How do you descale a Nespresso machine?

Have you noticed your Nespresso machine is running slower, making more noise, or that the descaling light is on? Then it’s time to descale your machine. Regular descaling not only improves the coffee flavour but also extends the life of your machine.

Luckily, descaling a Nespresso machine is easier than it sounds. With the right preparation and a clear step-by-step plan, your machine will be ready to use again in no time. You don’t need any technical knowledge and can do the process right at home.

Why do you need to descale a Nespresso machine?

During coffee making, limescale builds up inside your Nespresso machine. This limescale comes from the water and slowly accumulates in the pipes and heating system. As a result, the machine has to work harder to heat and pass water through.

If you don’t descale in time, this can cause slower coffee flow, a lower temperature, and a flatter flavour. By regularly descaling your Nespresso machine, it keeps working well and you enjoy coffee as you’re used to.

How often should you descale a Nespresso machine?

The advice is to descale your Nespresso machine about every 3 months or after 300 cups of coffee. How quickly this is needed depends mainly on how often you make coffee and how hard the water is in your area.

If the descaling light comes on earlier or you notice the coffee tastes different or flows slower, that’s a clear sign not to wait and to descale your machine right away.

What do you need to descale your Nespresso?

Before you start, it’s handy to have everything ready. This way the descaling goes smoothly and you don’t have to interrupt the process.

You’ll need:

• Nespresso descaling solution or a suitable descaler for coffee machines
• Fresh water
• A drip tray or jug to catch the water coming out of the machine

Also make sure the capsule holder is empty and your machine is switched on before you start the descaling programme.

Descaling your Nespresso machine step-by-step

With this step-by-step guide, you can easily descale most Nespresso machines. Take your time and don’t interrupt the programme once it has started.

Step 1: Prepare the machine

Turn off the machine and remove any capsules. Empty the drip tray and place a large container under the coffee outlet.

Step 2: Add descaling solution

Mix the descaling solution with water according to the instructions on the packaging. Pour this mixture into the machine’s water reservoir.

Step 3: Start the descaling programme

Turn on the machine and activate the descaling programme by pressing the correct button combination. This varies by model, but usually you hold two buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. The descaling water will now automatically run through the machine.

Step 4: Rinse with clean water

Empty the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly. Then fill it with clean water and let it run completely through the machine to remove any remaining descaler.

After these steps, your Nespresso machine is ready to use again.

The difference between Nespresso Original and Vertuo

Descaling a Nespresso Original and a Nespresso Vertuo is largely the same, but the controls differ. Original machines usually require pressing two buttons at the same time to start the descaling programme.

Vertuo machines work differently. They often have one button and use a specific twist-and-press combination. Always follow the steps for your particular Vertuo model to ensure the programme starts and finishes correctly.

What should you avoid when descaling?

To prevent damage to your Nespresso machine, there are a few things you should avoid. These mistakes are common but easy to prevent.

• Don’t use vinegar to descale. This can damage parts and leave a lasting smell.
• Don’t use cleaning products not intended for coffee machines.
• Don’t interrupt the descaling programme once it has started.
• Don’t skip rinsing afterwards, or descaler residues may remain.

By following these points, your machine stays in good condition and the coffee flavour remains as you expect.