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Why is it essential to maintain your coffee machine?
Properly maintaining your capsule coffee machine is crucial for preserving the quality of your favorite beverage. A clean machine ensures perfect extraction of aromas and preserves the unique taste of each cup.
A poorly maintained machine accumulates coffee residues, oils, and limescale in its internal circuits. This can:
- Alter the taste of the coffee, making it bitter or metallic.
- Reduce the machine's efficiency, particularly pressure and temperature.
- Cause breakdowns. Regular maintenance ensures that your coffee machine always operates optimally. Clean components, such as the brewing unit and internal pipes, allow for uniform brewing. The result? A cup of coffee rich in aromas, with perfect crema.

What is the recommended maintenance frequency?
A simple daily maintenance routine, such as a quick clean after each use, helps keep your device in good condition. A slightly more thorough weekly maintenance, depending on usage, ensures optimal hygiene. As for descaling, it is recommended every three months or after a certain number of cups, depending on water hardness and usage intensity.
How to properly clean your coffee machine?
It is important to regularly clean your machine to avoid the accumulation of deposits. Here are the steps to follow:
Daily Rinse :
Turn on the machine and run water (without a capsule) to eliminate coffee residues in the pipes.
Clean the reservoir and drip tray :
Wash them with warm soapy water once a week.
Clean the brewing unit (if applicable) :
Some coffee machines allow you to remove the unit for deep cleaning.
How to descale your coffee machine ?
Descaling is a cleaning process aimed at removing limescale deposits that form in your machine's circuits. Indeed, limescale can lead to a decrease in pressure and temperature and alter the taste of your coffee.
For safe and effective descaling :
- Use dedicated solutions like the Nespresso kit.
- Avoid homemade alternatives (vinegar or baking soda), which can cause long-term damage.

Descaling Nespresso Original Machines
Original range machines, such as the Pixie, Citiz, or Essenza models, require regular descaling to maintain optimal pressure :
Prepare your machine :
Empty the water reservoir, drip tray, and capsule container.
Fill the water reservoir with a specific Nespresso descaling solution.
Start the descaling cycle :
Turn on the machine and simultaneously press the Espresso and Lungo buttons for a few seconds to activate descaling mode.
Follow the instructions to start the cycle. The descaling solution will flow through the internal circuits to dissolve the limescale.
Rinse :
Once descaling is complete, thoroughly rinse the reservoir.
Run two cycles of clear water to eliminate any residues.
Descaling Nespresso Vertuo Machines
Vertuo models, such as Vertuo Plus or Vertuo Next, use centrifusion extraction technology, which also requires appropriate descaling :
Prepare your machine :
Empty the capsule container and drip tray.
Fill the water reservoir with a Nespresso descaling solution.
Activate descaling mode :
Press the machine's single button for 7 seconds to activate descaling mode.
The light will blink to indicate that the mode is active.
Start the cycle :
Follow the specific instructions for your model.
The descaling solution will circulate to eliminate limescale from the internal circuits.
Rinse :
After the descaling cycle, rinse the reservoir.
Run clear water to complete the process.
What are the signs that your coffee machine needs maintenance?
Certain signs can alert you: a less smooth water flow, unusual noises, or coffee with a slightly altered taste. These indicators, often subtle, signal that maintenance of your machine is necessary. By identifying them quickly, you ensure optimal performance for your machine.

1. Unusual noises
Is your machine making louder or different sounds than usual ? This may indicate that the internal circuits are clogged with limescale or coffee residues.
2. Slowed water flow
If water flows more slowly than usual, it is a sign that your machine needs a deep cleaning. A smooth flow is essential to extract all the nuances of your coffee.
3. Altered taste
Is your coffee less rich, more bitter, or with a metallic flavor ? These changes may be due to limescale deposits or coffee oil residues.
4. Indicator lights or alerts
Some machines, particularly from the Vertuo range, alert you via indicator lights when descaling is necessary. These alerts are designed to simplify your life and ensure that your machine always operates at its best.
5. Unpleasant odors
If you detect an unusual smell coming from your machine, it is time to check the removable parts and carry out a thorough cleaning. A simple daily rinse can prevent this type of inconvenience.
What are the tips to extend the lifespan of your coffee machine ?
To ensure the longevity of your coffee machine and maintain exceptional coffee quality, a few simple actions are sufficient :
- Always use filtered water : Water is one of the main wear factors for your machine. By using filtered water, you significantly reduce limescale buildup, protecting the internal components of your machine and improving the quality of your coffee. This will help you avoid descaling too frequently and preserve your device's performance.
- Clean your machine after each use : After each coffee, take a few minutes to clean the removable parts: water reservoir, capsule container, and drip tray. This helps prevent the buildup of coffee residues or oils, which can affect the taste of your beverages and the efficiency of your machine.
- Follow the maintenance cycles recommended by Nespresso : Nespresso machines are designed to operate optimally when regularly maintained. Follow Nespresso's recommendations for cleaning, descaling, and filter replacement. Adhering to these maintenance cycles will allow your machine to last longer and continue to provide you with good coffee.

By applying these simple tips, you will ensure a long lifespan for your coffee machine, providing perfect cups every day.