If the Auto Clean function on your Morphy Richards SteamElite Plus Steam Generator (model 332013) isn't starting, stops before completion or the descaling indicator stays on, this guide will help you identify the cause and resolve common issues.
The SteamElite Plus has an automatic cleaning system that flushes mineral deposits from its internal boiler.
Auto Clean runs automatically when required. You cannot manually start or reset the cleaning cycle.
Follow the steps below for guidance on how Auto Clean works, what the warning lights mean and what to do if cleaning is interrupted.
1. How Does Auto Clean Work?
The SteamElite Plus 332013 is designed to perform an automatic cleaning cycle after approximately 5 litres of water have been used.
When cleaning is due, the cycle operates after the appliance has cooled completely and is next switched on.
During Auto Clean:
- Water is drawn from the clean water chamber to flush the boiler.
- Dirty water and mineral deposits collect in the dirty water chamber within the removable water tank.
- The descaling indicator flashes while cleaning is in progress.
- Steam ironing is temporarily unavailable.
- The cleaning process takes approximately 3 minutes.
What Happens When Auto Clean Finishes?
When the cleaning cycle has completed:
- The flashing descaling indicator switches off.
- The low steam level indicator begins flashing.
- The steam generator starts preparing for normal ironing.
- Once the selected steam level indicator remains steadily illuminated and the iron has reached the correct temperature, steam ironing can begin.
A flashing low steam level indicator immediately after Auto Clean is normal. It indicates that the appliance is heating, not that the cleaning cycle has failed.
2. Auto Clean Hasn't Started
If your SteamElite Plus is operating normally but hasn't performed an automatic cleaning cycle, this doesn't necessarily mean there's a fault.
Has Approximately 5 Litres of Water Been Used?
Auto Clean is triggered by the amount of water used, not by how many times the appliance has been switched on.
If approximately 5 litres haven't been used since the previous cleaning cycle, Auto Clean may not yet be due.
What to do:
Continue using your steam generator normally.
The appliance will initiate its cleaning cycle automatically when required.
There is no need to press additional buttons or attempt to start the process manually.
Has the Appliance Cooled Completely?
Auto Clean is designed to operate when the steam generator has cooled completely and is next switched on.
If cleaning becomes due while you're ironing, the cycle won't necessarily begin immediately.
What to do:
- Finish ironing and switch off the appliance by pressing and holding the On/Off button for approximately 3 seconds.
- Unplug the appliance from the mains.
- Allow the steam generator to cool completely.
- Before its next use, check that the water tank contains sufficient water and is correctly fitted.
- Switch the appliance on normally.
If Auto Clean is due, the appliance should begin its automatic cleaning process.
Important: Pressing the On/Off button does not manually activate Auto Clean. The cycle only starts when the appliance determines that cleaning is required.
3. Auto Clean Starts but Stops Before Completion
If the descaling indicator begins flashing but the cleaning cycle stops or pauses, check whether the appliance has sufficient water.
Is the Low Water Level Indicator On?
The SteamElite Plus requires water to flush its internal boiler during Auto Clean.
If there isn't enough water to complete the process, the appliance will illuminate the low water level indicator and pause cleaning.
The cycle can continue once the water tank has been refilled and replaced.
How to Resolve a Low-Water Interruption
- Check whether the low water level indicator is illuminated.
- Do not remove the water tank while hot water is being discharged during an active Auto Clean cycle.
- Once the cycle has paused and it is safe to refill, remove the detachable water tank.
- Open the filling cap for the clean water chamber.
- Refill with the recommended water mixture, without exceeding the MAX filling line.
- Close the filling cap and securely refit the water tank.
- Allow the appliance to resume its automatic cleaning process.
The appliance should continue the cleaning cycle once sufficient water is available.
Never add water to the dirty water chamber. Water must only be added through the clean water chamber's filling opening.
How Long Should Auto Clean Take?
The normal Auto Clean process takes approximately 3 minutes.
During this time, the descaling indicator flashes and steam ironing is unavailable.
If cleaning pauses because of insufficient water, the overall process may take longer while the appliance waits for the tank to be refilled.
Avoid repeatedly switching the appliance off and on while it is carrying out its cleaning cycle.
4. Descale Light Flashing or Staying On
The descaling indicator shows when the automatic cleaning process is operating.
Descale Light Flashing During Cleaning
This is normal.
The descaling indicator flashes while the SteamElite Plus is flushing its internal boiler.
You won't be able to use the appliance for steam ironing during this process.
What to do:
Allow Auto Clean to complete.
The indicator should switch off automatically when the cycle finishes.
Descale Light Remains On After Approximately 3 Minutes
If the descaling indicator continues flashing after the expected cleaning time:
- Check whether the low water level indicator is illuminated.
- If the appliance has paused because of insufficient water, refill and replace the tank safely as described in Section 3.
- Allow the cleaning process to resume and finish.
- Check whether the descaling indicator switches off.
- Confirm that the low steam level indicator begins flashing as the appliance prepares for normal ironing.
If the appliance remains in its cleaning state despite sufficient water and the cycle doesn't complete, further assessment may be required.
Descale Light Goes Out but the Steam Light Flashes
This is normal operation, not a descaling fault.
When Auto Clean finishes, the descaling indicator switches off and the low steam level indicator flashes while the steam generator heats up.
Wait until the steam level indicator remains steadily illuminated.
The iron's temperature indicator should also have gone out to show that the selected soleplate temperature has been reached.
You can then use the appliance normally.
5. How to Empty the Dirty Water Chamber After Auto Clean
During the automatic cleaning process, used water and mineral deposits collect in the dirty water chamber, which is part of the removable water tank assembly.
The user manual instructs you to empty this chamber after every completed Auto Clean cycle to prevent overflow.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Allow Auto Clean to finish completely.
- When you've finished ironing, switch off the steam generator using the On/Off button.
- Unplug the appliance from the mains.
- Allow the steam generator and collected dirty water to cool completely.
- Remove the detachable water tank using the water tank release button.
- Locate the designated dirty water emptying holes on the water tank.
- Carefully tip the collected dirty water into a suitable sink through these openings.
- Refit the water tank securely.
Important safety information:
- Never remove the water tank while Auto Clean is actively discharging hot water.
- Never attempt to empty the dirty water chamber while the collected water is hot.
- Do not dismantle or separate the dirty water chamber from the water tank.
- Always empty the dirty water after a completed cleaning cycle to prevent overflow.
Can a Full Dirty Water Chamber Stop Auto Clean?
The dirty water chamber must be emptied after each completed cleaning cycle.
However, the user manual does not identify a separate sensor or automatic lockout that prevents Auto Clean from starting when the chamber contains water.
If Auto Clean isn't operating, check the cleaning interval, cooling conditions and water level first.
6. What Water Should I Use for Auto Clean?
Using the correct water mixture helps protect your SteamElite Plus against mineral deposits and maintain steam performance.
For model 332013, the recommended mixture is:
- 50% tap water
- 50% deionised, distilled or demineralised water
For example, if preparing 1 litre of water, mix:
- 500ml tap water.
- 500ml deionised, distilled or demineralised water.
Never use more than 50% deionised, distilled or demineralised water.
Water Types and Additives to Avoid
Do not use:
- Scented ironing water.
- Perfume or fragrance additives.
- Starch or fabric treatments.
- Household descaling chemicals.
- Vinegar or other cleaning solutions.
- Battery topping-up fluid.
- Water containing sugar or other additives.
- Defrosted water from a refrigerator.
These products are not suitable for the SteamElite Plus water system and may affect its performance.
Can Incorrect Water Prevent Auto Clean From Starting?
Using unsuitable water may contribute to mineral deposits or performance problems over time.
However, the user manual does not state that the appliance detects the water mixture or prevents Auto Clean from starting because of an incorrect ratio.
If Auto Clean hasn't started, follow the checks in Sections 2 and 3 rather than assuming the water mixture is responsible.
For more information, see:
What Water Should I Use in My SteamElite Plus?
7. Can I Manually Start or Reset Auto Clean?
No. The SteamElite Plus 332013 does not have a separate manual Auto Clean start or reset function.
The cleaning cycle operates automatically after approximately 5 litres of water have been used, once the appliance has cooled completely and is next switched on.
There is no need to:
- Run a cleaning cycle before it is due.
- Hold down the steam controls to initiate cleaning.
- Repeatedly switch the appliance on and off.
- Attempt to reset the descaling indicator manually.
- Add descaling chemicals or vinegar to the water tank.
- Open or dismantle the internal boiler.
- Manually flush the boiler using an unapproved method.
The descaling indicator switches off automatically when the cleaning process has completed successfully.
For more information about routine cleaning, see:
How to Descale Your SteamElite Plus (332013)
8. When Might Auto Clean Require Further Investigation?
If you've completed the relevant checks and the automatic cleaning system still isn't operating correctly, further assessment may be necessary.
Examples include:
- The descaling indicator continues flashing and the cleaning cycle doesn't complete.
- Auto Clean repeatedly pauses despite sufficient water being available.
- The low water level indicator remains illuminated after the tank has been refilled and correctly fitted.
- The appliance remains in its cleaning state and doesn't return to normal operation.
- The descaling indicator doesn't switch off after the cleaning process has finished.
These symptoms don't automatically confirm a manufacturing fault, but they may require further investigation.
9. Still Having Problems? Contact Customer Support
If you've followed the troubleshooting steps above and your SteamElite Plus Auto Clean function still isn't operating correctly, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.
To help us assess the issue, please provide:
- Model and serial number: Your model is 332013. Please provide the serial number from the rating label on the base, or a clear photograph of the label.
- Video of the issue: A short video showing the control panel, descaling indicator and any low-water warnings, provided it is safe to record.
- Full UK postcode: Please confirm your postcode.
- Water type used: Confirm whether you've used tap water, deionised, distilled or demineralised water, including the proportions if using a mixture.
- Description of the issue: Tell us whether Auto Clean isn't starting, pauses during cleaning or leaves the descaling indicator illuminated.
- Troubleshooting completed: Confirm which checks you've already carried out and the results.
If you've already provided any of this information, there's no need to send it again.
Our Customer Support team will review the details and advise on the appropriate next steps, including warranty assistance where applicable.