If you’ve got a new Nespresso VertuoLine coffee maker, congratulations! As you know by now, the Nespresso Vertuo has a convenient way of disposing of its used pods after coffee brewing, a water canister, and an easily removable drip tray. These are also some of the only things you will need to worry about during the cleaning process.
If you’re having trouble figuring out how to clean and descale your Nespresso Vertuo, look no further. In this article, we aim to familiarize you with the different parts of the machine, including the button at the top and how to set up cleaning mode correctly and help you with descaling tips as well.
Keep reading below to find out everything you need to know in our handy guide.
How to Clean a Nespresso Vertuoline
Cleaning the Nespresso coffee machine isn’t too difficult once you get used to the Nespresso machine and the cleaning process. There are just a few steps to clean it, as listed below.
Preparing for the Cleaning Process
The initial step is pretty simple: make sure to eject the coffee capsule after use, letting it fall into the capsule holder. Then, empty that container to start the cleaning process.
Next, remove and empty the drip tray.
Then, you will need to rinse out the water canister and refill it. Be sure that when you fill the canister, you fill it with fresh water. You do not need to fill it up all the way.
Before you start the machine’s cleaning mode, make sure to place a cup or container underneath the machine’s spout to catch the water flow, as you would when making coffee. Nespresso recommends something that can hold at least 20 ounces. Of course, this time, you don’t want to use your coffee cup.
Machine Cleaning Mode
The first step is the easiest. Just turn the machine on! Press the button and turn the lever on the VertuoLine machine left until it’s in the locked position. Next, you need to press the button again, but this time, press it three times in quick succession.
Once you’ve done this, wait for up to two minutes, and you will see the cleaning process begin as the excess water from the machine pours into the container. The cleaning process takes about five minutes. You can also hand wash the drip tray during the cleaning cycle.
If you need to stop the cleaning process before then, you can always press the button, and it will stop.
Descaling
Many coffee machines come with or give you the option to purchase a descaling kit to get rid of calcium buildup and mineral deposits. You can buy the descaling kit compatible with Nespresso VertuoLine machines. However, since commercial descaling solution can be expensive, many people descale with a white vinegar solution.
Below are the steps to the descaling process.
When the Nespresso VirtuoLine needs descaling, the power button will blink three times and remain lit.
First, as with cleaning, you will need to remove the coffee pod by opening the machine and allowing it to slide into the pod canister. However, for this process, you can leave the lever in the unlocked position. Empty the canister of any used pods and empty the drip tray.
Next, you will need to fill the water tank with 17 ounces of clean water and one packet of descaling liquid (or 6.7 ounces of vinegar if using). Press the button to turn the machine on for the preheating process.
You will notice that the power light will slowly turn on. Hold the button down for 7 seconds (as recommended by Nespresso), to put the machine into descaling mode.
Once the light begins to blink, lock the machine with the lever. Next, turn the lever to unlock and press the button for 7 seconds again. While you do this, place a container underneath the spout.
Lock the machine once more and push the button to start. You will eventually see the descaling cycle begin as the descaling solution goes through the machine and comes out of the coffee outlet.
Once the process finishes, rinse both the drip tray and the water canister thoroughly in plain water before replacing them. The “cuff support” of the machine must also be rinsed and is equally easy to remove.
Final Thoughts
While the cleaning and descaling processes are not the most exciting to read about, they are relatively simple once you get used to your machine. Both involve the same basic steps and mostly the same parts of the Nespresso Vertuo. Good luck with your cleaning and descaling adventures.
Happy Caffeinating!
