Troubleshooting the Breville Clean Descaling Light Flashing Issue

If you own a Breville coffee machine or kettle, you may have encountered a situation where the clean descale light starts flashing.

This frustrating issue can disrupt your daily routine and leave you wondering what steps to take next.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the common causes behind the Breville clean descale light flashing and provide you with effective troubleshooting tips to resolve the problem.

By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to keep your Breville appliance in optimal condition and enjoy a seamless brewing or boiling experience.

So, let’s dive in and uncover the solutions to this vexing dilemma.

Troubleshooting Steps to Turn off the Breville Clean/Descale Light Flashing

If the clean/descale light is flashing on your Breville machine, indicating the need for cleaning, don’t worry!

Here are some steps you can take to turn off the flashing light:

  1. Ensure Proper Water Tank Filling:
    • Before initiating the cleaning process, make sure the water tank of your Breville Barista Express or other models is adequately filled.
  2. Follow Descaling Instructions:
    • Refer to the user manual or manufacturer’s instructions on how to perform a descale on your Breville machine.
    • Typically, this involves running a cleaning cycle using a descaling solution specifically designed for coffee machines or kettles.
  3. Reset the Machine:
    • After completing the cleaning cycle, turn off the machine.
    • Press and hold the 2 cup button and power button simultaneously for about 5 seconds.
    • This reset action should turn off the clean/descale light and restore normal functionality.
  4. Solid Light during Brewing:
    • If the clean/descale light remains on solid while a shot is being brewed, take the following steps:
      • Press and release either the 1 Cup or 2 Cup button to stop the shot.
      • Turn the machine off and repeat the reset process by pressing and holding the buttons as mentioned earlier.
  5. Distinguishing Cleaning and Descaling:
    • It’s important to differentiate between cleaning and descaling processes:
      • The clean me light indicates the need for backflushing.
      • The descale light indicates the need for descaling the machine.
    • It is recommended to descale your Breville machine every 3 to 6 months to maintain optimal performance.
  6. Contact Customer Support:
    • If you’ve followed the above steps and the clean/descale light is still persistently flashing, consider reaching out to Breville customer support.
    • They can offer additional troubleshooting assistance or arrange for repairs if your machine is still under guarantee.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you’ll be able to address the Breville clean/descale light flashing issue effectively and ensure the longevity of your machine’s performance.

Remember to consult your specific model’s manual for precise instructions tailored to your Breville appliance.

Descaling Steps for a Breville Espresso Machine

Descaling is a crucial maintenance task for your Breville espresso machine.

Follow these steps to effectively descale your machine and keep it in optimal condition:

  1. Recognize the Need for Descaling:
    • The ‘Clean/Descale’ light will turn on to indicate that it’s time to descale your Breville machine.
  2. Prepare the Machine:
    • Remove the water tank and empty the drip tray.
    • Dissolve one packet of Breville’s descaling solution (or use a 1:1 water-vinegar mixture) into 1 liter of warm water.
    • Pour the solution into the water tank, and re-insert the tank into the machine.
  3. Enter the ‘Descaling’ Mode:
    • Ensure the machine is turned off.
    • Press and hold the ‘2-cup’ and ‘power’ buttons simultaneously to enter the descaling mode.
  4. Descale the Coffee Component:
    • Press the ‘1-cup’ button to initiate the descaling process for the coffee component of the machine.
  5. Descale the Steam and Hot Water Components:
    • Turn the steam dial left to descale the steam component.
    • Then, turn the steam dial right to descale the hot water component.
  6. Rinse the Machine:
    • Once the descaling process is complete, rinse the machine by filling the water tank with clean water.
    • Run a cycle without coffee grounds to flush out any remaining descaling solution.
  7. Repeat the Rinsing Process:
    • Repeat the rinsing process until there is no scent leftover from the descaling solution and the water runs clear.
  8. Regular Descaling Frequency:
    • To avoid clogging and water-related issues, descale your Breville machine every 3-6 months.
    • Some Breville models have a built-in clean/descale light that automatically illuminates when descaling is required.

Note: You can use a 1:1 water-vinegar mixture as an alternative descaling solution instead of Breville’s descaling solution. Ensure thorough rinsing afterward.

By following these steps and maintaining a regular descaling routine, you’ll ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Breville espresso machine.

Refer to your specific model’s user manual for any additional descaling instructions or recommendations.

Resolving Persistent “Clean Me” Light On Breville Machines

If you’ve performed the cleaning cycles but the “Clean Me” light on your Breville machine is still illuminated, don’t worry!

Here are some additional steps to try before reaching out to customer support:

  1. Unplug and Wait:
    • First, try unplugging your machine from the power source and wait for a few minutes.
    • Then, plug it back in again. Sometimes, a simple reset can help resolve minor issues.
  2. Repeat the Cleaning Cycles:
    • If the “Clean Me” light persists, it’s worth attempting the cleaning cycles again.
    • Even a small mistake during the previous cycles could cause the light to stay on incorrectly.
  3. Skip Cleaning Tablets/Descaling Solution:
    • Since you’ve already used the cleaning tablets or descaling solution in previous cycles, you can skip them this time.
    • Focus on running the cleaning cycle itself without any additional cleaning agents.
  4. Perform the Cycles Again:
    • Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to run the cleaning cycles once more.
    • Ensure you are following the correct steps and paying attention to any specific requirements for your Breville model.
  5. Contact Breville Customer Support:
    • If the “Clean Me” light persists even after repeating the cycles, it’s recommended to contact Breville customer support.
    • They have specialized knowledge and may offer additional troubleshooting tips or solutions for your specific machine.
  6. Warranty and Repair:
    • If your Breville machine is still under guarantee and the “Clean Me” light remains on, customer support can assist you with repair options.
    • They may arrange for the machine to be repaired or provide further guidance based on the warranty coverage.

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and attempt to resolve the persistent “Clean Me” light on your Breville machine.

Remember to double-check the user manual or contact customer support for model-specific instructions or additional assistance if needed.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Breville coffee machine or kettle in prime condition is essential for consistently delicious brews and hassle-free operation.

When faced with the frustrating issue of the clean descale light flashing, it’s important to approach troubleshooting with the right steps in mind.

By following the tips and techniques provided in this blog post, you can effectively address the Breville clean descaling light flashing issue and restore your machine to its optimal performance. Remember to:

  • Ensure proper water tank filling before starting the cleaning process.
  • Follow the descaling instructions specific to your Breville model.
  • Reset the machine by pressing and holding the appropriate buttons.
  • Differentiate between cleaning and descaling processes.
  • Contact Breville customer support if further assistance is needed.

Regular descaling and maintenance are key to preventing potential issues and ensuring the longevity of your Breville appliance.

Refer to your user manual for model-specific instructions and recommendations to keep your machine running smoothly.

With the troubleshooting knowledge gained from this blog post, you can confidently resolve the clean descaling light flashing issue and continue enjoying your favorite beverages from your Breville machine for years to come.

Happy brewing!

Photo of author

Jacob Harris

Jacob is a coffee enthusiast who turned his passion into a career. As the owner and editor of Karma Coffee Cafe, he shares his extensive knowledge and recommendations, captivating fellow coffee lovers.

Leave a Comment