Maintaining your Nespresso Vertuo Next is essential for consistently great coffee and the longevity of your machine. One key maintenance task is descaling, which removes mineral deposits that build up over time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple step-by-step process to describe your Vertuo Next, ensuring it operates at peak performance. Let’s get started!
Signs Your Nespresso Vertuo Next Needs Descaling
- Slower brewing times.
- Weaker coffee flavor.
- Unusual noises during brewing.
Step-by-Step Descaling Guide: Prepare Your Items
Ensure you have the following items on hand:
- Nespresso descaling liquid or descaling agent
- 0.8 liters of water
- A 1 liter container to catch the descaling solution
How To Descale Nespresso Vertuo Next
Step 1: Turning On the Machine
- Action: Push the button to turn the machine on.
- Indicator: The light will start blinking, indicating the machine is heating up. Once the light is steady, the machine is ready.
Step 2: Ejecting Used Capsule
- Action: Open the machine head to automatically eject the used capsule.
- Position: Leave the lever in the “UNLOCKED” position, pointing towards the front of the machine.
Step 3: Preparing for Descaling
- Action: Ensure the cup support and the used capsule container are emptied to accommodate the descaling solution.
Step 4: Filling the Water Tank
- Action: Mix 1 unit of Nespresso descaling liquid with 0.8 liters of water in the water tank.
Step 5: Entering Descaling Mode
- Action: Hold the button for at least 7 seconds to enter descaling mode.
- Indicator: The button will blink rapidly, signaling that you have 45 seconds to confirm entry into descaling mode.
Step 6: Confirming Descaling Mode
- Action: To confirm, lock the machine by turning the lever to the left (lock symbol) and then unlock by turning it right. Hold the button again for at least 7 seconds while in the “UNLOCKED” position.
Step 7: Starting the Descaling Process
- Action: Position a container beneath the coffee outlet, secure the machine by rotating the lever to the left, and press the button to initiate the descaling process. The machine will stop automatically once the descaling is finished.
Step 8: Rinsing the Machine
- Action: After descaling, empty, rinse, and clean the water tank and cup support thoroughly.
- Next Steps: Fill the water tank with fresh drinking water, replace it, and push the button to rinse the machine. The machine will stop automatically when the rinse is complete.
Step 9: Exiting Descaling Mode
- Action: To exit descaling mode, hold the button for at least 7 seconds until the rapid blinking stops and the light becomes steady.
Step 10: Completing the Descaling Process
- Final Steps: Allow the machine to dry for 10 minutes. The machine is now ready for use.
- Duration: The entire process takes approximately 20 minutes.
- Additional Notes: If the machine is heavily scaled, the descaling program might need a pause to allow the descaling agent to penetrate the scale build-up before restarting.
Nespresso Descaling Solution
Signs Your Nespresso Vertuo Needs to be Descaled
Signs include slower brewing times, weaker coffee flavor, and decreased performance overall.
For example, look inside this tea kettle that had to be thrown away. The mineral deposits grew so much that the kettle barely boiled water. It had to be thrown out.
Can You Descale Your Nespresso With Vinegar?
With its acetic acid properties, Vinegar has been a time-honored soldier in the battle against limescale and mineral deposits in various household appliances. However, when it comes to Nespresso machines, tread with caution. The Nespresso company has expressed reservations about using vinegar as a descaling agent, citing its potentially aggressive nature, which could compromise the integrity of the machine’s internal piping. For this reason, it’s a little self-defeating to clean the machine while simultaneously potentially damaging it. So for this reason, we don’t recommend this solution. Instead, we recommend you stick with the Nespresso Descaling Agent.
FAQ
Why is descaling my Nespresso Vertuo Next important?
Descaling removes mineral deposits inside your machine over time. This buildup can slow brewing, reduce coffee quality, and even damage the machine. Regular descaling ensures optimal performance and extends your machine’s lifespan.
How often should I descale my Nespresso Vertuo Next?
Nespresso recommends descaling every 2-4 months, depending on your water hardness and usage. If you notice slower brewing times, weaker coffee flavor, or the descaling light turns on, it’s time to descale.
Can I use vinegar to descale a Nespresso Vertuo Next?
Vinegar is not recommended for Nespresso machines. Its high acidity can damage the machine’s internal components. Use a Nespresso-approved descaling solution for the best results and to avoid voiding your warranty.
What do I need to descale my Vertuo Next?
You’ll need:
Nespresso descaling solution or another approved descaling agent.
0.8 liters of water.
A 1-liter container to catch the descaling solution.
How long does the descaling process take?
The entire process takes approximately 20 minutes, including the descaling and rinsing cycles. Plan for a bit of cooling time after completion.
What happens if I don’t descale my machine?
Failing to descale can lead to:
Slower brewing times.
Coffee with off-flavors or reduced strength.
Potential damage to your machine’s internal components, which could shorten its lifespan or result in costly repairs.
Can I use filtered or bottled water to prevent mineral buildup?
Yes! Using filtered water can significantly reduce mineral deposits, especially in areas with hard water. It can also enhance the taste of your coffee and prolong the time between descaling cycles.
What should I do if the descaling process doesn’t complete?
If the descaling cycle is interrupted:
Ensure the machine is in descaling mode.
Check the water tank for enough solution and refill if needed.
Follow the descaling steps again, starting from Step 1.
Where can I find the Nespresso Vertuo Next manual?
You can download the manual directly from Nespresso’s website here for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
How do I know if my water is “hard”?
Hard water contains calcium and magnesium, which contribute to faster mineral buildup. You can test your water hardness with a home testing kit or consult your local water provider.
Can I descale other Nespresso machines with the same instructions?
The descaling process varies by machine model. While some steps overlap, always check your specific machine’s manual or instructions for descaling.
Wrapping Up Descaling a Nespresso
It’s so important to stay on top of descaling your Nespresso occasionally, if not every few months. Again, it depends on the water you use in it and how hard it may be. If you live in a region with super hard water, it might be better to use filtered water that’s been treated to remove heavy elements from it. Remember that you’re drinking all that, and heavy metals in your water aren’t good. You can extend the life of your Nespresso by doing a little extra maintenance to keep it happy. If you need the manual for the Nespresso, here’s a link to it. Happy brewing!