the clean light is blinking and it won't start a cycle, how do i make it stop

Diagnosis

The blinking "Clean" indicator on the Igloo ICEB26AQ is a programmed maintenance alert triggered by the internal cycle counter. After approximately 30 to 40 ice-making cycles, the onboard logic board triggers this alert to prevent the buildup of calcium carbonate and other mineral deposits (scale) on the evaporator plate and within the water pump assembly. This is not a mechanical failure, but a mandatory maintenance prompt. When this light flashes, the machine enters a "maintenance lockout" mode. In this state, the control board disables the standard ice-making sequence to ensure the user does not continue producing ice with contaminated or scaled-up components, which would eventually lead to thin, misshapen cubes or a complete pump failure. You can confirm this is the issue if the machine remains powered on but refuses to initiate a cooling cycle despite the ice basket being empty.

How to Fix It

To reset the internal timer and clear the blinking light, you must complete a full descaling cycle. Follow these exact steps:

1. Power down the unit by pressing the Power button and unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet to ensure a full electronic reset.
2. Remove the ice basket and discard any remaining ice cubes. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the interior walls of the cooling chamber.
3. Empty the water reservoir completely.
4. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix 1 quart (approx. 950ml) of warm distilled water with 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar or 2 teaspoons of citric acid powder. Stir until fully dissolved.
5. Pour the solution into the rear water reservoir, ensuring you do not exceed the "MAX" fill line to avoid overflow during the pump cycle.
6. Plug the unit back into the wall outlet.
7. Press and hold the "Clean" button for exactly 5 seconds. You will hear the pump engage and water begin to circulate through the evaporator.
8. Allow the machine to run the full cleaning cycle. This typically takes 20 to 25 minutes. Do not interrupt the power or open the lid during this process.
9. Once the cycle finishes and the pump stops, discard the cleaning solution and rinse the reservoir with fresh water twice.
10. Press the "Reset" or "Power" button to return the machine to standard operating mode.

If That Didn't Work

• Hard Reset the Control Board: If the light continues to blink after the cycle, unplug the unit for a full 30 minutes. This allows the capacitors on the control board to discharge completely, which can sometimes clear a "stuck" maintenance flag that didn't register the completion of the cleaning cycle.
• Manual Scale Removal: If the machine refuses to start the cycle because of a physical blockage, use a soft-bristled brush and a mixture of vinegar and water to manually scrub the evaporator pins (the metal spikes where ice forms). If mineral buildup is thick, the sensors may not detect the water flow, preventing the cycle from completing.
• Check the Water Sensor: Ensure the water level sensor (the small probe in the reservoir) is not coated in slime or scale. Gently wipe the sensor with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to ensure it is sending a "full" signal to the board.
• Verify Power Stability: Ensure the unit is plugged directly into a wall outlet and not a surge protector or extension cord. Low voltage can cause the control board to glitch, triggering false maintenance alerts or preventing the cleaning cycle from initiating.

Heads Up

• Use Distilled Water: To significantly extend the time between "Clean" alerts and prevent scale buildup, use distilled water instead of tap water. This removes the minerals that cause the blinking light in the first place.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or abrasive scrubbing pads on the evaporator pins. Bleach can corrode the aluminum plating, and scratches on the pins will cause ice to stick, leading to "stuck cube" errors.
• Dry the Exterior: Always wipe the exterior of the unit and the reservoir lid after cleaning to prevent moisture from seeping into the electronic control panel.
• Monthly Maintenance: Even if the light isn't blinking, running a vinegar rinse every 30 days will keep the pump from seizing and ensure the ice cubes remain crystal clear.