To reduce the probability of your machine breaking down and maintain an intense and balanced coffee, you must descale your Nespresso machine regularly. Calcium deposit build-up is the enemy of coffee machines (and many household appliances) because:
- it clogs the water circuit preventing the water from circulating normally
- it forces the water pump to work harder
- it scales other parts of the Nespresso such as the resistance.
We tell you everything in this blog on how to descale the Nespresso, when to descale your coffee machine, how to reduce calcium deposit in the Nespresso, descaling with natural products, and tips for cleaning your coffee machine.
When to descale your Nespresso?
Descaling should be done every two to six months, depending on the hardness of the water (its calcium and magnesium content). The harder the water, the more often you need to descale.
The descaling frequency of a Nespresso also depends on your use of the coffee machine: the more you use it, the more often it has to be descaled. Nespresso recommends:
- descaling every six months for two cups consumed per day;
- a descale frequency of five months for four cups a day:
- descaling the Nespresso every three months if six cups per day;
- a descaling frequency of two months for eight cups and more per day.
On most models a light comes on a descaling of the Nespresso is needed.
How is calcium deposited in your Nespresso? Tap water used to make coffee always contains calcium. When it is heated, it crystallizes and settles in the water circuit of the coffee machine in the form of calcium carbonate deposits or limescale.
Why do I have to descale my Nespresso regularly?
What happens if I don’t descale my Nespresso? The water will have more difficulty circulating due to the presence of calcium deposits in the water hoses and on the parts of the water circuit. This will force the water pump to work harder to maintain the flow and the pressure in the Nespresso. In the end, the water pump ends up wearing out prematurely.
Deposits can also damage other parts such as the resistance. In this case, the warning sign will be that your Nespresso no longer heats the water.
Not to mention that the taste of the coffee changes, losing its usual flavor.
How do I prevent calcium deposits in my Nespresso?
Her are 3 solutions to limit limescale deposits in the Nespresso:
- Put a lime catcher in the water container.
- Use a water softener.
- Use filtered water.
Descaling a Nespresso with descaling kit
As seen previously, many failures are caused by not descaling the Nespresso machine. It is recommended to descale it several times per year or when the “descaling” light comes on.
If you use a descaler kit follow our Nespresso descaling instructions:
- Empty the bins.
- In the water tank mix 3/4 of water with 1/4 of descaling product.
- Plug in your coffee maker.
- Simultaneously press the “small” and “large cup” buttons for 3 to 4 seconds.
- Press “large cup” and let the water in the water tray flow out.
- Repeat the operation starting from point 2.
- Do 2 cycles with clear water by pressing “large cup” and emptying twice the water tank.
- Simultaneously press on “small” and “large cup” for 3 to 4 seconds.
Your Nespresso is ready to use.
Sustainable eco-friendly Nespresso descaling, is it possible?
The manufacturers propose descalers in the form of liquids, tablets, or powder and they often advise against the use of natural products. Difficult to know if these recommendations have a solid basis or if it is a question of promoting the sale of their products.
Most of the time, the use of vinegar is discouraged. The acetic acid that composes it could damage the seals over time and leave a bad smell and taste. Only occasional use in case of urgent descaling is to be considered.
We give you below three alternatives for descaling with natural products. It is more economical than the commercial descaler but their use, especially that of white vinegar, is at your own risk as it can affect the durability of your coffee maker.
Descaling Nespresso with white vinegar
Mix 1/3 water and 2/3 white vinegar. Fill the Nespresso tank with the mix and proceed in the same way as for descaling with a classic product (refer to the paragraph “Descaling a Nespresso with classic descalers”).
Descale Nespresso machine with citric acid
Dilute 50 g of citric acid in 1 liter of cold water and fill the tank of the machine. Proceed in the same way as for descaling with a classic product (see above “Descaling a Nespresso with classic descalers”).
Descale a Nespresso with baking soda
Put two teaspoons of baking soda in 1 liter of cold water and pour the solution into the water tank. Proceed as for the descale with a regular descaler (see “Descaling a Nespresso with classic descalers”).
Cleaning the Nespresso
The various accessories, bins, and reservoirs that come apart can be cleaned with a sponge and soap. Wash them every month or more if you use your machine a lot. Don’t forget to rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap and preserve the taste of your coffee.
Your Nespresso is now like new (almost 🙂 ), ready to make espressos and more! Check our coffee drink recipes, you’ll find cappuccinos, iced coffees, Frappuccinos, etc., and even coffee cocktails!
