If the CLEAN light stays solid even after you've run a full descale cycle, the cycle likely didn't complete successfully, or the internal counter simply hasn't been reset.
01The cycle needs to run to full completion
The descale cycle has multiple stages (descaling solution flush, then several rinse cycles). Interrupting it partway — including turning the machine off mid-cycle — can leave the internal counter unreset even though some descaling occurred. Re-run the full descale sequence from the start without interruption.
02Insufficient rinse water
If you didn't provide enough plain water for the rinse stages specifically (separate from the descaling solution stage), the machine may not register the cycle as fully complete. Check Breville's instruction manual for the exact water volumes specified for each stage.
03Heavy scale buildup needs a second cycle
If it's been a very long time since your last descale, a single cycle may not clear enough buildup to reset the sensor that tracks scale level internally. Running a second complete cycle a day or two later often resolves this.