Quick Navigation
I love pod coffee, and Nespresso has always remained my favorite. I like to brew with Nespresso pods as the coffee brewed with Nespresso capsules has exceptional taste, aroma, texture, and body. I have used and replaced many Nespresso devices, and I know every bit of these machines. I also compared Nespresso with Keurig,—–Breville, Jura, Krup, and many other coffee makers regarding quality, brewing, and cleaning processes. Of all of them, Nespresso has won the battle due to convenience.
Last week, I met with my close friend for some reason. She also loves Nespresso coffee and owns a Lattissima Pro. She brewed a drink for me, but it tasted bitter or burnt. At first, I thought about letting it go, but then I asked the reason. She did not know why it tasted bitter. I wondered how she maintained/cleaned her machine; oh my goodness! She did not know how to descale/clean a Nespresso machine and had never cleaned her machine. I cleaned/descaled her machine, told her about its importance, and ensured that she understood every step of it.
When I came back home, I realized that maybe other people in the world were unaware of the Nespresso machine’s cleaning. So, I decided to write on cleaning of Nespresso coffee machines;
- How to clean/descale your machine
- Which cleaning solution is the best
- How the cleaning cycle is performed, and much more.
Nespresso offers a quick and easy cleaning process and takes only 10-15 minutes. Scroll down to find out every detail of this process.
Why Is There A Need To Clean Your Coffee Machine?
When you brew your drinks, espresso, lungo, and latte macchiato, oil and coffee residues will build up in the machine’s system and adversely affect the coffee taste/machine’s performance. That’s why Nespresso recommends regularly cleaning to keep the device in a good position. Nespresso cleaning tablets contain detergent agents that contact with water, transform into active mousse, and deep clean the Nespresso’s machine. The Nespresso machine should be cleaned regularly to dislodge the particles, kill the bacteria, make your device ready to brew and deliver you a fresh cup of delicious coffee.
Related: Nespresso Descaling Solution Review →
How do you clean a Nespresso pod machine?
Cleaning the Nespresso pod machine is quick and easy, taking only 10 minutes. I have mentioned every step of the cleaning process. Follow these steps and stick to the end to increase the machine’s lifespan and keep it in a good position.
How do I clean my Nespresso machine naturally?
It is mandatory to clean your Nespresso machine regularly because each extraction will build up coffee and oil residues and clog your device. If your Nespresso machine has an integrated frother, you must clean it after every use. Because when you brew cappuccino, latte, frappe, mocha, etc., the milk residues stick to the frother. If you don’t clean your device after every use, the milk residue will dry and give your drinks a bitter taste.
How do I deep clean my Nespresso machine?
Regular cleaning:
The daily rinsing cycle prevents the build-up of mineral and oil residues. For this;
- Remove the water tank, wash it with tap water, and dry it with a damp cloth.
- Place the container under the coffee outlet.
- Press the lungo/espresso (in OriginalLine machines) or brew button (in VertuoLine machines) to activate the cleaning cycle.
- After this, discard the hot water.
- Now your machine is ready to brew.
Deep cleaning:
Nespresso recommends deep cleaning after every six months or 300 brews. The deep cleaning depends on the water hardness level or the regular cleaning cycle. The steps include;
- The first step is a preparation step which includes; ejecting the used capsule and emptying the container.
- Wash the removable parts, water tank, drip tray, capsule holder, etc., with hot soapy water/dish soap.
- Fill the water tank with a deep cleaning solution.
- Place the container under the coffee dispenser.
- Hold the button and lever for three seconds; it will activate the deep cleaning mode. Well! Every Nespresso machine has a different way of starting it, so consult the user manual’s instructions for a better understanding.
- The whole process will complete in 20 minutes.
- After deep cleaning, again press the button and lever for three seconds. Now your machine is in brewing mode.
- Discard the dispensed water and start brewing.
How do you run a clean cycle on a Nespresso machine?
Nespresso recommends regularly cleaning to keep your machine in a good position. Never use abrasive agents for cleaning. If you don’t clean your device/coffee maker regularly, then;
- It will affect the machine’s performance and the taste of your drink, making it taste burnt or bitter.
- Coffee grounds will be in your cup.
- The delivered coffee will not be too hot.
- Low coffee or no coffee will come out.
- The machine will not puncture correctly.
The whole cleaning process took only 10 minutes. The steps include;
- Remove the water tank, wash it, add half a liter of clean water, and fix it back to its position.
- Eject the spent capsule and empty the capsule container.
- Also, wash the drip tray and capsule holder in the dishwasher or by hand.
- Place a container under the coffee outlet.
- Turn on the coffee maker and rotate the lever in the locked position (in VertuoLine models).
- Press the espresso/lungo button three times to activate the cleaning cycle.
- The cleaning cycle will complete within 5-10 minutes.
- Discard the dispensed hot water and wash the machine’s exterior and outlet with a damp cloth.
- Now your device is ready to brew. Brew your favorite recipes in no time and enjoy.
Nespresso Machine Descaling Solution
Nespresso offers a descaling solution compatible with both OriginalLine and VertuoLine models. The descaling package includes two sachets, each of 100 ml. According to the Nespresso recommendation, if you descale your machine after six months, these two packets are enough for one year (two descale processes). Besides this commercial descaling solution, you can also use lemon juice and citric acid.
Nespresso Descaling Kit
Nespresso offers a descaling kit that includes cleaning tablets and a set of two descaling kits. The descaling kit contains a descaling agent which eliminates limescale residues and makes your machine perfect for brewing.
How To Clean A Nespresso Machine With Vinegar?
You can make your cleaning solution if you don’t want to clean/descale your Nespresso machine with a commercial cleaning solution. You can use citric acid, vinegar, and lemon juice.
- For citric acid — use a 1:20 solution, mix 1 part/one unit of citric acid in 20 parts of water.
- For vinegar or lemon juice — use a 1:1 solution, and mix equal volumes of vinegar/lemon juice in an equal amount of water.
- Never use abrasive agents.
Clean your Nespresso machine with vinegar, and the steps are;
- Eject the used capsule and empty the capsule container.
- Wash the removable parts, water tank, drip tray, capsule container, etc., with a bar of dish soap.
- Fill the water tank with vinegar solution.
- Place the container under the spout.
- Hold the button and lever for three seconds; it will activate the cleaning mode.
- The whole process will complete in 25-30 minutes.
- Now run a complete cleaning cycle with only freshwater or without vinegar solution.
- Run five rinse cycles (in the case of vinegar) or two cycles (in the case of lemon juice or citric acid). After deep cleaning, again press the button and lever for three seconds. Now your machine is in brewing mode.
- Discard the dispensed water, wipe the outlet and other parts with a damp cloth, and start brewing.
Nespresso Machine Descaling Process
According to the Nespresso recommendations, Descale your Nespresso machine after every six months or 300 brews with a homemade or commercial solution. The descaling cycle depends on the water hardness level or the regular cleaning cycle. The steps include;
- The first step is a preparation step which includes; ejecting the used pod and emptying the capsule container.
- Wash the removable parts, water tank, drip tray, capsule container, etc., with soapy warm water/dish soap.
- Fill the water tank with the commercial descaling solution, i.e., one part of the descaling solution in three parts (half a liter) of clean water.
- Place the container under the spout.
- Enter Descaling mode: In VertuoLine models, hold the button and lever for three seconds to activate the descaling mode. In OriginalLine models, press the lungo/espresso button for three seconds to activate the descaling mode.
- The steady light first disappears and then becomes orange.
- Consult the user manuals instructions for each Nespresso machine for better understanding.
- The whole process will complete in 20-30 minutes.
- After deep cleaning, again press the button and lever for three seconds (VertuoLine models) or press the lungo/espresso button for three seconds (OriginalLine models) to exit the descaling mode. Now your machine is in brewing mode.
- Discard the dispensed water and let the machine dry for 10-15 minutes.
OriginalLine Nespresso Descaling Instructions Pdf
The descaling process of OriginalLine machines is the same as discussed above. If you want more detail on how OriginalLine models are descaled, check out the link below.
OriginalLine Nespresso Descaling Instructions Pdf
Nespresso Vertuo Descaling Instructions Pdf
The descaling process of OriginalLine machines is the same as discussed above. If you want more detail on how OriginalLine models are descaled, check out the link below.
Nespresso Vertuo Descaling Instructions Pdf
How to Clean A Nespresso Machines: Overview
Nespresso OriginalLine machines use 19-bar powerful pressure pumps and extract perfect flavor and aromas from Nespresso pods. OriginalLine models are compatible with OriginalLine Nespresso pods and third-party coffee capsules. These machines do not work well with Vertuo pods and are best for coffee lovers.
VertuoLine machines use Centrifusion technology, scan the capsule’s barcode, and run it vigorously at 7000 RPM. It results in a splendid and well-balanced espresso shot. VertuoLine models work well with Vertuo pods and Starbucks by Nespresso pods. They are best for those who drink coffee now and then.
Let me tell you how to clean your OriginalLine or VertuoLine machine.
How to clean Nespresso VertuoLine machines?
The cleaning process of VertuoLine machines is the same as mentioned above, such as;
- Wash all the removable parts (water tank, drip tray, capsule container) with a suitable cleaner.
- Dry all the parts and fix them back to their positions.
- Wash the machine’s exterior with a damp towel.
- Run a cleaning cycle.
- If you want more detail on cleaning VertuoLine models, check out the links below.
How to clean Nespresso VertuoPlus
How to clean Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe
How to clean Nespresso Vertuo Next
How to clean Nespresso OriginalLine machines?
OriginalLine machines can be of two types; with or without an integrated frother. The cleaning process of both types of OriginalLine models is slightly different.
How to Clean Nespresso machines Without Integrated Frothers?
The cleaning process of these types of OriginalLine machines is the same as mentioned above, such as;
- Wash all the removable parts (water tank, cup support, capsule container) with a suitable cleaner.
- Air dry all the parts and fix them back to their positions.
- Wash the machine’s exterior with a damp towel.
- Run a cleaning cycle.
- If you want more detail on cleaning OriginalLine models without frother, check out the links below.
How to clean Nespresso Inissia
How to clean Nespresso Essenza Mini
How to clean Nespresso Essenza Plus
How to clean Nespresso Instant Pod
How to clean Mixpresso Espresso Machine
How to Clean Nespresso machines With Integrated Frother?
The Nespresso machines with an integrated frother or Rapid Cappuccino System require special care as milk residues will build up in the system or walls of the frother and affect your coffee taste. So, these models require cleaning after every use. OriginalLine models with integrated frother include; the Lattissima series, Creatista series, and other models.
How to clean Nespresso Lattissima Series
The whole cleaning process of Lattissima machines is the same as mentioned above except that;
- Remove a milk frother and wash it inside and out with a suitable cleaner.
- Air dry it and fix it back to its position.
- Make sure that no milk residue is stuck to it.
- Remove a Rapid Cappuccino System/milk container.
- Wash it with suitable cleaner, dry it and fix it back to its position.
- Run a complete cleaning cycle.
- If you want more detail on cleaning Lattissima machines, check out the links below.
How to clean Nespresso Lattissima One
How to clean Nespresso Lattissima Pro
How to clean Nespresso Lattissima Touch
How to clean Nespresso Lattissima Plus
How to clean Nespresso Lattissima Gran
How to clean Nespresso Creatista Series
The whole cleaning process of the Creatista series is the same as mentioned above except that;
- Remove a milk frother (if removable) and wash it inside and out with a suitable cleaner.
- Make sure that no milk residue is stuck to it.
- Remove a milk container.
- Wash it with suitable cleaner, dry it and fix it back to its position.
- Run a complete cleaning cycle.
- If you want more detail on cleaning Creatista machines, check out the links below.
How to clean Other Nespresso Machines With Integrated Frother
The whole cleaning process of other Nespresso machines (with frother) is the same as mentioned above except that;
- Remove a milk frother (if removable) and wash it inside and out with a suitable cleaner.
- Make sure that no milk residue is stuck to it.
- Remove a milk container.
- Wash it with suitable cleaner, dry it and fix it back to its position.
- Run a complete cleaning cycle.
- If you want more detail on cleaning other Nespresso machines (with frother), check out the links below.
How to clean Nespresso CitiZ & Milk
How to clean Nespresso Prodigio
How to clean Nespresso KitchenAid
How to clean Nespresso Atelier
How to Clean Nespresso Machine Parts?
Nespresso machines are single-serve pods using convenient devices. You have to clean its parts regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold, to prevent the machine from clogging, to prevent the particles from dislodging, and to keep the machine in a good position
Cleaning of Water Tank
Nespresso machines have an easily removable water tank, remove it, rinse it with warm soapy water, and rinse it with fresh water. Fill it with clean water/filtered water and fix it back to its position. Never submerge it in the dishwasher or use abrasive detergent.
Cleaning of Capsule Container
The capsule container is also removable. Eject any used capsule and empty the capsule receptacle. Remove it, rinse it with hot soapy water, dry it with a clean cloth, and fix it back to its position.
Cleaning of Drip Tray/Cup support
Nespresso machines have a removable/adjustable drip tray that allows you to brew in small or large mugs. Remove the cup support, rinse it with dish soap, rinse with fresh water, dry it with a clean cloth, and fix it back to its position.
Cleaning Of Capsule Head And Machine’s Exterior
Wash the capsule head, capsule detector lens (by removing the maintenance module), and the machine’s exterior with a damp towel. Make sure to dry all the parts before fixing them back to their position. After the whole process, your machine is ready to go.
Important FAQs
Can I Clean My Nespresso Machine With Dish Detergent?
You can clean your Nespresso machine with dish detergent or any other suitable cleaner. Nespresso also offers cleaning tablets for cleaning; you can use any of these things according to your preference. Make sure never to use any abrasive agent for cleaning.
Can I Clean My Nespresso Machine With White Vinegar?
Yes, you can clean/descale your device with white vinegar in a dilute solution as pure vinegar has a strong smell and contains acetic acid. The citric acid damages the pipes and causes your machine to leak. So 1:1 solution of white vinegar is best for cleaning; equal parts of vinegar in equal parts of freshwater.
What is the Descaling Mode of A Nespresso Machine?
Like descaling alerts, Nespresso machines have a descaling mode. For descaling, the machine should be in this mode. In VertuoLine models, hold the button and lever for three seconds; it will activate the descaling mode. In OriginalLine models, press the lungo/espresso button for three seconds to activate the descaling mode.
How To Clean a Delonghi Nespresso Machine?
DeLonghi makes many Nespresso machines such as CitiZ & Milk, Pixie, Lattissima series, etc. The cleaning process of these machines is the same as mentioned above. If you want more detail, watch the links below.
How to clean Nespresso CitiZ & Milk
How to clean Nespresso Lattissima Plus
How To Clean Nespresso Machine Breville?
Nespresso machines designed by Breville include Essenza Mini, Inissia, Evoluo, etc. The cleaning process of these machines is the same as mentioned above. If you want more detail, watch the links below.
How to clean Nespresso Inissia
How to clean Nespresso Essenza Mini
How To Clean Nespresso Machine Krups?
Nespresso machines designed by Krups include Atelier, Expert, Vertuo Next, etc. The cleaning process of these machines is the same as mentioned above. If you want to know more, watch the links below.
How to clean Nespresso Atelier
How to clean Nespresso Vertuo Next
How To Clean Nespresso Machine Magimix?
Nespresso machines designed by Mmagimix include VertuoPlus, Inissia, Nespresso CitiZ, etc. The cleaning process of these machines is the same as mentioned above. If you want to know more, watch the links below.
How to clean Nespresso VertuoPlus
How to clean Nespresso CitiZ & Milk
How to clean Nespresso Inissia
