the 'clean' light is flashing on my taylor swoden and i can't get it to turn off.

Diagnosis

The flashing 'Clean' indicator on the Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is not a signal of a mechanical failure or a system error, but rather a programmed maintenance alert. This machine utilizes an internal cycle counter that tracks the number of times the brew switch has been activated. Once the machine reaches a specific threshold of brew cycles—typically around 60 to 100 pots—the firmware triggers the flashing light to notify the user that calcium and magnesium deposits (limescale) have likely accumulated in the heating element and water lines.

This buildup occurs because minerals in your tap water precipitate out as the water heats up, creating a "crust" inside the aluminum heating tube. This restricts water flow, slows down the brew time, and eventually causes the machine to overheat or produce lukewarm coffee. The light will continue to flash regardless of whether the machine is actually dirty or if you have recently used filtered water; the only way to extinguish the light is to trigger the specific descaling sequence that resets the internal counter.

How to Fix It

To clear the flashing light and perform a full system descale, follow these exact steps to reset the logic board and clean the internal plumbing:

1. Empty the glass carafe and the water reservoir completely. Ensure the filter basket is empty of old grounds and the permanent filter is rinsed.
2. Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup max line with a mixture of 50% white distilled vinegar and 50% filtered water. Do not use commercial descaling tablets unless they are specifically rated for aluminum heating elements, as some can be too caustic.
3. Plug the machine into the wall outlet. While the machine is in the 'Off' state, press and hold the 'Clean' button and the 'On/Off' button simultaneously for exactly 5 to 7 seconds.
4. Observe the 'Clean' light. It should transition from flashing to a solid, steady glow. This indicates the machine has entered the descaling mode.
5. Press the 'Brew' button to start the cycle. The machine will pump the vinegar solution through the system. Because this is a descaling cycle, the machine may pause intermittently to allow the solution to soak into the scale buildup.
6. Once the full 12-cup cycle has finished, the 'Clean' light should automatically turn off.
7. Discard the vinegar solution from the carafe.
8. Fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water and run two complete brew cycles (without coffee) to rinse out any remaining vinegar taste or scent.

If That Didn't Work

• Hard Reset the Logic Board: If the buttons are unresponsive, unplug the machine from the AC outlet for at least 10 minutes. This drains the capacitors on the control board. Plug it back in and immediately attempt the 'Clean' + 'On/Off' hold sequence before the machine completes its boot-up sequence.
• Check for Button Obstruction: Ensure there is no coffee residue or sticky buildup around the edges of the 'Clean' or 'On/Off' buttons. If the buttons aren't making a full tactile click, the simultaneous press won't register. Use a damp cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean the perimeter of the buttons.
• Manual Override via Power Cycle: If the light remains solid but won't turn off after the brew, try running a "Strong Brew" cycle with plain water. Sometimes the sensor requires a high-temperature run to confirm the lines are clear before the light extinguishes.
• Verify Voltage: Ensure the machine is plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or extension lead. Low voltage can occasionally cause the programmable logic to glitch, preventing the reset sequence from triggering.

Heads Up

• Vinegar Warning: Always use distilled white vinegar. Avoid using apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, as the sugars and dyes in those liquids can permanently stain the internal tubing and leave a sticky residue.
• Preventative Maintenance: To extend the time between 'Clean' alerts, use a charcoal water filter pitcher. Reducing the mineral content of the water significantly slows down the rate of scale accumulation.
• Avoid Overfilling: Never fill the reservoir past the 12-cup mark during a cleaning cycle, as the increased pressure from the descaling process can cause the reservoir to overflow or leak from the base.
• Carafe Care: While descaling, avoid using abrasive scrubbers on the glass carafe to remove vinegar residue; a soft sponge and mild soap are sufficient to prevent micro-scratches in the glass.