I am a sophisticated coffee lover. I have tested many espresso and coffee machines in the past and brewed various drinks with them. When I came to know about Nespresso, its convenient and automatic features and advanced technology impressed me greatly. I have also tested, used, and replaced many Nespresso machines and brewed splendid drinks with it. I compared Nespresso with Keurig, Jura, Breville, and many other coffee makers, but Nespresso is all alone among them. 

Last week, my friend came to meet me. She was also a fan of Nespresso models. I served her Nespresso coffee within 2-3 minutes. She surprisingly looked at me; when asked, she told me that her Nespresso brewer takes a lot of time in brewing and does not deliver drinks quickly. She also told me that she cleaned her brewer regularly and took good care of it. When I used the word descaling, she said she had never descaled her brewer and did not know how to descale a Nespresso machine. Well! I descaled the Nespresso machine in front of her, told her about its importance, and ensured that she understood every step.

When I returned home, a random thought came into my mind that maybe many other people in the world were unaware of the Nespresso machine’s descaling. So, I decided to write on it;

• How to descale a Nespresso brewer
• Which descaling fluid is the best
• How the descaling cycle is performed, and much more.

Descaling your Nespresso machine is easy, taking only 25-30 minutes. Scroll down to find out every detail of this process. 

Why Is There A Need To Descale A Nespresso Coffee Machine?

Descaling is a cleaning process that removes or prevents the accumulation of these metals/limescale. When you brew your drinks, either espresso (ristretto, lungo) or milk-based (latte, frappe, mocha, etc.), the minerals from the water build up in the heating system of the machine. Due to the accumulation of these minerals (calcium and magnesium), the water does not reach its optimum temperature, and the delivered coffee is not too hot. It also affects the machine’s performance and the quality and taste of your coffee. So maintaining your device, means regularly cleaning it and occasionally performing a deeper clean.

Related: Nespresso Descaling Solution Review →

How Do You Descale A Nespresso Pod Machine?

The descaling of Nespresso pod machines is quick and easy, taking only 20-30 minutes. I have mentioned every step of the descaling 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 Descale My Nespresso Machine?

Nespresso recommends descaling after every 300 brews or six months. The descaling process depends on the water hardness level. The steps include;

• Eject the spent capsule and empty the capsule container. 
• Wash the drip tray, water tank, and capsule holder with soapy warm water /dish soap.
• Fill the water reservoir with a 1:3 descaling solution (one part of descaling solution in three parts of freshwater).
• Place a large container under the coffee outlet.
• Hold the button and lever for three seconds to activate the descaling mode. Consult the user manual for a better understanding.
• The process will complete in 20-30 minutes.
• Run a complete cleaning cycle.

• Again press the button and lever for three seconds to exit the descaling mode. 
• Discard the dispensed hot water and brew your favorite recipes as your machine is ready to brew. 

Nespresso Machine Descaling Solution

Nespresso’s descaling solution is compatible with both OriginalLine and VertuoLine machines. The descaling package includes two sachets, each of 100 ml. Nespresso recommends descaling your Nespresso machine after six months, so this one packet is enough for one year (two descale processes). Besides this descaling solution, you can also use your homemade solution, such as lemon juice, dilute vinegar, and citric acid.

Nespresso Descaling Kit

The Nespresso descaling kit contains cleaning tablets and a set of two descaling kits. The descaling kit contains a descaling agent which removes limescale/mineral residues and makes your machine perfect for brewing.

How To Descale A Nespresso Machine With Vinegar?

If you don’t want to use a commercial descaling solution, you can make your descaling solution such as vinegar, citric acid, and lemon juice. 

• If you use citric acid — use a 1:20 solution; mix 1 unit of citric acid in 20 units/parts of clean water.
• If you are using vinegar or lemon juice — use a 1:1 solution; mix equal volumes of vinegar/lemon juice in an equal amount of freshwater.
• Never use abrasive agents.

Descale your Nespresso machine with vinegar, and the steps are;

• Eject the spent capsule and empty the capsule container. 
• Wash the drip tray, water tank, and capsule holder with dish soap.
• Fill the water reservoir with vinegar solution.
• Place a large container under the coffee spout.
• Hold the button and lever for three seconds to activate the descaling mode. Consult the user manual for a better understanding.
• The process will complete in 20-30 minutes.
• Run a complete cleaning cycle with only fresh or clean water. If you are using vinegar, run five cleaning cycles or if you are using lemon juice, run two cleaning cycles.
• Exit the descaling mode; hold the button and lever for three seconds. 
• Discard the dispensed water and brew your favorite coffee cups as your machine is ready to brew. 

Nespresso Machine Descaling Process

If you want to keep your machine in a good position and enhance its lifespan, descale it after six months. If you don’t descale the device, the minerals will build up in the boiler, and the coffee will come out slowly as water flow is disrupted. The device will work harder, and your machine’s system will clog or block. It will adversely affect the machine’s performance and the taste of your coffee. The descaling process includes the following steps;

1. Select Descaling Liquid

Choose your desired descaling solution. You can use the Nespresso descaling solution or commercially available solution. You can also make descaling solutions such as dilute vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid. Choose according to your preference.

2. Add Descaling Liquid

Add the desired descaling solution to the water tank. Use a 1:3 solution, i.e., mix one part of the descaling solution in three parts of clean water. After filling, fix the water tank back to its position. Also, empty the capsule receptacle and place a large container under the spout.

3. Start Descaling/Enter descaling mode

In VertuoLine machines, press the lever and brew button for three seconds to activate the descaling mode. In OriginalLine devices, press both the espresso and the lungo buttons simultaneously for three seconds, and the machine beeps, and it will activate the descaling mode. The process will stop when the reservoir is empty, and the green light will show up.

However, every machine has requirements or a way of activating the descaling mode. For example, in Nespresso Pixie, you must press the coffee buttons simultaneously (espresso & lungo for three seconds). So, consult your manual for better understanding.

4. Rinse with clean water

Rinse the machine with only clean water. In OriginalLine models, press the lungo button three times to activate the cleaning cycle. In VertuoLine machines, press the brew button three times to start the process. 

5. Exit descaling mode

To exit the descaling mode, press the same button combination you used to put the machine into descaling mode. In VertuoLine machines, press the lever and brew button for three seconds to exit the descaling mode. In OriginalLine devices, press the lungo button for three seconds, and it will leave the descaling mode. However, every machine has its requirements or way of exiting the descaling mode; consult a manual to solve the query. Let the device dry for 10 minutes. Now your machine is in ready mode, prepare your delicious coffee, and enjoy your great-tasting drink.

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 Descale A Nespresso Machines: Overview

Nespresso OriginalLine machines use powerful pressure pumps of 19-bars and extract perfect flavor and premium aromas from Nespresso capsules. 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 descale your OriginalLine or VertuoLine machine. 

How To Descale Nespresso VertuoLine Machines?

The descaling process of VertuoLine machines is the same as I mentioned above, such as;

• Empty the capsule container and wash the drip tray, water tank, and capsule holder with tap water.
• Fill the water tank with a descaling solution and place a large container under the coffee spout.
• Hold the button and lever for three seconds to activate the descaling mode. The process will complete in 20-30 minutes.
• Run a complete cleaning cycle with only fresh or clean water. Exit the descaling mode; hold the button and lever for three seconds. 
• Discard the dispensed water and brew your favorite recipes as your machine is ready to brew. 
• If you want more detail on descaling VertuoLine models, check out the links below.

How to descale Nespresso Vertuo machine

How to descale Nespresso VertuoPlus

How to descale Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe

How to descale Nespresso Vertuo Next

How to descale Nespresso Evoluo

How to Descale Nespresso OriginalLine Machines?

OriginalLine machines can be with or without an integrated frother. The descaling process of both types of OriginalLine models is slightly different.

How To Descale Nespresso Machines Without Integrated Frothers?

The descaling process of OriginalLine machines without frother is the same as I mentioned above, such as;

• Empty the capsule container and wash the drip tray, water tank, and capsule holder with dish soap.
• Fill the water tank with a descaling solution and place a large container under the coffee spout.
• Hold the button and lever for three seconds to activate the descaling mode. The process will complete in 20-30 minutes.
• Run a complete cleaning cycle with only fresh or clean water. Exit the descaling mode; hold the button and lever for three seconds. 
• Discard the dispensed water/used solution and brew your favorite recipes as your machine is ready to brew. 
• If you want more detail on descaling OriginalLine models, check out the links below.

How to descale Nespresso Inissia

How to descale Nespresso Essenza Mini

How to descale Nespresso Essenza Plus

How to descale Nespresso Pixie

How to descale Nespresso Instant Pod

How to descale Nespresso Citiz

How to descale Mixpresso Espresso Machine

How To Descale 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 frequent cleaning and descaling at their preferred time. OriginalLine models with integrated frother include; the Lattissima series, Creatista series, and other models. 

How To Descale Nespresso Lattissima Series

The process of descaling is the same, except that there are a few other things that should be taken into account while descaling the Lattissima series. After performing the above steps, such as emptying the capsule container, washing the removable parts with dish soap, and filling the water tank with descaling solution;

• Plug the descaling pipe into the Rapid Cappuccino System. The descaling pipe is at the back of the machine.
• The machine will enter the descaling mode, and the orange light will flash. 
• Place a large container under the descaling pipe.
• Press the espresso button; the descaling liquid will flow through the drip tray, descaling pipe, and coffee outlet. 
• After the descaling cycle, the lungo button will blink white. 
• Refill the water tank with fresh water and run a cleaning cycle.
• After the process, store the descaling pipe and clean the machine with a damp cloth. 
• If you want more detail on descaling Lattissima machines, check out the links below.

How to descale Nespresso Lattissima One

How to descale Nespresso Lattissima Pro

How to descale Nespresso Lattissima Touch

How to descale Nespresso Lattissima Plus

How to descale Nespresso Lattissima Gran

How To Descale Nespresso Creatista Series

The process of descaling is the same, except that there are a few other things that should be considered while descaling the Creatista series. After performing the above steps, such as emptying the capsule container, washing the removable parts with dish soap, and filling the water tank with descaling solution;

• Plug the descaling pipe into the Rapid Cappuccino System. The descaling pipe is at the back of the machine.
• The machine will enter the descaling mode, and the orange light will flash. 
• Place a large container under the descaling pipe.
• Press the espresso button; the descaling liquid will flow through the drip tray, descaling pipe, and coffee outlet. 
• After the descaling cycle, the lungo button will blink white. 
• Fill the water tank with fresh water and run a cleaning cycle.
• After the process, store the descaling pipe and clean the machine with a damp cloth. 
• If you want more detail on descaling Creatista machines, check out the links below.

How to descale Creatista Uno

How to descale Creatista Pro

How to descale Creatista Plus

How To Descale Other Nespresso Machines With Integrated Frother

The process of descaling is the same except that there are a few other things which should be taken into account while descaling other Nespresso machines having integrated frother. After performing the above steps, such as emptying the capsule container, washing the removable parts with dish soap, and filling the water tank with descaling solution;

• Plug the descaling pipe into the Rapid Cappuccino System. The descaling pipe is at the back of the machine.
• The machine will enter the descaling mode, and the orange light will flash. 
• Place a large container under the descaling pipe.
• Push the espresso button; the descaling liquid will flow through the drip tray, descaling pipe, and coffee outlet. 
• After the descaling cycle, the lungo button will blink white. 
• Fill the water tank with freshwater and run a cleaning cycle.
• After the process, store the descaling pipe and clean the machine with a damp cloth. 
• If you want more detail on descaling other Nespresso machines having an integrated milk frother, check out the links below.

How to descale Nespresso CitiZ & Milk

How to descale Nespresso Prodigio

How to descale Nespresso Expert

How to descale Nespresso KitchenAid

How to descale Nespresso Atelier

How To Descale Nespresso Machine Parts?

The parts of the Nespresso machine don’t require descaling. They are only cleaned before descaling with a suitable cleaner. You have to clean its parts regularly to remove limescale, keep your coffee machine in a good position, prevent the growth of bacteria, and prevent the device from clogging or blocking.

Cleaning Of The Water Tank

Nespresso machines have an easily removable water tank, remove it, wash it with hot soapy water, and rinse it with fresh water. Fill it with filtered water and fix it back to its position. Never submerge it in the dishwasher or use abrasive detergent. 

Cleaning Of Capsule Container

Eject the used capsule and empty the capsule container. Remove it, wash it with hot soapy water, dry it, 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 and the machine’s exterior with a damp cloth. Drying all the parts before fixing them back to their position. After the whole process, your device is ready to go.

FAQs

Can I Use Vinegar To Descale My Nespresso Machine?

Yes, you can descale your machine with vinegar but with a dilute solution. Pure vinegar has a strong smell and contains acetic acid. The acetic acid damages the machine’s pipes and causes them to leak. So 1:1 solution is best for descaling; 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 device 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 button for three seconds to activate the descaling mode.