How to Descale Your Nespresso Vertuo Machine (2025 Guide)

Is the dreaded half-red, half-green or solid orange light on your Nespresso Vertuo machine ruining your coffee routine? Don't worry, this is simply your machine's way of telling you it's time for a vital maintenance task: descaling. Mineral deposits from water can build up over time, affecting your coffee's temperature, flow, and flavor.

Following the correct descaling procedure is essential for maintaining the unique Centrifusion™ technology that creates your Nespresso's signature crema. This guide will walk you through the precise steps for the Vertuo and Vertuo Plus lines to get your machine back to brewing perfectly.

[Table of Contents]

• Why You Need the Right Descaler for Nespresso
• Nespresso Vertuo / Vertuo Next Descale Instructions
• Nespresso Vertuo Plus Descale Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Why You Need the Right Descaler for Nespresso

Nespresso machines use an aluminum thermoblock to heat water rapidly. Using the wrong cleaning agent, especially vinegar, can cause irreversible damage to these sensitive internal components.

• Protect Your Machine: A gentle, non-corrosive descaling solution is crucial to protect the delicate parts of your Vertuo machine from damage.
• Pure Coffee Flavor: Our solution is formulated to rinse away completely, ensuring no chemical or vinegar aftertaste interferes with the nuanced aromas of your Nespresso capsules.
• Maximum Effectiveness: It is specifically designed to dissolve the limescale and calcium deposits that clog your machine and affect performance.

Preserve the Perfect Crema. Keep your Nespresso machine in peak condition.

Shop Our Nespresso-Compatible Descaler

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Nespresso Vertuo / Vertuo Next Descale Instructions

This process involves a specific sequence of button presses and lever movements. Follow carefully!

Part 1: Entering Descale Mode

1. Pour 4 oz. of your descaling solution into the empty water tank. Add fresh water until the tank is about half full.
2. Empty the used capsule container and the drip tray. Place a large container (at least 20 oz.) under the coffee spout.
3. Turn the machine ON and wait for the light to become a steady white or green.
4. Leave the machine head in the UNLOCKED position.
5. Now, press and hold the main button for at least 7 seconds. The light will turn off and then begin to blink with an orange light. You are now in Special Functions mode.
6. To select "Descaling," turn the lever to the LEFT (to the lock symbol) and then turn it back to the FRONT (to the unlock symbol).
7. Finally, press and hold the button again. The light will fade, and then start blinking rapidly. Lock the lever one more time. The light will now be blinking steadily, indicating you are in descale mode.

Part 2: Descaling and Rinsing

1. Press the button once to start the descaling cycle. The machine will run the entire descaling solution through the spout automatically.
2. Once the solution stops dispensing, empty the container. Thoroughly rinse the water tank, drip tray, and capsule container to remove all descaler residue.
3. Place the empty container back under the spout.
4. Fill the water tank completely with fresh water and reinsert it.
5. Press the button once more to start the rinse cycle. The machine will run the entire tank of fresh water through.
6. When the rinse cycle is complete, the machine will stop. To exit descale mode, press and hold the button for 7 seconds. The light will stop blinking and become steady green/white.
7. Let the machine dry for 10 minutes before use. The descaling process is complete!

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Nespresso Vertuo Plus Descale Instructions

Part 1: The Descale Cycle

1. Turn the machine ON. Eject any used capsule, then empty the cup support and the used capsule container.
2. Fill the water tank with 4 oz. of descaler and at least 17 oz. of fresh water.
3. To enter descale mode, push both the LEVER down and the BUTTON down at the same time and hold for 3 seconds. The light will turn a steady orange.
4. Press the LEVER down once. The light will now blink orange. You have 45 seconds to start the descaling process from this point.
5. Place a large container (at least 25 oz.) under the coffee spout.
6. Press the BUTTON once to start the descaling. The machine will run the solution through until the tank is empty. The orange light will blink throughout this process.

Part 2: The Rinse Cycle

1. Once the descaling is complete, thoroughly rinse the water tank, cup support, and drip tray.
2. Fill the water tank completely with fresh water and reinsert it. Place the empty container back under the spout.
3. Press the BUTTON once to start the rinse cycle. The machine will run the full tank of fresh water through and will stop automatically when finished.
4. To exit descaling mode, push both the LEVER down and the BUTTON down at the same time for 3 seconds. The light will turn steady green, indicating it's ready for use.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my Nespresso light still orange after descaling?
This almost always means a step was missed or the machine was turned off during the process. You must complete the full descaling AND the full rinse cycle for the machine's internal counter to reset. Try running one more full tank of fresh water through the rinse cycle.

2. How do I exit descale mode on a Vertuo?
For most Vertuo models, you exit by pressing and holding the main button for about 7 seconds until the light turns steady green/white. For the Vertuo Plus, you press and hold the lever and button down together for 3 seconds.

3. Can I use vinegar in my Nespresso machine?
No. Nespresso strongly advises against it. Vinegar can damage the internal aluminum components and leave a residue that permanently affects the taste of your coffee.

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