Our Nespresso machines take good care of us, getting us through busy mornings, mid-afternoon work slumps, and so much more. It’s just as important that we take care of them and cleaning is a vital part of keeping a Nespresso machine in tip-top shape. If cleaning is neglected, the taste of your coffee could be impacted, as could the lifespan of your machine.
Nespresso machines should be cleaned nearly daily if they’re being used regularly. Otherwise, residue will pile up inside, which can cause blockages and lead to a buildup of dangerous bacteria. Besides the health risks, this can also affect the flavor notes of your coffee and make it taste bitter.
If your machine has an auto-clean function, this will make life easier, but if not, it’s good practice to give your Nespresso the care it deserves with a weekly clean cycle. It’s also important to rinse any removable components with warm water and soap whenever you can, and wipe down steam wands after each use. Finally, never skip scrubbing the tank when cleaning your Nespresso machine.
Descale the machine to ensure you don’t get cold coffee
It might seem like a lot, but the maintenance of a Nespresso machine doesn’t stop there. On top of regularly cleaning your machine, you also need to descale it every six to 12 months. This removes any limescale, which accumulates naturally in the machine as mineral deposits are left behind whenever the water inside is heated.
If the limescale isn’t removed, the machine might stop functioning properly. The water flow lines can get clogged, which may result in the water not reaching the temperature it needs to get to for the perfect flavor extraction. Not only will you get colder, poorer tasting coffee, but it could lead to excess strain on the machine.
Most machines will light up when descaling is due, but if you notice any bitterness in your coffee or if your machine is brewing slower than usual, it’s best to get ahead. If your machine doesn’t have a special descaling setting, you can buy a solution from Nespresso or follow our step-by-step guide to descaling your Nespresso Vertuo machine.
