If you are the proud owner of a Nespresso machine – any model – then descaling it is an important step in the maintenance process. You can find all the guidelines that you need here to descale your Nespresso machine properly and with minimal hassle.
Why Descale a Nespresso Machine?
Considering that you have bought a state-of-the-art coffee machine, it is only natural to wonder – is it necessary to descale Nespresso machine?
The short answer to do you have to descale Nespresso machine is: yes.
Keep in mind that drinking water contains minerals. Tap water, especially hard tap water, has the highest amount of minerals. While bottled or filtered water may not contain as much, there are still minerals in this water as well.
Every time you use your Nespresso machine, these minerals coat the interior of the system. The more you use, the greater that this build-up becomes.
Descaling your Nespresso machine gets rid of this build-up so that the machine is allowed to run smoothly, for a longer period.
What Happens If You Don’t Descale Nespresso?
OK, but do you need to descale Nespresso machine? What would happen if you were to skip this maintenance step?
Well, problems would begin to crop up gradually, one by one.
One of the first things that could happen is that you begin to notice issues with the temperature and pressure. Your Nespresso machine will not be able to heat the water as much, meaning that only a certain amount of the flavor will be extracted from the coffee grounds.
It will also not be able to build up enough pressure, which once again can impact how well the flavor and other components will be extracted from the coffee.
You will end up with lukewarm, weak-tasting coffee that will be quite unpleasant. However, this will only be the beginning of your issues.
If you continue to ignore the build-up of lime, the rest of the system will begin to be affected, causing it to slow down. Eventually, the machine will stop working.
What to Use to Descale Nespresso Machine
One of the biggest questions that people have when it comes to this maintenance process is what can I use to descale Nespresso machine?
It can be confusing to figure this out. This is often because there are many different solutions, suggestions and hacks out there. It can be tricky to know what advice you should be following.
Nespresso Descaling Solution – Your Best Bet
If you are trying to decide what to descale Nespresso machine with, know that the Nespresso descaling solution is your best option. The main component here is lactic acid.
Considering how this can be a rather pricey option and you get just two single-use sachets in your kit, this may not be the most attractive route. Nonetheless, it is the one you should stick with.
Firstly, the Nespresso descaling solution is specifically made for the various Nespresso models. So, you can guarantee that it is completely safe for you to use. You don’t have to worry about doing any kind of damage to your machine.
Not to mention, it will get the job done as well.
Can You Descale Nespresso Without Solution?
Technically, there are other alternatives to this descaling solution.
In case you decide to try out a home remedy or use some other descaling solution, remember that this could end up voiding your warranty.
So, if your machine were to develop an issue due to your version of the descaling solution or for some other reason, you may need to handle the repairs yourself.
You need to be aware of the risks and consequences before opting for your own descaling alternative.
Can You Descale Nespresso With Water?
So, can you descale Nespresso with just water? Unfortunately, no.
Remember, water is the reason that the limescale has built up inside of the machine in the first place. As a result, water won’t have any impact on this. It will only contribute to the problem.
Can You Descale Nespresso with Vinegar?
One of the most common queries that people have is can I use vinegar to descale Nespresso machine?
This is a fair question. After all, people have been cleaning out their coffee machines and espresso machines with vinegar and water for a long time.
Regrettably, the answer to can you use vinegar to descale Nespresso is, no. Nespresso specifically warns customers against using vinegar in their machines.
This is because Nespresso is a complex yet delicate piece of machinery. Adding vinegar to the mix can do untold damage to the vinegar.
As stated, you may end up voiding your warranty as well.
How to Descale Nespresso with Vinegar
Despite Nespresso’s warnings, a lot of people do use vinegar in their machines. Once again, this isn’t something that you should attempt.
If you are curious, here is a breakdown of that process.
As for how much vinegar to descale Nespresso, you can use 2 parts of water for one part vinegar.
Step 1: Make Up the Vinegar Solution
Add one part vinegar to two parts of water and combine well. Pour this mix into the water reservoir.
Step 2: Turn On the Machine
Place a cup or container where you typically keep your mug. Power up your machine as you usually do. Allow about half of the solution to drip through.
Step 3: Turn Off the Machine
Once half of the solution is in the cup. Turn off the machine. Allow the rest to drip through. Keep the machine turned off for about 45 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse the Machine
Once all the vinegar water has dripped out, fill up the water reservoir and run the cycle. It is a good idea to do this up to five times to ensure that the vinegar flavor is completely gone. You can taste the water after the second or so rinse cycle.
Can You Use Lemon Juice To Descale Nespresso?
Some people prefer using lemon juice instead of vinegar to descale Nespresso machines. This is because the taste and smell are often milder. As a result, you don’t have to run as many rinse cycles to get rid of the flavor.
However, should you descale a Nespresso machine with lemon juice? Just as with vinegar, manufacturers and other experts warn against using lemon juice.
If you use lemon juice regardless, it is important to check that it doesn’t have any pulp or pieces in it. Remember, these can jam up the machine or damage it.
As with vinegar, use a ratio of one to two with lemon juice and water. Finally, you can follow the same process as with vinegar.
How Do You Descale a Nespresso Machine
As you know, there are several makes and models in the Nespresso range. They each function in a specific manner. As such, it isn’t enough to know how to descale Nespresso machine, you have to know how to do so for a specific model.
While you can find all the guidelines you need here, remember to always check your user manual before attempting to descale your machine. It may contain specific information or instructions on your model.
Here is an outline for the main models:
How to Descale a Nespresso Essenza Mini
Step 1: Eject Coffee Pod and Empty Capsule Container
Lift and close the lever to eject the coffee pod. Remove the used capsule container and empty it of any pods left.
Step 2: Empty the Drip Tray
Remove the drip tray and empty it. You will need to fit a large container under the nozzle and require extra space.
Step 3: Add Descaling Solution to Water Tank
Empty a single sachet of descaling solution to the water tank. Make sure to handle it carefully to avoid getting it on your skin. You may want to wear gloves for additional protection.
Next, pour drinking water into the water tank. Do so until it reaches the 0.6L mark.
Step 4: Start the Cycle
Place a large container that can hold at least a liter of water under the coffee outlet.
Turn on the machine. Press the Espresso and Lungo buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds.
Both LED lights will blink. Next, press the Lungo button. This will begin the descaling process.
Wait until the water tank is empty.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
Take the used descaling solution in the container and pour it back into the water tank. Replace the container under the coffee nozzle.
Press the Lungo button and wait until the water tank is empty again.
Step 6: Rinse the Machine
Toss out the descaling solution mix and wash out the water tank so that no residue remains. Fill up the water tank with clean drinking water again.
Press the Lungo button and allow the water tank to empty. Repeat this process twice.
Step 7: Exit the Descaling Mode
To exit the descaling mode, press the Espresso and Lungo buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds.
How to Descale Nespresso De’Longhi Inissia
For Nespresso Inissia, you can follow the same instructions as for the Essenza Mini.
The only difference is that you only have to hold the Espresso and Lungo buttons for 3 seconds to start and end the descaling cycle.
How to Descale Nespresso Citiz
You can follow the same instructions as for the Nespresso Essenza Mini.
However, only add the water up to the 0.5L line in the water tank.
Also, activate and end the descaling cycle by pressing the Espresso and Lungo button for 3 seconds.
How to Descale Nespresso Pixie?
For the Nespresso Pixie, you can follow the same set as instructions as for the Essenza Mini.
The only differences are that when adding the descaling solution to the water tank, you fill-up the water tank to the halfway point.
Also, you need to press the Espresso and Lungo button for three seconds at a time to begin and end the descaling cycle.
How to Descale Nespresso De’Longhi Lattissima One
Descale the Lattissima One when the descaling indicator turns orange.
Step 1: Eject the Pods and Empty the Capsule Canister
Lift and close the lever to eject any pods into the capsule canister. Empty the capsule canister and replace it.
Step 2: Clean Out Drip Tray
Empty the drip tray of any water. You can then replace it.
Step 3: Add Descaling Solution
Add a single sachet of the descaling solution into the water tank. Add drinking water up to the 500ml mark.
Step 4: Insert the Descaling Pipe
You will find a descaling pipe at the back of the machine. Remove this and plug it into the connector for the Rapid Cappuccino System.
This will activate the Descaling mode. Be aware that the descaling alert will blink orange during the entire process. The Espresso button will be illuminated in white.
Step 5: Start the Descaling Process
Place a container that can hold at least one liter of water under the coffee outlet and the descaling pipe.
Press the Espresso button.
The descaling solution will flow through the coffee outlet, descaling pipe, and drip tray.
Once the cycle has come to an end, the Lungo button will be illuminated in white.
Step 6: Rinse Out the Components
Once the cycle has come to an end, remove and rinse out the emptying container for the capsules, the water tank, the container that holds the descaling solution, and the drip tray.
Step 7: Rinse Out the Machine
Replace all of the components, including placing the container under the coffee nozzle and descaling pipe.
Fill up the water tank up to the Max line.
Press the Lungo button and wait for all the water to empty the tank. When the cycle is over, the machine will switch off.
Remove the descaling pipe and store it at the back.
Empty the drip tray and the container for the rejected capsules.
How to Descale Nespresso Gran Lattissima
You can follow the same descaling instructions for the Nespresso Lattissima One.
As with that model, the descaling light will turn orange when it is time for the machine to be maintained.
Unlike with the Lattissima One, you will need to press the Flat White button to start the descaling and rinsing process. All the other steps will remain the same.
How to Descale Nespresso Lattissima Pro
Step 1: Eject the Capsule
Eject the capsule out of its container and close the lever.
Step 2: Power Up the Machine
Turn the coffee machine on and wait for it to heat up.
Step 3: Begin the Descaling Cycle
Press the button with the gears icon on it.
Press the down arrow until the ‘descaling’ option is highlighted. Press the checkmark to show that you want to begin the cycle.
The display will inform you that the cycle will last 25 minutes. Press the checkmark to confirm. Press the checkmark once more to proceed.
Step 4: Empty the Drip Tray and Capsule Container
You will be instructed to empty the drip tray and capsule container. Once you have done this, press the down arrow.
Step 5: Add Descaling Solution
Fill up the water tank until it is two-thirds full – to 500ml. Add one packet of descaling solution to the water tank.
Step 6: Insert Hot Water Nozzle
Take the hot water nozzle and insert it in the appropriate position.
Step 7: Begin the Descaling Process
Place a large container under the coffee outlet and the hot water nozzle.
Press the down button.
Press the checkmark to begin the descaling process.
The descaling solution will flow from the coffee outlet and the hot water nozzle.
Step 8: Begin the Rinse Cycle
Once the descaling cycle is over, discard the descaling solution. Rinse out the water tank and fill it to the max. Put it in place.
Empty the capsule container and drip tray.
Press the down arrow.
Place a container under the coffee outlet and hot water nozzle.
Press the down arrow followed by the checkmark to begin the rinse cycle.
Step 9: Empty Out the Components
When the rinsing cycle is over and the water tank is empty, the machine will power off automatically.
Then, discard the rinsing water.
Remove the drip tray and the capsule container. Rinse out both and replace.
How to Descale Nespresso Creatista Plus
When the machine is ready to be maintained, a Descale Now message will appear on the screen.
Step 1: Choose the Settings
Rotate the “Select” dial until you get to the Maintenance option. Press select.
When Descale appears on your screen, press select again.
Step 2: Eject the Used Capsules
Open and close the coffee lever to eject any capsules.
Empty the capsule container, drip tray, and water tank. Rinse them out well.
Step 3: Add Descaling Solution
Fill up the water tank to where the Descale line is. Add one packet of descaling solution.
Put the water tank in place.
Step 4: Prepare the Components
Replace the capsule container, drip tray, and other components.
Place a large container under the coffee nozzle and the steam wand.
Step 5: Start the Descale Cycle
Press and release the Start/Cancel button. This will start the descale cycle.
The water will come from the coffee nozzle in 5 intervals and the steam wand in 2 intervals.
Step 6: Prep for the Rinse Cycle
When the descaling process is over, the machine will inform you when to discard the descaling solution.
Remove the drip tray and capsule bucket as well and discard any solution. Reinsert in the machine.
Rinse out the water tank and fill it up to the MAX line. Replace in the machine.
Place a large container under the coffee nozzle and steam wand.
Step 7: Start the Rinse Cycle
Press and release the Start/Cancel button.
When the rinse cycle is over, the machine will indicate to discard the water.
Fill the water tank with two more inches of freshwater.
Press and release the Start/Cancel button to begin the second rinse cycle.
When the cycle is over, remove the drip tray and the capsule container and empty them. Then reinsert.
How Do You Descale Nespresso Vertuo?
Step 1: Fill Water Tank with Descaling Solution
Add a packet of descaling solution to the water tank. Fill up the tank to the halfway point with fresh water.
Step 2: Prep the Machine
Empty the capsule container and the drip tray. Replace these.
Leave the lever in the unlocked position.
Step 3: Prep for the Descale Cycle
Press and release the button once. Wait for the steady light.
Press and hold the button until you see the steady light turn off and then begin to blink rapidly. It may take around 7 seconds before the light begins to blink.
Turn the lever to the left so that it is in a locked position. Then, move it back into the unlocked position.
In quick succession, press and hold the button until the lights turn off and begin blinking quickly.
While the light is blinking fast, move the lever into the locked position.
Step 4: Begin the Descale Cycle
Place a large container under the coffee nozzle.
Press and release the button. This will begin the descaling cycle. The light will continue to blink throughout the process.
Don’t move the container or change the settings. The descaling solution will be ejected in intermittent spurts.
When the process is over, the machine will be silent.
Step 5: Prep for the Rinse Cycle
Discard the descaling solution and replace the container underneath the coffee nozzle.
Rinse the water tank and fill up two-thirds of the way. Replace the water tank.
Press and release the button. The rinse cycle will begin.
Once the cycle is over, the machine will be quiet. Discard the water in the container.
Press and hold the button until the light begins to blink, this may take up to 7 seconds.
Empty the capsule container and the drip tray and reinsert them back again.
How to Descale Nespresso Vertuo Next?
Step 1: Empty the Components
Empty the capsule container and drip tray. Replace these components when you are done.
Step 2: Add Descaling Solution
Add one packet of descaling solution to the water tank. Top up with 17 ounces of water.
Step 3: Power Up the Machine
Close the machine head and move the lever to the left to lock it into place.
Wait until the light is steady; this should take about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Prep for the Descale Cycle
With the machine head still closed, unlock the lever.
Press and hold the button until you see the light turn off first and then start blinking orange quickly. This may take up to 7 seconds to happen.
Turn the lever to the left to lock it and then back to the unlock position.
In quick succession, press and hold the button until the light turns off and then starts blinking orange quickly. This will take several seconds.
Step 5: Begin the Descale Cycle
Lock the lever – the light should still be blinking orange. This will indicate that the descale cycle will start.
Place a large container under the coffee nozzle.
Press and release the button to begin descaling. The light will blink throughout the cycle.
When the cycle is over, the machine will be silent.
Discard the descaling solution.
Step 6: Prep for the Rinse Cycle
Empty the drip tray and the capsule container. Replace these components
Rinse the water tank out and fill it to the top with fresh water. Replace it.
Place the container under the nozzle again.
Step 7: Start the Rinse Cycle
Press and release the button. This will begin the rinse cycle.
When the cycle is over, remove the water tank, drip tray, and capsule container. Rinse it out and replace it.
How to Descale Nespresso VertuoPlus
The descaling alert can be identified when the light turns green and red.
Step 1: Eject the Capsule
Press the button to turn on the machine.
Push the lever upwards to open the machine head and eject the used capsule.
Push the lever down to close the machine head.
Step 2: Eject the Capsule Container
Press and hold the button for three seconds to power off the machine.
Empty the cup support and the capsule container.
Step 3: Add the Descaling Solution
Add a packet of descaling solution to the water tank. Add 17 ounces to the tank as well. Replace it.
Push the button and the lever together at the same time for 3 seconds.
When an orange steady light turns on, it means you have accessed the Special Functions section of the machine.
Step 4: Begin the Descaling Mode
Press and release the lever once to begin the descaling mode.
Place a large container under the coffee nozzle.
Press and release the button once. The orange light will blink throughout the process.
Don’t remove the container or change the settings until the machine has turned off. The descaling solution will be ejected in spurts.
Step 5: Start the Rinse Cycle
Remove the water tank and cup support. Rinse them thoroughly. Replace the cup support and water tank – fill the water tank up first.
Press and release the button to begin the rinse cycle.
Once it is done, the light will blink orange every two seconds.
Step 6: Exit the Descale Mode
Press and hold the button and the lever at the same until the light turns green. This should take about 3 seconds.
Wait for up to 10 minutes before using the machine again.
How to Descale Nespresso Evoluo
Step 1: Add Descaling Solution
Pour a packet of descaling solution into the water tank. Fill the tank to the halfway point.
Step 2: Empty Out the Components
Empty the capsule container and the drip tray. Replace these.
Step 3: Prep for the Descaling Process
Leave the lever in the unlocked position.
Press and release the button. Wait for the steady light.
Press and hold the button until you see the light turn off and blink rapidly. It may take up to 7 seconds before the blinking begins.
Turn the lever to the left to move into the lock position. Then, move it back into the unlocked position.
In quick succession, press and hold the button until the light begins to blink rapidly.
Lock the lever.
Step 4: Begin the Descale Cycle
Place a large container under the coffee nozzle.
Press and release the button to begin the cycle.
Don’t do anything until the machine is silent.
Discard the solution and return the container under the nozzle.
Step 5: Prep for the Rinse Cycle
Rinse out the water tank and fill it two-thirds of the way. Replace it.
Press and release the button. This will start the rinse cycle.
Wait until the machine is silent.
Discard the water.
Step 6: End the Descale Cycle
Press and hold the button until the blinking becomes steady. This may take up to 7 seconds.
Empty and rinse the capsule container and the drip tray. Reinsert it.
How Much Water to Descale Nespresso Machine?
When it comes to adding water to the descale cycle, it is important to follow the instructions specific to the model.
This is because every descale process is a little different in every model. Some require to fill up water to the halfway water while others need less.
Some have to be filled to the brim.
To make things more complex, there are different quantities required for the rinse cycle for each machine as well.
It is due to this discrepancy that you should stick to specific instructions. This will ensure that the descaling process takes place the way it is supposed to.
How Often Should You Descale Nespresso Machine?
Another thing that people are curious about is how often to descale Nespresso machine.
Well, on average, the manufacturing company recommends that you descale the machine every 3 months or after 300 cups of coffee.
This means that your daily consumption will determine how often do you descale Nespresso personally. This isn’t the only factor, though.
With some models, the machine will let you know when to descale Nespresso machine. This will often happen with an indicator light or a message on the display screen.
In some cases, you may have to descale the machine immediately. In others, you may be able to make a few more cups of coffee before the machine forces you to go through the descaling process.
When Do You Need To Descale Nespresso Machines
Here is a breakdown of when should you descale nespresso machine, based on the model.
Keep in mind that the manufacturer’s instructions can change with every alteration made to a particular type or model. So, how often should you descale nespresso machine can only be answered by your user’s manual.
When to Descale Nespresso Pixie
You will need to descale this model every three months or after brewing up to 300 cups of coffee. This is when to descale Nespresso Citiz as well.
When to Descale Nespresso Lattissima One
The Lattissima One comes with a descale indicator. This will turn orange when the machine needs maintenance.
This is the same for the Gran Lattissima model as well.
The Lattissima Pro model, on the other hand, needs to be descaled every 3 months or after brewing 300 coffees.
When to Descale Nespresso Vertuo
This should be done after brewing 300 coffees or every 3 months, whichever comes first.
Follow the same instructions to know when to descale Nespresso Vertuo Next and when to descale VertuoLine.
The Nespresso Evuluo needs to be descaled on the same schedule as well.
When to Descale Nespresso Vertuoplus
This model will let you know when it is time to descale the machine. The button will turn red and green. At this point, you will only be able to make a few more coffees before the machine bars you from doing so.
When to Descale Nespresso Creatista Plus
You will be informed by the machine when it is time to descale. A Descale Now message will appear on the screen. How often you will have to descale depends on the hardness of your water, which will be tested before you use the machine for the first time.
How Long Does It Take to Descale Nespresso Machine?
Here is how long it will take to descale each of the models:
- Nespresso Creatista Plus: 15 minutes
- Nespresso Pixie: 15 to 20 minutes
- Nespreso Citiz: 15 to 20 minutes
- Nespresso Lattissima One: 20 minutes
- Nespresso Vertuo: 20 minutes
- Nespresso VertuoPlus: 20 minutes
- Nespresso VertuoLine: 20 minutes
- Nespresso Gran Lattissima: 20 to 25 minutes
It is important to wait until the machine has finished the descaling and rinsing cycles before proceeding to the next step. Each machine will always give some indication that a particular cycle has been completed.
This is what you need to know when it comes to descaling a Nespresso machine. As mentioned, there is some variation from one model to another. So, it is important to consider the specific make before proceeding with the descaling operation. Also, remember to follow the instructions provided in your user’s manual for the best results.
