Nespresso, a globally renowned company based out of Switzerland, launched its first two coffee machines in 1986. Since then, the company has expanded to include two other signature styles and dozens of coffee varieties.
Part of owning a Nespresso machine is being able to properly care for and maintain the appliance to ensure its longevity and performance. Routine descaling, or deep cleaning, of the internal fixtures of the appliance gets rid of any limescale buildup that may occur after continued use. The company suggests this action be performed every 6 months, or after every 600 cups of coffee have been brewed, to guarantee excellent-tasting coffee. Descaling the different types of Nespresso machines, like the Vertuo, Vertuo Next, & Vertuo Plus, is simple to do and only takes a few minutes. Not only does the company sell descaling kits to help with this regular maintenance, but they also have several videos on how to descale each model.
When & Why to Descale
After continued use, the minerals in the water that are used to brew coffee can start to collect and build up on the tubes and internal components of the Nespresso machine. These minerals, like calcium and magnesium, can eventually turn into limescale.
Having a buildup of limescale on the internal workings of your Nespresso machine can not only affect the taste of your coffee but can also negatively impact the temperature and cause the appliance to break down altogether.
If you have lost track of time, there are some tell-tale signs that your Nespresso machine needs to be descaled. Some of these issues include:
- Burnt or dirty-tasting coffee
- Unusual noises coming from the appliance when in use
- Slow or weak coffee stream
- Freshly brewed coffee is not hot
- Descaling light will blink three times and then light up solid
Descaling the Vertuo
To descale the Vertuo machine, the company suggests setting aside 20 minutes to ensure the process is completed correctly. They also recommend using the descaling kit, which can be purchased from their website.
Before descaling, make sure there are no used pods in the machine and keep the lever unlocked. The capsule container and drip tray should also be emptied and replaced back onto the machine.
- Fill the water reservoir with 17 oz of water.
- Pour in one Nespresso descaling solution pouch.
- Replace the water reservoir and turn on the machine.
- Place a cup that can hold at least 20 oz of fluid under the spout where the coffee comes out.
- Hold the power button down for 7 seconds to enter the descaling mode. This will make the power button blink rapidly.
- Lock and then unlock the machine with the lever. With the lever in the unlocked position, press and hold the power button again for 7 seconds.
- Lock the machine with the lever once again and press the power button. This will start the descaling process.
- Once all the descaling solution has gone through the machine, empty out the cup that caught the descaling solution. Wash out the water reservoir to remove any residual descaling solution and clean out the drip tray and cup support.
- Fill the freshly rinsed water reservoir a little over halfway with clean water and place it back onto the machine. Reattach the cup holder and drip tray as well.
- Place the emptied 20 oz cup back onto the drip tray and press the power button on the machine to rinse it out.
- When the machine stops, the rinse cycle is over. Discard the water from the cup.
- Unlock the machine and hold the power button for 7 seconds to exit the descaling mode. When the mode has been properly exited, the button will no longer blink, but be solid. Allow the machine to sit and dry for a minimum of 10 minutes before brewing a fresh cup of coffee.
Descaling the Vertuo Next
Descaling the Vertuo Next is identical to the process necessary for descaling the Vertuo. The same 12 steps should be followed, and a descaling kit should be used.
Descaling the Vertuo Plus
As with the other two types of machines, you need to make sure there are no used pods in the Vertuo Plus. The drip tray and capsule container should also be emptied.
- Fill the water reservoir with 17 oz of water.
- Pour in one Nespresso descaling solution pouch.
- Replace the water reservoir and turn on the machine.
- Place a cup that can hold at least 20 oz of fluid under the spout where the coffee comes out.
- Push and hold down the lever and the power button simultaneously for three seconds.
- Push the lever down one time. This selects the descaling mode from the menu.
- Press the power button and wait for the machine to finish.
- When the machine stops, empty out the cup that caught the descaling solution. Wash out the water reservoir to remove any residual descaling solution and clean out the drip tray and cup support.
- Fill the freshly rinsed water reservoir a little over halfway with clean water and place it back onto the machine. Reattach the cup holder and drip tray as well.
- Press the power button three times successively to rinse the machine.The light on the top of the machine will glow green when the rinse cycle is complete. To get back to brewing mode, push and hold down the lever and the power button simultaneously for three seconds. Discard the water in the large cup and allow the machine to dry for at least 10 minutes before brewing a cup of coffee.
Conclusion
Descaling is an important deep cleaning mode that should be performed every 6 months to ensure the longevity of your Nespresso machine. Not only that, but it will also keep the flavor of your brews bold, robust, and appealing.
The process of descaling the Vertuo, Vertuo Next, and Vertuo Plus are similar and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. With only a few steps to follow and video tutorials available on the company’s website, it’s an easy maintenance task that rids your appliance of limescale, keeps the appliance running smooth, and keeps your tastebuds happy.
