On the Schaerer SOUL NA, a cleaning request can leave the machine available for drinks. Forced cleaning locks it until the required cleaning program has run. The difference is a configured cleaning stage, not proof that a pump or boiler has failed. The operator’s next task is to complete the indicated cleaning procedure.
Read the Service menu indication
The SOUL manual describes an orange marking on the Service menu button for pending cleaning in request mode. With mandatory cleaning pending, that marking is red. The menu also shows the remaining time in hours and marks cleaning that is needed with a red smiley.
An orange reminder is time to plan the task while the machine is still usable. A forced cleaning already due cannot be postponed. Repeatedly selecting a drink will not substitute for the required program.
The machine’s functional light strip uses a different set of indications: orange means action such as cleaning is needed soon; red means a machine error. Read the Service menu and the screen text to identify the pending cleaning stage or a separate fault.
The schedule belongs to this installation
Schaerer says a service technician sets the cleaning level and the period before mandatory cleaning takes effect. The cleaning timetable can include a window in which the cleaning is due. Don’t assume another SOUL has the same deadline or try to change the level to keep serving.
Put the cleaning deadline and completion in the staff handoff. Use the instructions and cleaning products specified for the equipment actually fitted.
For machines equipped with ProCare, the manual also distinguishes automatic cleaning from cleaning started by the operator. That option changes how a program begins. It does not mean every SOUL will start cleaning without someone taking action.
Record the screen at the end of the program and whether it completed or stopped with another instruction. Our Schaerer message reference covers other displayed conditions; don’t classify a water-flow fault as a cleaning reminder just because both prevent a drink.
For an unresolved lock, arrange Schaerer bench diagnosis and describe whether the cleaning program finished. Schaerer service terms cover collection, diagnosis and return.
Source: Schaerer SOUL NA Operating Instructions, April 2026 edition, Cleaning Stages, Cleaning Time Window and Functional Lighting.