How to Clean & Descale a Nespresso VertuoPlus, Vertuo Next, or VertuoLine

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Deep-clean your Nespresso coffee maker with our easy instructions

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: December 13, 2024 Fact Checked

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Nespresso VertuoPlus

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Nespresso Vertuo Next or VertuoLine

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Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

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Expert Interview

If your Nespresso Vertuo machine isn’t working as efficiently or if your coffee has an off flavor, then it may be time to descale your machine. Descaling is simply pouring a cleaning solution into the machine’s tank and running it to break apart hard water deposits. While accessing the descale mode varies on the Vertuo model, we interviewed cleaning expert Raymond Chiu to help guide you through the entire process.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Descaling a Nespresso VertuoPlus

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1
Eject any used capsules still inside your Nespresso machine. When the button on your Nespresso VertuoPlus has a red and green light around it, it’s time to descale the machine. Press up on the lever on the front of the machine to open it and eject the last pod you used. Then, push the top of the machine back down to close it.^{[1]
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- Avoid running the descale cycle while there’s a pod in the tray because it won’t clean properly.
Press down on the lever on the front of your Nespresso machine and keep it held down for about 3 seconds. Your machine will completely shut off so you’re able to enter descaling mode later on.^{[2]
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According to cleaning expert Raymond Chiu, one of the first things to do is to, “empty the machine of all water and capsules.” Unclip the cup support from the front of the machine and wipe out any water that spilled out. Then, disconnect the tank and the used capsule container and empty them both. Reattach them to your VertuoPlus when you’re finished.^{[3]
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4
Fill the tank with descaling liquid and 17 fl oz (500 ml) of water. Nespresso descaling solution already comes in pre-portioned packages, so just empty one of them into your Nespresso machine’s tank. Add at least 17 fl oz (500 ml) of water into the tank and put on the lid.^{[4]
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- According to Chiu, “It’s recommended to purchase a descaling cleaning kit.” Descaling your Nespresso Vertuo with vinegar or other cleaning solutions could damage the parts.^{[5]
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- Descaling solution may cause skin or eye irritation, so pour it slowly. If you get any on you, rinse it off immediately.
5
Hold the lever and button for 3 seconds to enter the function menu. Press the brew button on top of the machine at the same time you push the lever down. Keep holding them both down for about 3 seconds until a steady orange light turns on, which signals you’ve entered the Special Functions menu.^{[6]
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- Make your next selection within 2 minutes, or else your machine will switch out of the menu mode.
Quickly push the lever down and your Nespresso VertuoPlus is ready to start descaling.^{[7]
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Research source} Once you engage the setting, the light will blink every 2 seconds.^{[8]
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7
Place a large mug under the spout and press the button to run the cycle. Choose a large mug or bowl that can hold at least 17 fl oz (500 ml) and set it on the cup support under the spout. Then, just press the brew button on top of the machine to start the cycle. The descaling solution will heat up and move through the machine to clean out any hard water deposits.^{[9]
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- Descaling your Nespresso VertuoPlus takes about 20 minutes in total.
8
Refill the tank with water and press the button to start a rinse cycle. Once the tank empties, rinse it out with clean water and then refill it completely. Dump the descaling solution in the mug down the drain and put it back under the spout. Press the brew button so the water moves through your machine to get rid of any residual solution and buildup.^{[10]
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- As the rinse cycle runs, the orange light around the button will continue to blink. Once it finishes, it turns a solid green.
Once your Nespresso machine is finished descaling, push the brew button and the front lever down at the same time and hold them down. After 3 seconds, it will switch out of descaling mode, so you’re ready to use your Nespresso machine to brew a fresh cup of coffee.^{[11]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Descaling a Vertuo Next or VertuoLine

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1
Empty the capsule container and drip tray. Move the lever on the front of your Nespresso machine to the unlock position. Open the top to eject the last capsule you used to make coffee. Then, pull out the used capsule container from the machine and empty it in the trash. Next, remove the drip tray from under the spout and wipe it out.^{[12]
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- Avoid descaling your Vertuo Next or VertuoLine while there’s a coffee capsule inside the machine, or else it won’t clean properly.
2
Fill the tank with water and a pack of descaling solution. Use the official Nespresso descaling solution to ensure you don’t damage your machine. Pour the pre-portioned solution into the empty tank attached to your machine. Then, add in at least 17 fl oz (500 ml) of water to the tank before putting the lid back on.^{[13]
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- Avoid descaling a Nespresso machine with vinegar because it could damage the internal parts and negatively impact its performance.
3
Unlock the machine’s lever and hold the button down until it flashes. Your Vertuo Next or VertuoLine should already be unlocked from ejecting the last capsule, but if not, move the lever to the Unlock position at the front of the machine. Hold the brew button down for about 7 seconds until the light blinks steadily.^{[14]
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- Even though the instructions are similar between models, Chiu says that “it’s always best to read the instruction manual for the proper settings and procedures.”
Move the lever at the front of your Nespresso machine to the left to switch it into the locked position. Then, immediately move the lever back to the front to unlock it again.^{[15]
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5
Press and hold the button until the light stops and starts blinking again. As soon as you unlock the lever again, press the button and hold it down. Wait until the light turns off and starts blinking again to fully engage descaling mode.^{[16]
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- Make sure you press the button within 45 seconds of locking and unlocking the lever. Otherwise, the descale mode won’t start properly. If this happens, just press the button until the light starts blinking again. Then, lock and unlock the handle before holding the button down.
6
Place a large mug under the machine’s spout. Choose a large mug or bowl that can hold about 20 fluid ounces (590 ml) of water. Place it on the drip tray underneath the spout so it catches the descaling solution after it drains out.^{[17]
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- Avoid using paper cups or containers that aren’t heat-safe since the hot water could cause them to melt.
7
Lock the lever and press the button to start descaling. Move the lever to the left to lock the machine, and press the brew button on top to begin the cycle. As the descaling solution moves through the coffee maker, it will break apart any hard water deposits and buildup so it drains out into the mug.^{[18]
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- Descaling a Nespresso Vertuo Next of VertuoLine takes around 20 minutes.
8
Refill the tank with clean water and press the button to run a rinse cycle. Pour the descaling solution in the mug down your drain and place it back on the drip tray. Then, rinse out the tank and refill it ⅔-full with clean water. After you reattach it to the machine, press the brew button to rinse out the residual solution and buildup.^{[19]
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- Once your Nespresso machine is finished rinsing, it will go quiet and stop making noise.
9
Hold the button down until the light is solid to finish the cycle. After the tank empties, press the button down and keep it held down for about 7 seconds. When the light turns solid, then the machine is back in standard mode. Just wait about 10 minutes for the machine to completely dry before using it.^{[20]
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- If there’s any water left in the tank after the rinse cycle, dump it down the drain and refill it with clean water again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

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Your Nespresso Vertuo will normally alert you when it’s time to descale it, but it helps to keep track of the last time you did it. Make sure to regularly descale your machine so it keeps running properly.^{[21]
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2
Run a cleaning cycle to flush out the machine between descaling. If you notice coffee grounds in your mug or that your machine is clogged, fill the tank up with fresh water. Open and close the top of your machine, and place a large container under the spout. Then, press the brew button 3 times within 2 seconds. The cleaning cycle will start pushing hot water through your Nespresso machine to get rid of any material stuck inside.^{[22]
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- These instructions work for all models in the Nespresso Vertuo line.
- If you still notice coffee grounds or have trouble running your machine, run another cleaning cycle.
3
Wash removable parts with hot water and an odorless detergent. Once every week or two, take out the drip tray, tank, and capsule container and wash them with soapy water. Gently wipe them with a cloth or towel to remove any buildup on the surface. Then, just rinse them off and pat them dry with a clean towel before reattaching them.^{[23]
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- Avoid using any harsh chemical cleaners because you could damage the pieces.
- Odorless detergent prevents the coffee in your machine from having a soapy flavor when you brew it.
4
Reset your Nespresso Vertuo if the light continues flashing. When the lights continue to flash after you descale your machine, it may need a factory reset. The reset varies between models, and it will remove any saved capsule settings that you saved on your machine.^{[24]
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- For the VertuoPlus, hold the lever down for 3 seconds. Then, press the lever and button down at the same time and hold them for 3 more seconds. Finally, press down on the lever 3 times and press the brew button to reset the settings.
- On the Vertuo Next and VertuoLine, open and close the machine. With the lever unlocked, press the brew button 5 times within 3 seconds to reset the settings.

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Warnings

Nespresso descaling solution may cause eye and skin irritation, so be slow and careful as you pour it. If you get any of the solution on you, rinse it off immediately.^{[25]
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Descaling solution may discolor surfaces, so put an old towel or paper towels under your Nespresso machine in case you spill.^{[26]
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