If you’ve got your own Nespresso coffee machine at home, you will know first-hand how hard these appliances can work. From that first cup of coffee in the morning to a late night espresso, they’re constantly brewing quality coffees day-in, day-out.
But ask yourself, when was the last time you cleaned your machine - and by that we mean deep-cleaned it? Everyday cleaning for Nespresso coffee machines involves emptying the drip tray and wiping over the steam wand, but sticky brown coffee residue can soon build up on the machine and unseen limescale can take its toll within. If you want to give your Nespresso the TLC it deserves and get it looking and working like new, follow these steps.
1. Consult your instructions
We always recommend following the brand’s instructions first and foremost when cleaning your coffee machine. This will clarify whether accessories are dishwasher-safe or hand wash only. Nespresso coffee machine accessories tend to be hand wash only to avoid warping, but some parts might be dishwasher-safe, such as the steam wand tip on the Vertuo Creatista, and the Rapid Cappuccino System components for the Lattissima One, so this is worth checking.
The instructions will also tell you how to give it an everyday cleaning, as well as how to descale the machine, with step-by-step guidance for each. Any specific product recommendations for cleaning or descaling solutions will be given here too. Using alternative solutions could invalidate the warranty, so it’s important to check for this.
Make sure you’re aware of all the relevant self-clean settings and when to use them. For instance, premium models may feature a setting for daily cleaning of the steam wand, or an option to rinse the steam wand through when it’s blocked. General rinse cycles are often available for rinsing the internals too. Sometimes there’s even the option to fully drain the machine prior to storage. Make use of such settings as often as recommended to help keep your Nespresso clean.
2. Start by descaling
Descaling your Nespresso will be necessary every few months, otherwise limescale can build up internally and ultimately damage the machine. There's usually an indicator light to show when it’s required.
Use the recommended Nespresso Descaling Kit to do this, following the instructions on pack and in your manual. Do not attempt to use vinegar to descale your machine – this could damage it and leave an unpleasant taste behind. It’s a good idea to clean your machine after you’ve descaled it, which is why we’re recommending this as a first step. Descaling involves filling the water tank with the recommended solution, then diluting it and flushing it through the machine (sometimes more than once); it often takes around 20 minutes.
To prevent excess limescale in the future, set the water hardness level for the machine. Most machines will prompt you to do this when new, but otherwise your manual will direct you on how to change it. In setting this, your machine knows when to alert you for its next descaling.
3. Clean the accessories
Once descaled, switch off and unplug the machine, then set aside the removable accessories. That includes the drip tray and grid, cup support, milk jug, capsule container and water tank. Bear in mind that your machine may drip onto your kitchen surface in the absence of the drip tray, so place a towel here to catch any liquids.
Nespresso clearly states not to use strong cleaning agents or solvent cleaners when maintaining the machine, so stick to using a mild, unscented detergent to clean these parts, such as Ecozone Sensitive Washing Up liquid. Rinse each part carefully in warm soapy water, using a soft sponge and a soft-bristled toothbrush to access any crevices. Pay particular attention to the drip tray – residue can build-up here. You could fill this with warm soapy water to sit and soak while you wash the remainder of the items.
Once clean, rinse and then dry using a soft microfibre cloth. Leave out to air dry any final residual moisture.
If your machine features a steam wand or a built-in milk tank, follow the instructions for cleaning these according to the manual. The steam wand on the Vertuo Creatista features a removable tip which you can clear using the pin cleaning tool included, and this part is top rack dishwasher safe. While the Rapid Cappuccino System (the milk tank) on the Lattissima One can be disassembled and run through the dishwasher on the top rack between uses.
4. Clean the exterior
Give the main body of the machine a quick inspection. That includes the underside of the outlet, as well as the interior where the drip trap and pod container would sit.
A damp microfibre cloth is what is recommended for cleaning any coffee residue from the outlet on a regular basis. You should also use a damp cloth to clean the rest of the exterior, including where the drip tray would sit. Clean the sides and back wall of this space carefully, using a torch for guidance as necessary.
If there are greasy fingerprints or stubborn residue on the exterior, you can use a drop of mild detergent as well. Just be sure to rinse away afterwards with a fresh damp cloth. If debris has got caught around the buttons, a soft-bristled toothbrush can help dislodge it. For a Nespresso machine with an LCD display, stick to using a lightly dampened microfibre cloth. Leave the machine completely to dry before reassembling.
5. Clean the interior
You’re not finished yet; the inside of your Nespresso needs a once-over as well. Some Nespresso machines feature dedicated clean cycles which can be run as needed. These essentially rinse the system through with water, taking several minutes to do so. If your machine lacks a clean cycle, you can rinse it through by pressing the lungo setting with no capsule instead.
How to keep your Nespresso clean
Make sure you continue to give your machine the required daily cleaning to keep on top of residue. That includes emptying and cleaning the drip tray, capsule container and water tank, purging and wiping the steam wand or cleaning the milk tank (if your machine has one) and wiping the outlet with a damp cloth. By keeping on top of fresh residue, it will be easier to deep clean when the time comes.
How often should you clean your Nespresso machine?
As well as daily cleaning, Nespresso recommends deep-cleaning your Nespresso machine (including rinsing it through) every few months with regular use. You should descale it as often as recommended by your machine (based on your water hardness level). This will likely be every few months too – keep your eye out for the indicator light for guidance.
Pod coffee machines
Score: 95/100
With a digital display showcasing the menu and brewing process, this makes prepping your morning coffee a breeze. It has 10 adjustable pre-set coffee styles, including Kyoto-style slow drip, as well as built-in scales for accurate and consistent espressos. While it’s a fairly complex (and impressive) machine that may take some getting used to, the instructions are clear and concise. Plus, there’s a compatible app offering recipe ideas and personalisation.
OPAL One Pod Machine
Score: 94/100
This easy-to-use machine is a great first-time buy. It’s sleek, compact, easy to set up and compatible with a wide range of speciality coffee capsules. The brew temperature and volumes were easy to tweak, and it poured accurate and consistent coffees. Our testers did find the lever to open the capsule holder very stiff and the machine was noisy compared to other models we tested, but those are small niggles for such an efficient machine.
Score: 93/100
Coming in under £100, this is a smart buy if you want top-quality coffee on a budget. The Intellibrew technology reads the unique barcode on each pod and automatically adjusts the brewing criteria to ensure you get the perfect drink every time. There’s no separate milk frother but there are pods to create all your favourite drinks, including lattes and cappuccinos.
