How to descale a Nespresso machine: 9 steps to keep your coffee fresh
Learning how to descale a Nespresso machine is vital to making sure your coffee maker is deep cleaned, keeping your coffee as fresh as possible. Dirt and grime can build up on the inside of your machine, so it's important to do this regularly.
Nespresso pod brewers are some of the best coffee makers out there, so it makes sense to keep yours in top shape. Luckily, the descaling process is about as easy as knowing how to clean a Nespresso machine.
Tools & Requirements
- Water
- Washing-up soap
- Descaling solution (we recommend Nespresso's)
- Large glass
Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to descale your Nespresso machine. And while you're at it, be sure to bookmark our best Black Friday deals hub for quick access to all the best offers on Nespressos and coffee makers when they drop. You never know when it's time to upgrade your machine.
Quick steps; How to descale a Nespresso machine
Turn the machine on
Eject the used capsule
Empty and clean the support and capsule container
Fill the water tank with the descaling solution
Push the button
Place a large container under the cup machine
Start the descaling process
Clean the tank again and rinse
Exit descaling mode and leave to dry
Step-by-step guide: How to descale a Nespresso machine
1. Turn the machine on
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Make sure your machine is switched on at the plug and turn it on by pressing either of the cup buttons.
2. Eject the used capsule
(Image: © Alexandra Pamias)
Next, carefully lift the lid of the machine and eject the capsule into the container. Close it again and turn the machine off.
3. Empty and clean the support and capsule container
(Image: © Alexandra Pamias)
Pour the used capsules into your chosen recycling container, and wash out the pot with warm water and washing-up soap. While you're here, clean the cup support with the same method.
4. Fill the water tank with the descaling solution
(Image: © Alexandra Pamias)
Pour one unit of the Nespresso descaling solution into the water tank and add the right amount of water as per the descaler's instructions.
5. Push the button
(Image: © Alexandra Pamias)
There are multiple ways to start the descaling process depending on your machine.
For Vertuo machines, push the button and lever down simultaneously for three seconds. When it turns orange, this means it has entered the special functions feature. Press the lever down once to enter descaling mode. When it has turned to 'descaling', the orange light will flash once every two seconds.
For Original machines, push the two cup buttons on top for 5 seconds until they flash together in short intervals.
6. Place a large container under the cup machine
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Just like in the cleaning process, you want a large recipient under the water flow to catch as much liquid as possible. A large glass that you can pour away and refill is ideal.
7. Start the descaling process
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To begin the proper descaling mode, push the button again. This will run the function and it will stop automatically once complete.
8. Clean the tank again and rinse
(Image: © Alexandra Pamias)
Clean the water tank once again to remove any remaining descaling solution, refill with drinking water, and place it back on the stand. Then, press the button to start the rinse cycle.
9. Exit descaling mode and leave to dry
(Image: © Alexandra Pamias)
Clean the water tank once again to remove any remaining descaling solution, refill with drinking water, and place it back on the stand. Then, press the button to start the rinse cycle.
