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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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!!

Laurie Bruyere

I’m.so frustrated with this descaling button. I’m throwing out this machine. I’ve had 3 in the past year and I do clean them I wipe it down after each use but they are worth the money they are crap
.I’ll be going to another brand I’m sick of.keurig they can keep their broken machines

Florence

Same descaling light problem. Unit plugged into the outlet, power off, pushed both 8 and 10 ounce cup buttons together for 10 seconds. Lights flashed and an ounce of liquid dispensed. Descaling light off!

Tony

I’m trying to descale my Keurig Duo Essentials and I can’t get the light to go out and no solution is dispensing as to clean the machine. What should I do next to fix this problem. I’m using the Keurig solution to clean.

Gillian W

Doesn’t work for me.. tried pressing any and all buttons with the power off and the descale stays on. I’ve run a cleaning pod through and I have a full stream- no blockages. What gives?!

Dirk

Tried all the 8oz and 10oz tricks. Also 10 and 12.
It ONLY worked when I did this with the power off! (Not while the descale light is flashing)
Hope this helps!
Dirk

Cheryl

Make sure power button is turned off while holding the 5 and 10 buttons. This finally worked for me.

Patricia

I descaled my Keurig machine for the second time. Only 6 months old. Use only filtered water in machine. Descale light would not go off until I held the 10 and 8 oz buttons at the same time for 5 seconds. Tried several remedies and this worked.

Gunilla

Had the same problem like everyone else and did everything right also pushed 10 and 8oz buttons. Didn’t work finely I tried to push 12 and 10 instead and that worked 🙃

Don Jarvis

Buy a new one

Andria Nicosia

I have read the comments below and I have the same problem. The descale light will not turn off after the descaling process is complete. How is this problem resolved.

Linda Rybarczyk

I have descale my keurig several times and the light doesn’t go off!! This is a rather new and I clean it often. Help!!!

Evelyn Woods

Same problem as others. No matter what I do the descale light.stays on

Coffee Drinker

This is stupid, I use purified water and I don’t need to do this. There should be a way to disable this.

JC

Same here. Descale light blinks. Frustrating to say the least. I have black electrical tape and I’m gonna cover it. Problem solved!

Maurene C

Followed manufacturers descale process without success. Then followed Jim’s (April 24, 2024) advice:
“Leave unit plugged in, but turn it OFF, then hold the 8 and 10 oz buttons for 5 seconds, then turn back ON. The light went OFF.”
This worked for me and my coffee unit. Thank you, Jim, for posting these instructions!

Cheryl

I agree with everyone about the descale light. I descaled my K slim at 3 months with no descale light, to be on the safe side. The descale came on about 2 months after. I have descaled again with Keurig solution per instructions and the blinking, irritating light has not and will not go off! When this one kicks the bucket, I will definitely select a different brand..

Frances A DuranI

Descaled the product as required and the descale light never goes off even when I have done everything right and pressed the necessary buttons to turn the light off. Another piece of junk

Janet

Last cleaning descale light stayed on. Did the 8 & 10 trick & it worked. Didnt this time. Disgusted.