A Guide To Descaling Nespresso Vertuo Next The Right Way
The water used to brew your pods contains minerals that build up inside your Nespresso Vertuo Next machine; descaling removes those minerals. If left untreated, these minerals can have a negative impact on the temperature and taste of your coffee as well as the machine’s water flow. Keep reading to learn more about descaling Nespresso Vertuo Next machines. I have included step by step instructions so you will know how to descale Nespresso Vertuo Next the right way. To begin the process, you will need a descaling solution kit like one of those I review below.
How Often To Descale Nespresso Vertuo Next Machines
In addition to weekly cleaning, Nespresso recommends you descale your Vertuo Next coffee maker 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 do this more frequently. If you are not sure about the level of minerals in your water, you can get a low-cost water testing kit.
The Vertuo Next keeps track of usage and will tell you when it is time to descale. The alert will be an orange blinking light that flashes three times. To some people, this light may look yellow. You can still use your machine a few times after this warning light turns on, but it’s best to descale soon as possible. Have you have connected your Vertuo Next to the your phone using bluetooth? If so, you will also get a descale alert on your phone.
It takes around 20 minutes to finish the process. It 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 Vertuo Next With Vinegar Is A Bad Idea
Nespresso instructions warn that you should NOT use vinegar when you descale your Vertuo Next. White vinegar contains 5-8% acetic acid. This specific type of acid can wear down metal and cause your unit to leak. As a result, using vinegar can void the warranty on your machine. Instead of damaging your machine by using vinegar, you can use one of these descaling kits to maintain your Nespresso Vertuo Next. These kits contain safer and effective types of acids.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Descaling Solutions
Nespresso Descaling Solution
This is the official descaling solution kit made by Nespresso. It is compatible with all models, including the Vertuo Next. Nespresso strongly recommends using this vs any other descaler. This lactic acid based 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.
Caffenu Eco Descaler
The Eco Descaler by Caffenu is a more affordable descaler that also uses lactic acid like the Nespresso solution. It is also phosphate free. Each pack contains two bottles, which is good for a total of four uses. If you descale every 3 months, that is a one year supply.
Impresa Coffee Machine Descaler
The Impresa descaler is a top selling coffee machine descaler. It uses citric and sulfamic acids. Both are gentle on metal and aluminum. A pack has two bottles, each enough solution for two uses.
How To Descale Nespresso Vertuo Next
Prepare The Vertuo Next
- Empty the capsule container. Remove the drip tray and empty it.
- Add the solution and clean water to the tank, following the instructions on your solution.
- Close and lock the machine to turn it on. Allow it to heat up. When the light stops flashing, it has finished heating up.
- Open the machine head and empty any used capsule. Close it and leave the lever in unlocked position towards the front.
Start The Descale Cycle
- Press and hold the button for at least 7 seconds to enter descaling mode. The button will blink rapidly when it is ready. You then have 45 seconds to start the next steps in the descaling process.
- Turn the lever left towards the lock symbol, then unlock by turning right. Hold the button in the unlocked position for at least 7 seconds.
- Place a container that is at least 34 fl oz under the coffee outlet.
- To start descaling, turn the lever left to lock the machine. Push the button. It will stop when the first phase is done.
Run A Rinse Cycle
- Empty and rinse the water tank, drip tray and cup support.
- Fill the water tank with fresh water. Push the button to rinse.
- When the light stops flashing and becomes steady, the process is done.
- Let it sit and dry for at least 10 minutes.
What To Do If the Orange Light Stays On After Descaling?
The descale light on your Vertuo Next should reset automatically if you followed the instructions all the way through without interruption. You shouldn’t have to do anything. If the Vertuo Next descale light stays on on, then it is possible you didn’t complete the process correctly. A big mistake people often make is not letting the water tank empty completely during the rinse cycle. Give your machine time to cool down, then try running a descale cycle again, this time using only water and no solution.
If after this your Vertuo Next is still blinking orange, don’t hesitate to call Nespresso support. Compared to the Vertuo Plus, the Next is known to have a lot of problems. In addition to the troublesome orange light errors, I have seen owners post on social media about a mysterious purple light or a solid or blinking white light that appears a couple days before the machine stops working.