To descale a Nespresso Vertuo, Vertuo Next, or Vertuo Pop, use one Nespresso descaling dose with 17 fl oz (0.5 L) of water, enter descaling mode with the button-and-lever sequence below, then run a full fresh-water rinse. Vertuo Plus uses a different control sequence, so choose your model before you begin.
Important: Allow about 20 minutes and do not interrupt the cycle. Remove any capsule first. Use Nespresso descaling solution—not vinegar or a generic household acid—and protect your counter from spills. The solution can irritate eyes and skin.
Choose Your Vertuo Model
| Model | Descaling alert | Use these instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Vertuo Next / Vertuo Pop | Orange light blinks three times, then returns to steady white | Next and Pop steps |
| Vertuo (round-head original Vertuo) | Machine alert varies by version | Vertuo steps; confirm against your machine manual |
| Vertuo Plus | Button shows half red and half green | Vertuo Plus steps |
If your machine uses small Original capsules rather than dome-shaped Vertuo capsules, use our Original-line and every-model Nespresso descaling guide instead.
What You Need
- One unit of Nespresso descaling liquid
- 17 fl oz (0.5 L) of fresh water for the descaling phase
- More fresh water for the rinse
- A container holding at least 34 fl oz (1 L)
- About 20 uninterrupted minutes
How to Descale Vertuo Next, Vertuo Pop, and Vertuo
These are the current official steps for Vertuo Next and Vertuo Pop. The original Vertuo uses the same basic button-and-lever workflow, but Nespresso has produced several regional versions; if the lights do not match, check your exact machine on the Nespresso machine-assistance page.
1. Prepare the machine
- Turn the machine on, open the head, and eject any capsule.
- Empty the used-capsule container and drip tray.
- Pour one unit of Nespresso descaling liquid into the water tank, then add 17 fl oz (0.5 L) of water.
- Place a container holding at least 34 fl oz (1 L) beneath the coffee outlet.
- Close the machine head and leave the lever in the unlocked position.
2. Enter descaling mode
- Hold the coffee button for about seven seconds, until the light blinks orange rapidly.
- Within 45 seconds, lock the lever and then unlock it.
- Hold the button again for about seven seconds, until rapid orange blinking returns.
- Lock the lever, then press the button once to start descaling.
The machine dispenses the solution in stages and stops automatically after the first phase. Do not open the head, refill the tank, or unplug the machine while this is running.
3. Run the fresh-water rinse
- Remove and thoroughly rinse the water tank and drip tray.
- Fill the tank with fresh drinking water. Empty the collection container and return it beneath the outlet.
- Press the coffee button once. The machine runs the rinse and stops automatically.
- When the rapid blinking stops, descaling is complete. Wash the capsule container, cup support, and drip tray with hot water and a mild, odorless detergent, then dry them.
- Let the machine rest for 10 minutes before brewing.
Do not put the machine in a dishwasher, immerse it, or use abrasive cleaners. Nespresso’s current Vertuo Next manual also notes that descaling mode may not be available until the machine has brewed at least 30 coffees.
How to Descale Nespresso Vertuo Plus
Vertuo Plus is different. Its descaling warning is a button that appears half red and half green. Nespresso says only several coffees can be made after this alert before descaling becomes mandatory.
- Turn the machine on, open the head to eject the capsule, and empty the capsule container and cup support.
- Close the head. Turn the machine off by holding the lever down for three seconds.
- Add one unit of Nespresso descaling liquid and 17 fl oz (0.5 L) of water to the tank.
- Place a container of at least 34 fl oz (1 L) beneath the outlet.
- With the machine off, press the coffee button and lever down together for three seconds. A steady orange light means the special-functions menu is open.
- Press and release the lever down once to select descaling mode.
- Press the coffee button once. The orange light blinks as solution flows in stops and starts; the machine stops automatically.
- Empty and thoroughly rinse the tank, cup support, and collection container. Refill the tank with fresh drinking water.
- Press the button once to start rinsing. The machine stops automatically.
- To exit descaling mode, hold the button and lever together for three seconds, or until the light becomes green.
- Let the machine rest for 10 minutes.
You can compare these steps with Nespresso’s official Vertuo Plus descaling guide.
Descaling Light Meanings
| Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Three orange blinks, then steady white | Vertuo Next or Pop needs descaling |
| Rapid orange blinking | Next/Pop is entering or running descaling mode |
| Half red, half green | Vertuo Plus needs descaling |
| Steady orange | Vertuo Plus special-functions menu |
| Orange blinking every two seconds | Vertuo Plus is ready for its rinse phase |
If Your Vertuo Is Stuck in Descaling Mode
- Let the rinse finish: an incomplete rinse is the most common reason the alert remains.
- Check the tank: make sure it contains enough fresh water and is seated correctly.
- Use the correct exit sequence: Next and Pop finish automatically after the rinse; Vertuo Plus requires holding the button and lever together for three seconds.
- Do not unplug mid-cycle: complete the current phase if possible.
- Match the exact model: if the lights or controls differ, use Nespresso’s model-specific assistance rather than repeating another model’s sequence.
Cleaning Is Not the Same as Descaling
A water-only cleaning cycle rinses away loose coffee residue. Descaling dissolves mineral buildup inside the water path. Running a rinse does not replace descaling, and descaling does not replace regular cleaning of the removable parts.
Can You Use Vinegar?
No. Nespresso’s Vertuo Plus guide warns that vinegar and store-bought descalers may damage the machine. Use the Nespresso kit at the specified dilution. This also avoids lingering odor and uncertainty about acid strength.
How Often Should You Descale?
Follow the machine’s alert. Nespresso’s Vertuo Plus guide recommends every three months or 300 capsules, whichever comes first. Hard water can create scale faster, so do not ignore the warning light even if the machine still brews.
