Descaling a Nespresso machine is mostly about removing mineral scale from the parts water passes through. You are not cleaning coffee grounds out of a basket. You are clearing buildup inside the reservoir, tubing, heating system, and brew path.
Start with your model's manual. Nespresso machines can use different button sequences for descaling mode, and Vertuo and Original machines do not all behave the same way.
Before you run a descaling cycle, empty the capsule container and drip tray. Make sure there is no capsule in the machine. Fill the reservoir with the amount of water your manual calls for, then add the descaling product or dissolved cleaner tablet.
Place a large container under the coffee outlet. The machine will push the cleaning solution through the internal path. Depending on the model, the process can take around 20 minutes.
After the descaling cycle, rinse the reservoir and run clean water through the machine. This part matters. If you rush the rinse, your next coffee can taste strange even if the machine is technically clean.
Vinegar is the shortcut many people know, but it is not the nicest option. The smell can linger, and some machine makers prefer purpose-made descaling products. Cleaner tablets are easier to store and use than loose powders or vinegar mixes.
Descale when the machine alerts you, when brewing slows down, when the cup size looks inconsistent, or when coffee starts tasting dull. In hard-water homes, waiting for the alert may be too long.
For the broader product path, see our coffee maker cleaners and natural descalers, or read why coffee makers need cleaning and descaling.
