Kitchen

How to Clean Nespresso Vertuo

Keeping your nespresso vertuo clean isn't just about appearance -- it's about hygiene and performance. Here's how to do it right, with the supplies you probably already have at home.

What You'll Need

  • White vinegar or Nespresso descaling solution
  • Fresh water
  • Large container (at least 1 liter)
  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
  • Soft cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Empty and rinse the water tank

    Remove any capsules from the machine and empty the drip tray and capsule container. Rinse the water tank thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Fill with descaling solution

    Mix equal parts white vinegar and water (or use a commercial descaling solution) and pour it into the water tank.

  3. 3

    Enter descaling mode

    With the machine off, press and hold the brew button and the lever simultaneously for 3 seconds until the light blinks orange. Press the brew button to start the cycle.

  4. 4

    Run the full cycle

    Let the machine pump all the descaling solution through. Collect the liquid in a large container. This removes mineral buildup from the internal heating system.

  5. 5

    Rinse twice with fresh water

    Fill the tank with clean water and run two full cycles to flush out any remaining vinegar taste. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and Lemon Glow Dish Soap.

Pro Tips

  • TIPDescale every 3 months or after every 300 capsules -- whichever comes first -- to maintain optimal brew temperature and flavor.
  • TIPIf your Vertuo starts making louder-than-usual noises or producing smaller cups, it's overdue for descaling.
  • TIPUse filtered water in your machine daily to reduce mineral buildup and extend time between descaling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XUsing apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar, which leaves residual flavors and is harder to rinse out.
  • XSkipping the rinse cycles after descaling, which results in a vinegar taste in your next several coffees.
  • XDescaling with the machine still hot from recent use, which can cause the solution to evaporate too quickly to be effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nespresso recommends descaling every 3 months. If you use the machine daily or have hard water, every 2 months is better.