A Guide To Descaling Nespresso CitiZ The Right Way
The water used to brew your espresso pods contains minerals that cause limescale to build up inside your machine. Descaling Nespresso CitiZ at regular intervals removes those minerals. If left untreated, this can have a negative impact on the temperature and taste of your coffee as well as the CitiZ’s water flow. Keep reading to learn more about how to descale Nespresso CitiZ machines the right way, with step by step instructions. To begin the process, you will need a descaling solution kit like one of those we review below.
How Often Should You Be Descaling Nespresso CitiZ?
In addition to daily cleaning, Nespresso recommends you descale your CitiZ every 3 months or 300 capsules, whichever comes first. If your tap has “hard water,” meaning it contains higher level of minerals, then you should clean your espresso maker more frequently. If you are not sure about the level of minerals in your water, you can get a low-cost water testing kit and easily find out.
It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to finish the process. The process cannot be stopped so be sure to start only once you have all of the supplies you need and have enough time to finish it.
Why Descaling Nespresso CitiZ With Vinegar Is A Bad Idea
Nespresso warns that you should NOT use vinegar to descale your CitiZ. White vinegar contains 5-8% acetic acid. This specific type of acid can wear down metal and cause your espresso maker to leak. As a result, using vinegar to clean your machine can void the warranty.
Instead of damaging your espresso maker by using vinegar, you can use one of these descaling kits to maintain your Nespresso CitiZ. These kits contain safer and effective types of cleansing acids.
Nespresso Descaling Solutions
Nespresso Descaling Solution
This is the official descaling solution kit made by Nespresso. Nespresso strongly recommends only using this descaler. It is compatible with all models, including the CitiZ. This solution will gently eliminate the lime scale that has built up in your machine. Each pack contains 2 kits, so you’ll get two total uses out of it.
Impresa Coffee Machine Descaler
The Impresa descaler is a top selling coffee machine cleaner. It uses citric and sulfamic acids. Both are gentle on metal and aluminum. A pack has two bottles, each enough solution for two uses.
De’Longhi EcoDecalk Descaler
The De’Longhi Descaler is another Amazon customer favorite. It is made in Italy with high quality, plant-based lactic acid. This solution can be used to solve a descaling issue with any coffee machine, including those made by Breville. A 16.90 fl oz bottle contains enough solution for up to 5 uses.
Descaling Nespresso CitiZ Instructions
To clean your machine, you need a descaling solution. Your machine manual has instructions on how to descale with a solution kit. If you would like to see an illustrated step by step on descaling Nespresso CitiZ, please click to see pdf pages 15-16 in the user manual.
Prepare The Machine
- Open the lever to eject any used capsule. Empty the drip tray and used capsule container.
- Add the solution and water to the tank, following the instructions on your kit. For the Nespresso solution, add one packet of liquid and then fill with about 0.5L of fresh water until you reach the MAX line.
- Place a 1L container under the coffee outlet. Turn the machine on.
Start The Descale Cycle
- Press and hold both the Espresso and Lungo buttons for 3 seconds to enter descaling mode. Both buttons will blink.
- Press the Lungo button only and the descaling process will start. Wait until the water tank is empty.
- Pour the contents of the container back into the water tank. Repeat steps 4 and 5.
Run A Rinse Cycle
- Empty and rinse the water tank thoroughly. Fill it with fresh drinking water only.
- Perform a rinse cycle to remove any residue from inside the machine. To do this, repeat steps 4 & 5.
Exit Descale Mode
- Press and hold both the Espresso and Lungo buttons for 3 seconds to exit descale mode. If you do not, the lights will continue to blink.
How To Exit Nespresso CitiZ Descaling Mode
A lot of people are eager to be done with the descaling process and forget the last step. You must manually exit descaling mode. You have to hold the espresso and lungo buttons. For the CitiZ, you must hold them down for three seconds. When you release the buttons, the lights should turn steady. It could take up to 25 seconds.
If the light won’t go off, open and close the machine. If it stays on, you may need to reset your Nespresso machine.
