After use
Remove used capsules, empty the capsule container as needed and keep accessible coffee-contact areas clean.
Nespresso maintenance
Care guidance for Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines.
Choose the system you own, then use the dedicated guide for the correct descaling sequence, routine cleaning and machine-specific care.
Choose your system
Original and Vertuo use different maintenance procedures.
The general maintenance principles are similar, but the controls and descaling sequences differ. Start with the right system.
Nespresso care basics
Keep the routine simple.
Water tank & drip tray
Rinse and clean these regularly so standing water and residue do not build up.
Milk systems
Where a Nespresso machine has an integrated or attached milk system, clean it according to that model’s routine after milk use.
Descaling
Use the machine’s dedicated descaling procedure. Do not apply espresso backflush guidance to a Nespresso pod machine.
Descaling
The sequence is model-specific. The scale risk still depends on your water.
Use the Original or Vertuo guide for the exact control sequence. For preventive timing, Ventori uses water hardness as the baseline unless the machine gives an earlier prompt.
Do not rely on a generic button sequence. Original and Vertuo machines use different controls, and procedures can vary by model.
If your machine indicates descaling is due before your normal interval, follow the machine.
Ventori baseline: soft 8 weeks, moderate 6 weeks, hard 4–6 weeks and very hard 4 weeks.
Quick reference
How to enter descaling mode by Nespresso model.
These cards are deliberately limited to entering the mode and starting the cycle. Use the full Original or Vertuo guide for preparation, solution volume, rinsing and exiting the programme.
Original
Essenza Mini
- With the machine on and capsule ejected, close the lever.
- Press Espresso + Lungo together for 5 seconds until both lights blink.
- Press Lungo to start the descaling flow.
Original
Pixie
- Switch the machine on and wait until it is ready.
- Press Espresso + Lungo together until both lights blink.
- Press Lungo to begin the first descaling cycle.
Check your Pixie generation: Nespresso manuals differ — a 2018 Pixie manual specifies 3 seconds, while the 2023 Pixie manual specifies more than 6 seconds.
Full Original guide →Original
CitiZ
- With the machine on and capsule removed, close the lever.
- Press Espresso + Lungo together for 3 seconds until both lights blink.
- Press Lungo to start the descaling flow.
Vertuo
Vertuo Pop
- Eject the capsule, close the head and leave the lever unlocked.
- Hold the button for about 7 seconds until it blinks orange rapidly.
- Within 45 seconds: lock, unlock, then hold the button again for about 7 seconds.
- Lock the lever; press the button once to begin descaling.
Vertuo
Vertuo Next
- Eject any capsule, close the head and leave the lever unlocked.
- Hold the button for about 7 seconds until it blinks orange rapidly.
- Within 45 seconds: lock, unlock, then hold the button again for about 7 seconds.
- Lock the lever; press the button once to begin descaling.
Vertuo
Vertuo Plus
- Press the lever down and the button together for 3 seconds until the light is steady orange.
- Push the lever down once to select descaling mode.
- Press the button once to start the descaling cycle.
Model families
Use the family guide, then follow your exact machine instructions.
Original line
Original machines we currently group here
Essenza Mini
Pixie
CitiZ
Inissia
Lattissima
Vertuo line
Vertuo machines we currently group here
Vertuo Pop
Vertuo Next
Vertuo Plus
For descaling
Ventori Descaler Tablets
For coffee-machine descaling procedures where a suitable descaler is required. Follow the dose instructions and the descaling procedure for your exact Nespresso machine.
Mineral-scale removal
Coffee Machine Descaler Tablets – 24 Tablets (12 Cleans)
Use only as part of the correct descaling procedure for your machine.
£16.99
Buy on Amazon
FAQs
Nespresso maintenance questions
Is Nespresso Original maintenance the same as Vertuo?
No. The general care principles are similar, but the control sequences and descaling procedures differ. Use the guide for your machine family.
How often should I descale a Nespresso machine?
Ventori’s preventive baseline is every 4–8 weeks depending on water hardness: around 8 weeks in soft water, 6 weeks in moderate water, 4–6 weeks in hard water and 4 weeks in very hard water. Follow an earlier machine alert.
Do Nespresso machines need backflushing?
No. Backflushing is an espresso-machine brew-path procedure and should not be applied to Nespresso pod machines.
Should I use the same descaling button sequence on every Nespresso machine?
No. The entry and exit sequence varies by model. Use the dedicated Original or Vertuo guide and, where needed, your exact machine instructions.
What if my machine has a milk system?
Clean the milk system according to the exact model’s routine after milk use. Milk-system care is separate from descaling.
Where do I start if I am not sure which Nespresso I own?
First identify whether the machine uses Original capsules or Vertuo capsules, then open the matching maintenance guide.
Keep it simple
Put Nespresso maintenance on a schedule.
Use the Ventori Care Schedule to keep descaling and routine care from becoming guesswork.