A Guide To Nespresso Vertuo Descaling Instructions

The water used to brew your pods contains minerals that build up inside your Nespresso Vertuoline 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. If your Nespresso Vertuo is not pumping water, it is because of this scale buildup. Keep reading to learn more about how to descale your Nespresso Vertuoline machine, with step by step descaling instructions for the Vertuo Next, VertuoPlus, Vertuo and Evoluo. To begin the process, you will need a descaling solution kit like one of those we review below.
How Often To Descale Nespresso Vertuo Machines
In addition to weekly cleaning, Nespresso recommends you descale your Vertuoline 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 Nespresso Vertuoline has a light that will let you know that it is time to descale. On the VertuoPlus, the light will be half red and half green, though the green may look yellow to some people. On The Vertuo Next, Vertuo and Evoluo it will be an orange blinking light. You can still use your machine a few times after this warning light turns on, but it’s best to descale soon as possible.
If your machine is not pumping water, or if your coffee is no longer hot enough, that is another sign that your brewer needs maintenance.
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 Vertuoline With Vinegar Is A Bad Idea
Nespresso warns that you should NOT descale your Vertuoline machine with vinegar. 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. These kits contain safer and effective types of acids.
Nespresso Vertuo Descaling Solutions
Nespresso Descaling Solution
This is the official descaling solution kit made by Nespresso. It is compatible with all Vertuo models. 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.
Nespresso Vertuoline Descaling Instructions
How To Descale Nespresso Vertuo Next
How To Descale Nespresso VertuoPlus
The descaling instructions for Nespresso VertuoPlus are a bit different than other models. You need a descaling solution. If you would like to see an illustrated step by step guide for the VertuoPlus, click on the link and see pages 21-23 in the user manual.
- Turn the machine on by pressing the button.
- Eject any used capsule. Push the lever down to close.
- Push the lever for 3 seconds to turn off the coffee maker. Empty the cup support and capsule container.
- Add the solution and water to the tank, following the instructions on your kit.
- Start descaling by pushing the button and lever down at the same time for 3 seconds. An orange light will turn on.
- Press the lever down one time in the next 2 minutes to select descaling. An orange light will come on.
- Place a 20 fl oz bowl under the coffee outlet.
- Click on the button to start. It will stop when the process is done.
- Empty and rinse the water tank and cup support. Then fill the tank with fresh water and put it back.
- Push the button again to rinse. It will stop when it is complete, but you can also stop the process by pushing the button once the orange light flashes every 2 seconds.
- Press the button and the lever down for 3 seconds to exit descaling mode. The light should turn green.
- Let it sit and dry for 10 minutes before use.
Nespresso Vertuo Descaling Instructions
Nespresso Evoluo Descaling Instructions
What To Do If the Light Stays On After Descaling?
The descale light should reset automatically if you followed the instructions all the way through without interruption. You shouldn’t have to do anything. If the Vertuoline descale light stays on on, then it is likely that extra scale has built up inside your coffee maker. If you have not been properly cleaning your Nespresso, this is not surprising. Take a look at the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, you’ll need to repeat the steps using the solution at least one or two more times.
- Have you been ignoring the descale light for a while?
- Has it been a lot longer than 3 months since you last descaled?
- Do you have really hard water?
If you have been taking good care of your machine and the descale light stays on after the first deep clean, open and close the machine and see if that makes the light turn off. If not, you may need to reset your Nespresso.
For future reference, bookmark this page for a guide to other light alerts your machine may display.
If you also have an Original line brewer, bookmark our guide to descaling a Nespresso Lattissima, CitiZ, Essenza, Pixie or Creatista machine.
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