You’ve probably heard of the Nespresso machine if you have a busy lifestyle. It’s easy to get a quick hit of caffeine without measuring out grounds, boiling water, and waiting for your espresso to brew.
A Nespresso is basically an espresso maker simplified and shrunk down to a single-serving size. The machine forces hot water through the pod at high pressure — think of it as espresso-brewing on an industrial scale. Nespresso pods are made from aluminium foil, and each one is sealed with precisely metered amounts of ground coffee beans.
The machines have built-in pumps and heating elements, so you need to add water and a pod and push-buttons. Each machine is compatible with specific Nespresso pods, available in various flavors and roasts. You can buy them directly from the manufacturer or at some stores that sell coffee and tea. But if you’re thinking of buying one, there are a few things you should know first.
- Nespresso machines can be used with multiple capsules at once — so you can make two espressos simultaneously or a double espresso.
- Nestle owns the brand name “Nespresso.” Other companies that make similar products cannot use this brand name on their packaging.
- Nespresso machines often have a small water reservoir that must be refilled after every use. If you forget to refill the water reservoir, your machine will not work!
How to clean Nespresso machine?
If you have a Nespresso machine that takes capsules, you’re probably wondering how to clean the machine. These simple machines are super easy to use and don’t require a lot of cleaning. You can wash the outside of your Nespresso machine with everyday soap and water. However, if you’d like to eliminate some internal buildups, we recommend using a descaler solution. This will help keep the various internal parts in good working order and ensure that your Nespresso machine continues to work like new for years to come.You should also read this article about cleaning your coffee equipment. It has some great advice. Give it a read.
Step 1: Empty the capsule container and drip tray
The first step is to turn off your Nespresso machine. Then you have to wait for about one hour for the machine to cool down. After the waiting time is over, you need to empty the water tank and place it again to be locked in its position. Next, you have to put a container under the coffee outlet of your Nespresso machine so that any liquid that comes out during descaling goes into this container.
Now open the lid of your Nespresso machine and remove all capsules from the capsule chamber. You may also need a small brush or dry cloth to remove any residue between the capsule holder that remains after removing the capsules. After cleaning your Nespresso capsule holder, close it properly and make sure it is locked in place.
Step 2: Descale your machine
Descaling is the process of removing debris, dirt, scale and minerals that build up in the machine. You need to do this every 3 months to keep your Nespresso machine working properly. Using the Nespresso Descaling Kit, you can descale or with a household descaler like Citric Acid. This is an essential step as you don’t want to have old coffee or milk left in your machine, especially when you’re using it for hot and cold coffees.
Turn on your Nespresso machine and wait until it’s ready to brew. Once it’s ready, place a jug under the coffee outlet and press the button for espresso for 30 seconds as soon as you hear the pump start. Then pour out any remaining water from the jug back into the water tank.
Pour one bottle of lukewarm water into the water tank (do not use distilled water or drinking water). Then put half a bottle of descaler or citric acid into the same tank. Close it properly and turn on your Nespresso machine again, just like before. Press one of the buttons for espresso until all the liquid is gone.
Step 3: Clean using only Lukewarm Water
When the water tank is empty, refill it with fresh water and press any button for espresso. This way, you remove all the descaler from your Nespresso machine. Repeat this process once more using only lukewarm water.
Clean your Nespresso machine every two months to keep it in good shape. However, if you live in a hard-water area, you may need to descale more often. You can also use your own cleaning products but be aware that they should be non-toxic and not cause corrosion or damage to any part of the Nespresso machine.
Things to Keep in Mind If You’re Wondering about How to Clean Nespresso Machine
- Nespresso machine cleaning is vital to keep your tasting great and the machine running smoothly. It’s actually straightforward to do, but many people forget to do it regularly and end up with a malfunctioning machine.
- The Nespresso machine light will signal that the descaling process needs to be done every few months. This is a simple procedure that can be done in just a few minutes.
- If you don’t want to wait for the light to start flashing, you can always run the cleaning cycle before its needed. It’s best to clean a Nespresso machine as soon as possible after every descaling signal, but once a month is fine for most households.
- Check the water tank is clean, and try not to touch the inside when filling it. If your Nespresso machine isn’t producing any water or is brewing weakly, check that the water tank is clean and hasn’t developed a scale buildup from hard water.
- Run a test cycle with just water in the water tank. There’s nothing worse than trying to run a test cycle of your Nespresso machine and finding out that there’s nothing in the cup.
- Clean the spout where the capsule goes in weekly with a paper towel. Too much dirt on the spout can prevent capsules from being appropriately ejected, especially at lower altitudes where air pressure isn’t as intense as it could be.
The Final Word
All in all, keeping your Nespresso machine clean should be a relatively easy process if you have the right tools on hand. The difficulty will vary depending on the issues, so you may need to call in a technician if your machine is clogged. However, if you can remedy the problem on your own, at least you’ll know-how.
While most people go for the classic shot of espresso with milk, there’s a lot more you can do to experiment with your Nespresso. You can make all sorts of desserts and other sweet treats and savory dishes. These are just some of the many reasons these machines are so popular in homes. The machines may be a little pricey, but they’re worth the investment.
