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Cleaning is not always a loveable thing to do, but I can make cleaning easy for you so you can do it without much effort.
So grab your Nespresso Citiz and follow my guidelines and let’s bring the machine back to its course.
Greetings, Coffee Lovers!
Are you struggling with how you can clean your Nespresso Citiz without the descaling kit? Don’t worry! I have a temporary solution for this. You can use vinegar instead, but as I have said, it’s a temporary solution, and you must not keep on using it each time as it can affect the machine’s internal parts.
Related: Nespresso Descaling Solution Review →
I’ve been using Nespresso Citiz for quite a long time, and the only substitute I use for cleaning the machine – once I don’t have a descaling kit at hand – is water or vinegar. Today, I want to share my cleaning secrets with you so you can make your Nespresso machine last longer, just like mine has. Further, I will guide you on how you can use vinegar to internally clean or rinse your brewer. Remember to follow the safety precautions throughout the whole process for your safety.
- Are you planning on buying a Nespresso machine but don’t have much knowledge? Don’t be troubled, as I present the Best Nespresso Machines, which would be an excellent guide on knowing about Nespresso machines. So, you can select only the best preference.
Now without further keeping you waiting, here we go;
A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Clean The Nespresso Citiz Machine Using Vinegar
Before you start the rinsing process, there are some preparations you have to make.
Pre-Cleaning Preparations:-
- Remove the capsule from the capsule compartment by lifting and closing the lever.
- Also, remove and clean the drip tray, drip base, capsule container, and water tank.
Instructions:-
- Half-fill (approx. 0.5 L or 16.9 ounces) the water tank with clear and fresh water.
- Add 0.5 liter (16.9 ounces) of vinegar into the tank. (both vinegar and water should have an equal ratio of 1:1).
- Turn ON the machine by pressing Espresso or Lungo button.
- Wait for the machine to heat up. It will take approx—25 seconds to heat up. When the LEDs become still means the machine is ready to use.
- Place a 33.8-ounce or 1L container under the coffee outlet.
- Press & hold both the Espresso and Lungo buttons at the same time for 3 seconds to enter the machine in cleaning (descaling) mode.
Now press the Lungo button and wait until all the solution from the water tank is poured into the placed container.
- Once the tank is empty, refill it with the same solution that has just been poured into the container.
- Repeat the above procedure (point 6 and 7) 4-6 times.
- Then, discard the poured solution and clean the water tank nicely. (It is necessary to clean the water tank thoroughly to remove the smell of vinegar)
- Refill the water tank with fresh water and place a clean 1 L container under the coffee outlet.
- Press the Lungo button and wait for the water reservoir to be emptied into the container. (This rinsing process is vital to remove the vinegar from inside the machine)
- Refill the tank with the poured water and repeat the above process (point 12) once or more than once until you feel the vinegar and its smell gone from inside, and the water is coming clean from the machine.
- After this, your machine has been cleaned.
- To clean the machine’s outer covering, it is good to plug off the machine’s cord and wait for the machine to cool down first. Then carefully clean the machine’s outer covering using a soft, damp cloth.
Video On How To Clean Nespresso Citiz Using Vinegar
The cleaning procedure becomes easier to understand by watching the tutorial. So I present to you a video on how to clean Nespresso Citiz using vinegar. Watch it by clicking on the link below.
Video Link:
How To Clean Nespresso Citiz Using Vinegar Guide
Your further queries are also answered here in this guide. So give them a good read to help you know more about the cleaning procedure of the Nespresso Citiz machine. Here we go:
How Much Vinegar Do I Use To Clean My Nespresso Machine?
The vinegar and water ratio, in general, should be the same. If you pour half a liter of water, then you should also pour half a liter of vinegar in the water as well for cleaning your Nespresso machine. If you are using white vinegar, then you can use less water than vinegar, as white vinegar has more water in it than cleaning vinegar. Remember that vinegar is only a temporary cleaning solution; you should not completely rely on it because it can affect the machine’s internal parts. Also, Nespresso does not recommend it.
Will Vinegar Damage My Nespresso?
If you use vinegar for cleaning or descaling your brewer and its acidity level is high, it will affect the machine’s internal parts. Especially for Nespresso machines vinegar is not a recommended cleaning solution, especially for Nespresso machines. Nespresso recommends using the Nespresso Descaling kit for descaling your brewer and clear water for once-a-month cleaning. However, if you add an equal amount of vinegar and water and use it for cleaning sometimes, it would not be as effective as using pure vinegar each time.
Can You Clean A Coffee Machine With Vinegar?
Yes, you can clean the coffee maker using Vinegar. For this, add the same ratio of water and vinegar in the water tank and brew a few cycles. Then again, brew a few cycles, but this time with clear water to wash off the vinegar from the machine’s inside. However, you should not use vinegar often as it can affect the machine’s internal parts.
How Do I Put My Nespresso In Cleaning Mode?
To put your Nespresso Citiz in cleaning (descaling mode), turn ON the machine by pressing either Espresso or Lungo button. Let the machine heat up. After approx. 25 seconds, the LEDs will become still. Then press and hold the Espresso and Lungo button for 3 seconds. The machine will then enter into the cleaning (Descaling) mode.
How Do You Fully Clean A Nespresso Machine?
To fully clean your Nespresso Citiz machine follow the steps below:
- Remove the capsule from the capsule compartment by lifting and closing the lever.
- Half-Fill the water tank with water and add one descaling sachet to it.
- Place a 33.8-ounce or 1L container under the coffee outlet.
- Turn ON the machine by pressing Espresso or Lungo button and let the machine heat up.
- Press the Lungo button & wait until the solution empties into the container.
- Refill the tank with the solution that has just been poured into the container.
- Repeat points 5 and 6 four to six times.
- After this, rinse and clean the water tank and fill the tank with fresh water. Also, discard the solution from the container.
- Press the Lungo button and wait for the water to pour into the container.
- Use a soft, damp cloth for cleaning the machines out covering.
- After this, your machine will be cleaned.
Can I Use Baking Soda To Clean The Nespresso Machine?
Yes, baking soda can be used for cleaning the Nespresso Citiz machine. For this, add 6.4g of baking soda in 1 liter of water or 3.2g of baking soda in half-liter water. Baking soda is just a temporary alternative, and it is not recommended for your Nespresso machines, so you should avoid it too.
How Much Vinegar Solution Do I Use For the Descaling Process?
To descale the Nespresso Citiz, use the same amount of water and vinegar, i.e., with a ratio of 1:1. If you are using white vinegar, then you can use less water than vinegar, but if you are using cleaning vinegar, then water to vinegar ratio should be 1:1. Remember to only use a Descaling kit for descaling and try to avoid the vinegar as Nespresso does not recommend it. Also, vinegar can affect the machine’s internal parts.
Will My Coffee Taste Like Vinegar After Cleaning?
If you thoroughly run a rinsing brew on your machine (with clean water) after brewing with vinegar water, then NO, your coffee will not taste like vinegar. Maybe you can smell the vinegar, but it can also be removed by repeating the clean water rinsing brew 4-6 times.
What Is Vinegar Disadvantage In Cleaning?
Vinegar has acetic acid in it, and you should only use vinegar with water for cleaning as the machine’s internal parts are sensitive, and prolonged use of acid can affect the machine. Further, if you want to eliminate bacteria or germs, then vinegar is not very effective. Vinegar also leaves its smell which many people don’t appreciate much. Lastly, using vinegar for cleaning is not recommended by Nespresso itself.
Do You Use Vinegar Or Baking Soda To Clean The Coffee Maker?
You can use vinegar & baking soda to clean your Nespresso coffee maker. For baking soda, you can add 6.4 g of baking soda → 1 Liter water or 3.2 g in half-liter water. For vinegar, the ratio of both water and vinegar should be 1:1. Both vinegar and baking soda are not recommended cleaning agents by Nespresso and should not be used often.
Conclusion
I have done my best to provide you with the main and relatable knowledge on cleaning your Nespresso Citiz, and from now on, I believe in the future, you will be able to know fully how you can properly clean your Nespresso Citiz machine.
If you want to learn more in such an understandable and easy way, feel free to hop on our Review on Nespresso Citiz machine and How to Use Nespresso Citiz guides.
FAQs
How Do I Deep Clean My Nespresso Citiz?
For deep cleaning, Descaling or cleaning are good options. Cleaning is recommended to be done once a month and descaling twice a year. For descaling, you have to brew the cycle using the solution and then brew the rinsing cycle; For cleaning, you have to brew the rinsing cycle using water. To further want to know these processes in detail then, you can check out the How to Use Nespresso Citiz guide.
Can I Use Vinegar In Clean My Nespresso?
Yes, you can use vinegar. To do this, add half a liter of each water and vinegar to the water tank and press and hold the Lungo & Espresso buttons for 3 secs to enter the machine in descaling mode. Then press the Lungo button and wait until all the solution from the tank is poured into the container. Then refill the tank with the solution that has just been poured into the container and repeat the process 4-6 times. After this, clean the water tank and fill it with fresh water & brew a few rinsing cycles with it to clean the machine, and remove vinegar from the machine’s inside. Then to exit the machine from cleaning (descaling) mode, press & hold the Lungo and Espresso button for 3 secs.
What Alternatives Can I Use Instead Of A Descaling Liquid For Nespresso?
You can use vinegar, baking soda, white vinegar, cleaning tablets, Citric acid, cleaning solutions or descaling agents, etc., to clean your Nespresso machines.
