Keurig and eliminate the pesky descale light. Following these instructions will ensure that your Keurig functions at its best.

1. Ensure that your Keurig is turned off and all power sources are disconnected.

2. Locate the water filter and remove it from inside the machine.

3. Once this has been done, it is time to pour in the descaling solution to thoroughly clean out any buildup or debris lingering in the machine.

4. After adding the solution, switch the machine on and place a cup underneath to catch any excess liquid.

5. Pour the mixture down a safe spot, such as a sink.

6. Once the brewing cycle is complete, it is important to rinse the water reservoir to remove any remaining solution.

Although we have provided steps for fixing this issue, there may still be instances where the descale message persists. To address this, further troubleshooting may be required to ensure that your Keurig machine is functioning correctly.

Keurig Duo Descale Light Stays On


The Keurig Duo descale light staying on is a typical issue users face. However, your Keurig Duo can be easy; follow the simple steps. If cleaning the machine does not turn off the descale light, simply press the 8oz and 10oz buttons for 5 seconds, and the light will switch off.

What If Descale Doesn't Work?

If the descaling process for your Keurig machine does not appear to be effective and the descale light remains lit, it is imperative to take further action. A significant amount of scale buildup may obstruct the water flow, impeding the descaling process's effectiveness. In such a case, it is recommended to repeat the process with an additional solution or opt for an even stronger solution, such as vinegar, to descale the machine.

Letting the machine sit for an extended period, up to an hour or two, is pertinent to allow the vinegar solution to dissolve the buildup effectively. In rare cases where the buildup is particularly tenacious, citric acid can be utilized to pierce through even the most stubborn accumulations.

The descale light on a Keurig machine is intended to indicate any blockages affecting the flow of water through the machine. If, despite your best efforts, the descale light remains on, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the cause of the obstruction- such as an obstructed pipe or the use of excessively large cups that could overwhelm the machine's functional capacity. By identifying and addressing the source of the blockage, you can ensure the optimal performance of your Keurig machine and enjoy endless cups of fresh, delicious coffee.

Cleaning The Keurig Exit Needle


If you've ever encountered an issue where your Keurig isn't brewing any coffee, it could be due to a blocked exit needle. This minuscule needle penetrates the bump at the bottom of your K-cup but can sometimes become clogged with coffee grounds or other debris.

Thankfully, resolving this issue is relatively simple. You can dislodge the blockage and clean the needle by inserting a sewing needle or paper clip. It is an important step to remember when descaling your Keurig, as it ensures that your machine is functioning properly and you can brew a fresh cup of coffee without any issues.

How Often Should You Descale My Keurig?

It is recommended that you descale it every three months To ensure that your Keurig always brews a perfect cup of coffee. However, the frequency may vary depending on your usage. If you are a regular user who consumes multiple cups every day, you may have to descale your machine more frequently.

But that's not all. You must also be proactive in changing the water filter every two months and cleaning it to avoid a stale taste in your coffee. Failing to do so may cause the taste to deteriorate, ruining your coffee experience. So, follow these steps diligently to keep your Keurig in excellent condition, ensuring a delightful cup of coffee every time.

Conclusion


A descaling light in your coffee maker is an essential feature that reminds you to frequently clean your machine, making it safer to use. Neglecting regular cleaning can cause a buildup of grime and dirt within the device, leading to the malfunctioning of the coffee maker. Therefore, cleaning your coffee maker thoroughly when the descale light illuminates is crucial.

However, if the light persists even after cleaning, you might need to perform an additional deep cleaning to remove stubborn dirt, preventing the device's proper functioning. Therefore, ensure you prioritize cleaning your coffee maker using the descale light feature to enhance your coffee experience and extend its lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the descale light to illuminate in a Keurig coffee maker?


The descale light can turn on due to the accumulation of calcium or dirt particles that impede the machine's internal components or when refillable K-cups are used and packed too tightly, causing water flow restriction within the machine.

What is the best descale solution to use for my Keurig coffee maker?


Various descale solutions are available in the market, and you can choose any of them. However, it is recommended to use Keurig's descale solution as it is specifically created for Keurig machines and is relatively efficient in removing buildup and maintaining the functionality of your device.

How often should I descale my Keurig?


Descaling your Keurig every three months is recommended, but the frequency may vary depending on usage.

What should I do if the descale light persists even after cleaning?


If the descale light remains on after cleaning, it may be necessary to perform an additional deep cleaning to remove stubborn dirt or investigate other sources of obstruction, such as an obstructed pipe.

How can I clean the exit needle in my Keurig?


To clean the exit needle, you can use a sewing needle or paper clip to dislodge any blockages and clean the needle thoroughly. It is important to ensure that your Keurig functions properly and can brew a fresh cup of coffee without any issues.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Coffee Pods.

References:
https://recipemarker.com/keurig-descale-light-stays-on-what-to-do/
https://millennialhomeowner.com/keurig-descale-light-stays-on/
https://thecozycoffee.com/keurig-descale-light-stays-on/

Drop a Comment

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Angela

New machine, not even a year old…..descaling light will not shut off, and won’t Even give me a full cup of coffee. I’ve tried everything

JACK HERMAN

I should have read this before calling Keurig Customer Service whose employees are all rapid-speaking and heavy accented Philippinos who deliberately place you on hold.
I do not believe I’ll purchase another K Series machine with that kind of “support”!

Greg Hartman

Less than month old , scale wound go off. Could face could face the Sledge Hammer I know 8 &10

M Turk

I found that the Keurig has to be in the Descale Mode for the flashing Descale light to out at the end of the cleaning/rinsing processes. To enter the Descale mode; with it powered off, hold the 8 oz and 12 oz buttons down together for about 3 seconds. Then turn it on and the flashing descale light turns SOLID (not flashing) and then the machine is in the descale mode. If the descale light is still flashing – hold the 8oz and 12oz buttons down together while the power is on, for about 3 or so seconds and the descale light should turn sold. The center brew button should begin to flash, so then press the center brew button to begin the cleansing cycle having the descaling liquid flow through the reservoir while repeatedly pressing the brew button and emptying a 12 oz mug each time until the add water light comes on. Then rinse and refill the reservoir with cold water and run a rinse cycle through while repeatedly pressing the brew button and emptying the mug or cup until the add water light comes on. Two cycles of running out of water are necessary for the descale process to be completed. About now the Descale light will go out. So then flush/rinse out the near empty water reservoir with clean water and refill and it is done.

Ralph Martinez

I have used your descaling solution following the instructions. Light still on. used vinegar for a second attempt to clean and descale. Again followed the instructions. Same result light still on. After several attempts to turn light off, I don’t think I will buy your coffee maker in the future. Little things that should work, like the little light that won’t turn off after several attempts, tend to frustrate me.

Ralph Martinez

Sophia

After descaling 4 times and letting in sit for 30 minutes with full strength white vinegar I finally got the descale light to shutoff yes ! It only took me 3 hours!

KD Matthews

I have a Keurig model K900. Before you start the descaling process, fill the reservoir with the cleaning solution and water. Descaling operates on a timer and utilizes 2 reservoirs of water to complete the process. With the unit off, press the 8 oz and 10 oz buttons together. A solid descale light will come on, not blinking. The “K” will blink in the middle. Press the “K” and the process will begin. You will go through 2 reservoirs. The first is the cleaning and the second is the rinse. Contine to press the “K” after each cup of water until the Descale light goes off. It goes off after the rinse cycle. I hope this helps.

Deb

KEURIG YOU SUCK…I WILL NEVER BUY AGAIN…This frecken descaling crap is frustrating…ITs been three days have repeated every step and even some suggestions below and the light is still on

David Tremblay

What a $!‘!!$&@‘/(&$ joke. I have tried every remedy listed here, ran a descaler twice, light keeps flashing. 3rd machine in < 6 years, never again I will go back to the old fashioned coffee pot and grounds.

Ann Lee

Finally got descale off! With the unit plugged in but not turned on press 8 oz and 10 oz for 10 seconds. Then press power on and lift it open. Close it and run a cup of water through it, I did 12 oz. The descale was gone!

Gennave Hernandez

This is my second machine both time had issues descaling it tried everything and nothing first time called sent all information said wrong numbers but it wasn’t said we will make good send me another never did will never buy another kueric coffee machine and will not recommend it to anyone

Pat

Tried 2 descale. I ran cleaner thru it. I have run about 10 full water thru. Light still on. I did all the steps again today. Light still on. I ran 10 more cups thru, still on. I have pressed 10 and 8.. Still on. What wilk fix besides a hammer?

Nancy

I have tried descaling twice. I have cleaned all parts I can find including exit needle. I have tried 8 and 10 and 12 and 10. Nothing is working.

Bev

I’m cleaning my duo coffee machine with vinegar it won’t run water through and I can’t shut off the descaling light I’ve tried holding Dow the 8&10 cup buttons for 5 seconds and light is still on

Bev

I’m cleaning my duo coffee machine with vinegar it won’t run water through and I can’t shut off the descaling light I’ve tried holding Dow the 8&10 cup buttons for 5 seconds and light is still on

Kim

12 and 10 worked!

DEBBYE

Thanks for your comments. I called customer service and they were supposed to send me a video telling me what to do to get the descale light off. Read the comment about turning the coffee pot off after cleaning it and pressing the 8 oz and 10 oz buttons at the same time. IT WORKED. Would have been so much easier if customer service had just told me that! Thanks again for the feedback!!!!!

Greg

Ok, I have tried everything mentioned to get the descale light out. If it doesn’t require descaling may be an obstructed water line. How do I fix that, short of smashing this entire unit.
signed,Totally frustrated

Trish

What crap these coffee makers are . I have owned 3 and none lasted more than a year . Now the descale light issue . Tried all the suggestions ,nothing works!

Chris

Descale light must be solid not blinking. Turn Keurig off. Press 8 and 10 oz buttons simultaneously. Descale light will turn solid. Center K button will be blinking. With water filled, push Center K button to fill cup. Empty water from cup, wait until Center K button starts blinking again. With empty cup ready, push Center K button. Repeat Center L water flushing cycle until add water light starts blinking. Add water and continue water flushing cycle until solid descale button turns off.

Sandra Orser

Purchased a kuerig 2years ago to use when we go camping, 2-3 weekends a year. Descaled it and the light will NOT shut off. Have done everything recommended and still the light shines brightly. (Ican’t imagine how often I would have to descale it if we used it everyday) This will be my LAST kuerig.

Glenda

I cleaned the machine with vinegar and water and the descaled light stays on held 8and10 oz buttons for 10 sec it still doesn’t work now what

Penny

Tried to shut descaling light following the instructions by pressing 10 oz. and 8 oz. buttons, but it’s still in. Help

Barbara

Thanks everyone for your help,my light went off,now I can enjoy my coffee ☕️

Carolyn

Thanks! Same problem getting the descale button to turn off after descaling. Turned the unit OFF while plugged in, then pushed the 8 and 10oz at the same time. It worked!!