How To Fix Keurig K-Duo Descale Light That Won't Turn Off

Keurig K-Duo Descale Light Won’t Turn Off? (SOLVED)

Are you having issues with your Keurig K-Duo Descale Light not turning off even though you have descaled the Keurig machine? If so, you are not alone. Many users have reported difficulty when trying to turn off the descale light. Luckily, there is a way to help turn off the descale light when it keeps coming on.

In this article, I delve deep into the issue of the Keurig K Duo descale light that refuses to turn off, offering you a simple guide to perform a Keurig K-Duo descale reset. Let’s get your Keurig K-Duo back!

How To Reset Keurig Descale on Keurig Duo

If the descale light is still on after you clean your Keurig Duo, do the following to reset it:

  1. Unplug your brewer from the power source.
  2. Remove and clean the water tank, but don’t put it back just yet.
  3. Plug in the brewer again and press the start button.
  4. Now, reattach the clean water tank.
  5. Open and shut the brewer lid. You’re Done!

If the descale light has been reset, the machine will now be ready to use as usual. If it has not been reset, move to the next section.

Why Does Keurig K-Duo Say Descale After Descaling

This common issue can be easily remedied with the right steps. Before you dive into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand why this is happening in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons why the K-Duo descale light might be staying on: 

Incomplete Descaling: One round might not be enough due to stubborn mineral deposits; sometimes, multiple rounds are necessary.

Refillable K-cups: Overpacked cups can restrict water flow, triggering the alert. Avoid packing them too tightly.

Clogged Water Filter: Regular water filter maintenance is essential to prevent the light from staying on.

Hard Water: Using hard water can cause more mineral buildup, requiring frequent descaling.

Clogged Needle: The coffee flow needle can get blocked; cleaning it with a paper clip can help.

Faulty Sensors: In rare cases, the sensors might be the issue. If the problem persists, contact Keurig customer service.

How To Turn Off Descale Light On Keurig Duo

If the descale light on your Keurig Duo remains on even after descaling, it might be due to not initiating the descale mode before starting the process. Here’s how to properly turn off the descale light and get your machine back to its best condition:

First, ensure the Keurig is plugged in but powered off. Hold down both the 8oz and 12oz buttons for around 3 seconds until the “K” brew button starts flashing, signaling that you can initiate the descaling process.

Next, prepare a solution with equal parts of descaling solution and water, or white vinegar and water, and fill the water reservoir. Start the descaling process and keep it running until the “add water” indicator lights up. Allow the machine to sit idle for about 30 minutes to let the solution do its work.

Afterwards, rinse the machine thoroughly. Fill the reservoir with fresh water and run the largest brew size until the “add water” light comes on, repeating this around 10-12 times or use up to three full reservoirs of water to ensure the descale light turns off.

More Solutions To Turn Off Descale Light on Keurig Duo

If the standard descaling process and initiating the descale mode haven’t resolved the issue, don’t fret. There are more solutions to explore to get that K-Duo descale light to turn off. Here are alternative strategies that might work:

Use Right Descaling Solution

When descaling your Keurig K-Duo, it is important to make sure that you use the correct descaling solution. While vinegar and baking soda are great for some applications, they are not recommended for descaling your Keurig. The ideal descaling solution should contain citric acid and be specifically designed for coffee makers.

Keurig has manufactured its descaling solution that works with all models of Keurig and can be bought as an individual solution or as a package that comes with rinse pods and filters to make it easy to keep your Keurig clean. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package.

It’s also important to note that if you haven’t descaled your Keurig for more than 6 months or have very hard water (high minerals water), you’ll need to descale it twice. This will help eliminate stubborn limescale deposits and keep your machine running smoothly.

Clean Reservoir Valve & Waterline

A blocked water reservoir valve can be another reason behind the persistent descale light. To clean it:

  1. Find the valve connecting the tank to the Keurig.
  2. Check for any buildup on the valve.
  3. Use a turkey baster to suck up and flush water through the nozzle under the tank several times.
  4. Close the lid, wait for 5 minutes, and try brewing again.

Repeat this process a few times to ensure all blockages are removed.

Clean Obstructions From Needle

If the descale light is still on, inspect the exit needle, which punctures the K-cup, facilitating water flow for brewing. A clogged needle can cause incomplete cups and a persistent descale light. To clean it:

  1. Turn off and unplug the machine.
  2. Remove the pod holder gently after lifting the brewer’s top.
  3. Detach the holder to access the exit needle and clean any obstructions using a straightened paper clip.
  4. Find the top needles by opening the handle and clean them similarly.
  5. Run 2-3 hot water cycles before brewing coffee to remove any lingering debris.

Is It Safe To Descale Keurig Duo With Vinegar?

No, Keurig does not recommend descaling their K-Duo with vinegar. Vinegar contains acids that can corrode the metal parts of the coffee maker, cause leaks, and void your warranty.

Additionally, DIY solutions with vinegar or baking soda can leave an unpleasant taste and smell in your cup of coffee. For best results, use a descaling solution specifically designed for Keurig coffee makers. This solution contains safer types of acids that won’t damage the machine or alter the taste of your coffee.

Contact Keurig Customer Service

If you have followed the steps above and are still receiving the ‘DESCALE’ message, it might be time to get in touch with Keurig customer service. You can contact them online or by phone at 1-866-901-BREW (2739). They can provide further assistance and troubleshooting tips for your specific model of Keurig K-Duo and help you get back to enjoying your favorite cup of coffee in no time.

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Ronald Miller

I've been using multimeters for over seven years now, and I've tinkered with almost every brand out there. You might even say I'm a bit of a multimeter expert, but let's not get too carried away with titles.