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If your Nespresso Inissia is brewing more slowly, the coffee tastes flatter than it used to, or the cup isn’t as hot, the cause is often maintenance rather than a fault. The three jobs Inissia owners most commonly skip are descaling, cleaning the capsule area, and emptying the drip tray and water tank.

None of them are difficult. Most take less than a minute. Descaling takes a little longer, but you only need to do it a few times a year.

Quick answer: Inissia cleaning schedule
How oftenWhat to do
DailyEmpty and rinse the drip tray and capsule container. Refill the water tank with fresh water.
Every few daysWipe the capsule area and coffee outlet with a damp cloth.
MonthlyRun a cleaning capsule through the machine.
Every 2-4 months (more often in hard-water areas)Descale the machine.

Why is my Nespresso Inissia slowing down?

The most common reason is limescale. Tap water contains dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Each time your machine heats water, a small amount of these minerals is left behind as scale on the heating element and inside the internal pipes.

You won’t see most of it. By the time scale is visible around the outlet, there is usually far more built up inside. As it accumulates, it narrows the water path and makes the heating element less efficient. The result is slower flow, a cooler cup and, over time, extra strain on the machine.

Coffee oil residue and neglected water are the other two culprits, covered below.

If you’ve done all three jobs and your machine still isn’t performing, there may be a mechanical fault. In that case, contact Nespresso or an authorised service centre.

1. Descaling: the job most people forget

What is descaling?

Descaling means running a descaling solution through your machine to dissolve mineral build-up inside the water system. It reaches the parts of the machine you can’t access or clean by hand.

How often should you descale a Nespresso Inissia?

As a general guide, descale every 2-4 months. If you live in a hard-water area, or you make several coffees a day, you may need to do it more often. Check your user manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation for your model.

How to descale your Inissia

The Nespresso Inissia has a dedicated descaling mode. The button sequence to enter it is set out in your user manual. In general, the process is:

  1. Empty the drip tray and capsule container, and remove any used capsule.
  2. Fill the water tank with one dose (100ml) of the Caffenu descaling solution mixed with 500ml water (following the machine manufacturer’s instructions).
  3. Place a large container under the coffee outlet.
  4. Enter descaling mode and let the solution run through.
  5. Rinse the tank thoroughly, refill with clean water, and run a full rinse cycle to flush out any remaining solution.

Use a descaler made for your coffee machine, like the Caffenu Eco Descaler Liquid.

What happens if you never descale?

Scale keeps building. Flow slows, coffee temperature drops and the machine has to work harder to heat water. Left long enough, heavy scale can block the water path completely.

2. The capsule area: where coffee oil builds up

Why does the capsule area need cleaning?

Every coffee you make leaves a thin film of coffee oil in and around the capsule area and the coffee outlet. On its own, one cup’s worth is nothing. Over weeks and months, that oil builds up, hardens and can turn stale, which can affect the taste of your coffee.

How to clean it

The Nespresso Inissia uses OriginalLine capsules, so make sure any cleaning capsule you use is designed for Nespresso OriginalLine machines. The Caffenu Cleaning Capsules for Nespresso Original is 100% compatible with the Nespresso OriginalLine

3. The drip tray and water tank: a daily job, not a weekly one

Why daily?

Water that sits in the drip tray, capsule container or water tank for days is warm, damp and exposed to coffee residue. Those are good conditions for bacteria and mould to grow, and for a slimy film (known as biofilm) to form on surfaces.

How to care for them

Frequently asked questions

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How often should I clean my Nespresso Inissia?

Empty the drip tray and capsule container and refresh the water daily, wipe the capsule area every few days, run a cleaning capsule monthly, and descale roughly every three months.

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Can I use a cleaning capsule in a Nespresso Inissia?

Yes, provided it’s designed for Nespresso OriginalLine machines. The Inissia is an OriginalLine model.

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Why does my Nespresso coffee taste bitter or stale?

Built-up coffee oil in the brewing area is a common cause. Wiping the capsule area regularly and running a monthly cleaning capsule usually helps. Old water sitting in the tank can also affect taste.

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Is descaling and cleaning the same thing?

No. Descaling removes mineral deposits from the water system. Cleaning removes coffee oil and residue from the brewing area. Your machine needs both.

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What if my machine is still slow after descaling?

If a full descale and rinse doesn’t improve flow, there may be a blockage or mechanical fault. Contact Nespresso or an authorised service centre.

Three small habits, one better machine

Descale every few months. Clean the capsule area regularly. Empty the tray and tank every day. Together, these habits help your Inissia keep brewing the way it did when it was new.

Shop Caffenu Nespresso Compatible care products

Nespresso® and Inissia are trademarks of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. Caffenu is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nestlé or Nespresso.

Most bean to cup machine owners think maintenance means one thing: giving it a clean. In reality, your machine is running two completely separate maintenance cycles, and most people only know about one of them.

Understanding the difference between the two isn’t optional. Skip either one, and you’re heading for a machine that runs slower, brews colder coffee, or fails early.

Why Cleaning Gets Overlooked

Bean to cup machines run two completely separate maintenance cycles. Descaling deals with mineral buildup in the water circuit. Cleaning deals with coffee oil and ground residue in the brew chamber. Because manufacturers focus their messaging on descaling, cleaning ends up treated as an afterthought, or skipped entirely in favour of a rinse.

That’s a mistake. Here’s why.

What Actually Builds Up in Your Brew Chamber

Every shot leaves behind coffee grounds and oils inside the brew chamber. A rinse with water moves loose grounds out of the way, but it does not touch the oil residue that coats the internal components shot after shot.

Left uncleaned, that residue does not just sit there quietly. Coffee oils turn rancid over time, and a warm, damp brew chamber is exactly the kind of environment where mould can take hold if the equipment isn’t properly cleaned. That’s not a cosmetic issue. It’s a hygiene issue, sitting in the part of the machine that touches every cup you make.

Why Vinegar and Home Remedies Fall Short

Vinegar is a common home remedy people reach for, along with a simple rinse, because it feels like an active cleaning step rather than just running water through the machine. The problem is that vinegar and similar home remedies aren’t designed to break down coffee oils and residue the way a specialised detergent is. They aren’t formulated for the job.

Coffee equipment needs a cleaning product like the Caffenu Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablet built specifically to lift oil residue out of the brew chamber, not a generic household acid that happens to be sitting in the cupboard. This is the same logic as descaling: you wouldn’t use a random household product to dissolve limescale, and you shouldn’t use one to clean out oil residue either. Descaling needs a specific formulation like the Caffenu Eco Descaler or Caffenu Descaling Tablets to effectively break down scale build-up in your machine.

Cleaning and Descaling Are Both Non-Negotiable

To be clear, this isn’t an argument for skipping descaling. Limescale is a real and separate problem:

But descaling has had its moment of public education. Cleaning hasn’t, and it deserves equal attention:

Why a Cleaning Tablet Won’t Fix Limescale

A cleaning tablet is formulated to break down coffee oils and grounds in the brew chamber. It is not formulated to dissolve mineral deposits in your water lines. No amount of cleaning tablet use will remove limescale, because it’s solving a different chemical problem entirely.

What Happens If You Only Clean and Never Descale

Limescale doesn’t stay put. As it builds up, it clogs the water circuit. The practical effects for you as the owner:

This is why regular cleaning alone is not full maintenance. It only addresses half the problem.

What a Descaling Solution Actually Does

A descaling solution is built specifically to dissolve mineral deposits inside the water circuit and pump. It’s a different formulation for a different job, working on a different part of the machine than a cleaning tablet does.

The Maintenance Rule for Bean to Cup Owners

Run both routines, on their own schedules, with the products actually designed for each job:

  1. Clean the brew chamber with a purpose-made cleaning tablet, not a rinse and not vinegar
  2. Descale the water lines and pump with a dedicated descaling solution

Your machine, and every cup that comes out of it, depends on both being done properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is rinsing my bean to cup machine enough to keep it clean?

No. Rinsing removes loose grounds but does not remove the oil residue that coats the brew chamber. That residue needs a specialised cleaning product to break it down properly.

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Can I use vinegar to clean my coffee machine?

Vinegar is a common home remedy, but it isn’t formulated to remove coffee oil residue the way a purpose-made cleaning tablet is. It’s not built for the job the same way a descaling solution is specifically built to dissolve limescale.

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What happens if I don’t clean the brew chamber properly?

Coffee oils and grounds build up over time. Left uncleaned, this residue can turn rancid, and the brew chamber’s warm, damp environment creates conditions where mould can develop if it isn’t properly cleaned.

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Is cleaning more important than descaling?

Neither is optional. They solve different problems in different parts of the machine. Descaling has simply had more public education behind it, which is why cleaning tends to get overlooked.

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What should I use to clean my bean to cup machine’s brew chamber?

A cleaning tablet formulated specifically for coffee equipment, designed to break down coffee oils and grounds rather than a generic household product.

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Do I need to clean and descale my bean to cup machine separately?

Yes. Cleaning removes coffee grounds and oil residue from the brew chamber. Descaling removes mineral limescale from the water circuit and pump. They address different problems and use different products.

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What happens if I never descale my machine?

Limescale builds up and clogs the water circuit, which leads to colder coffee, reduced machine speed, and potential long-term damage to the pump and heating elements.

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How often should I clean vs descale?

Cleaning frequency depends on usage volume (typically after 50 cups of coffee made or at least once a month, per your machine’s manual). Descaling frequency depends on your water hardness (but typically every 2-4 months). Check your machine’s manual or water hardness rating to set the right interval.

Your Barista Express needs two different clean-ups, and they are not the same thing.

The cleaning cycle uses a tablet to wash old coffee oil out of the machine. It takes five minutes.

Descaling uses a descaling liquid to dissolve the chalky mineral build-up that hard water leaves behind. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

The light on the front tells you which one you need. Flashing means clean. Steady means descale. You need both. A cleaning tablet does nothing to limescale, and descaler does nothing to coffee oil. Doing one and skipping the other is why so many people descale their machine and find the coffee still tastes off.

Why your coffee has gone downhill

Nothing is broken. Two things are quietly clogging up your machine.

Between them, these two are behind almost every complaint people have about their Barista Express: weak coffee, bitter coffee, slow shots, feeble steam, coffee that is never quite hot enough.

What the light on the front is telling you

That little CLEAN / DESCALE light does two jobs, and most people never realise it.

The light is…Your machine wants…
FlashingA cleaning cycle, with a tablet
Steady, not flashingA descale, with descaling solution
OffNothing right now

If your machine is an older one and the light just says CLEAN, run the cleaning cycle when it comes on and put descaling in your diary every couple of months instead.

Part one: the five minute clean

Do this when the light is flashing, or every couple of months if you use the machine daily.

What you need: your small (1 cup) basket, the little rubber disc with a hole in the middle that came with the machine, one Cleaning Tablet, and a decent sized bowl or jug.

If you cannot find the rubber disc, check the accessories drawer tucked in behind the drip tray. That is where it usually ends up.

The steps

  1. Put the small 1 cup basket into the portafilter, sit the rubber disc on top, and pop one tablet in the middle of the disc.
  2. Twist the portafilter into the machine like you are about to make a coffee, and put your bowl underneath it. Quite a bit of water comes through.
  3. Fill the water tank with cold water and push it down until it clicks properly into place. Empty the drip tray.
  4. Turn the machine off at the power button.
  5. Now press and hold 1 CUP and 2 CUP together, and while still holding those, press POWER as well. Keep all three held down for a full ten seconds.

Count it out. Ten seconds feels like ages when you are standing there holding three buttons. Letting go too soon is the number one reason nothing happens. Count to ten out loud if you have to.

  1. Walk away for five minutes. You will hear water spurting through in bursts. That is meant to happen. When it is done, the machine beeps three times.
  2. Take the portafilter out and check the tablet has completely disappeared. If there is any left, run it again.
  3. Rinse the portafilter, basket and disc under the hot tap. Then put the empty portafilter back in and press 1 CUP to run clean water through. Do not skip this bit, or the first coffee you make afterwards will taste of cleaning tablet.

Part two: descaling

Do this when the light is steady, or every two to three months. Different product, different routine.

Two things before you start. Take the water filter out of the tank first, because descaler will ruin it in one go. Put it back in when you are completely finished. And do not pull the water tank out or let it run bone dry while the cycle is going. The pump does not like running with nothing in it.

What you need: Caffenu Eco Power Descaler for Breville & Sage, a container that holds at least two litres, and about twenty minutes where you are not in a rush.

The steps

  1. Mix 1 Dose of Caffenu Eco Power Descaler for Breville & Sage into one litre of water and pour it into the tank. One litre, not a full tank. The machine’s cycle is built around that amount.
  2. Put your container underneath so it catches water from the coffee outlet, the steam wand and the hot water spout. You will be running solution through all three.
  3. With the machine off, press and hold 2 CUP, then press and hold POWER as well. The power button will flash while the machine heats up. Wait. It is ready when four things are lit up and steady: POWER, 1 CUP, the CLEAN / DESCALE light and the HOT WATER / STEAM light.
  4. Press 1 CUP. Solution runs through the coffee side for about 25 seconds. The 1 CUP light flashes while it works and goes steady when it is done.
  5. Turn the steam dial to the right, towards the steam symbol. That clears the steam wand, about 13 seconds.
  6. Turn the steam dial to the left, towards the hot water symbol. That clears the hot water spout, about 8 seconds.
  7. There will be about half a litre of solution left in the tank. Do steps 4, 5 and 6 again to use it up.
  8. Now take the tank out and rinse it properly. Refill it with plain cold water right up to the max line and click it back in.
  9. Do steps 4, 5 and 6 one more time on the plain water. This is the rinse, and it is the step people skip. Any descaler left inside will make your next few coffees taste strange.
  10. Press POWER to come out of descaling mode. The lights will go off.
  11. Put the water filter back in and make one coffee that you throw away.

Get everything ready first. The machine switches itself off if you leave it sitting in descaling mode for five minutes without doing anything, and then you have to start over from step 3. Have your container, your tank and your solution sorted before you begin.

While you are at it: the grinder

Coffee oil builds up on the grinder blades too, and that quietly changes how much coffee you are actually getting in the basket. It is often why shots suddenly start running fast or slow for no obvious reason.

Take the bean hopper off, run the grinder empty for a few seconds to clear it, then unclip and lift out the top grinding burr. Give both burrs and the chute a going over with the little brush that came with the machine. The burrs are genuinely sharp, so mind your fingers. Put the top burr back, lock it, set the grind size back to 5 and refit the hopper.

The little jobs that make a big difference

After every use: rinse your portafilter and basket under the hot tap. Wipe the steam wand, then blast a bit of steam through it over the drip tray to clear the milk out of the inside.

When the basket holes block: use the pin on the end of the cleaning tool. If they are really stuck, dissolve a cleaning tablet in hot water and let the basket and portafilter soak for twenty minutes.

Every couple of months: change the water filter in the tank. It genuinely reduces how often you need to descale. If you already use filtered or bottled water, you do not need the filter at all.

Now and then: wipe the metal shower screen where the water comes out. Coffee grounds collect up there.

Eventually: the rubber seal around the shower screen wears out. You will know because coffee starts leaking out around the edge of the portafilter instead of into your cup. It is a replaceable part and the machine comes with the tool for it.

How often should you be doing all this?

WhatHow often
Rinse portafilter and basketEvery time
Wipe and clear the steam wandEvery time you steam milk
Empty the drip trayWhen it says EMPTY ME
Cleaning cycleWhen the light flashes
Clean the grinder burrsEvery 2 to 3 months
Change the water tank filterEvery 2 months
DescaleEvery 2 to 3 months, or when the light goes steady

Hard water means doing it more often. If you are in a hard water area you will be descaling and changing filters more frequently than the guide above. Worth finding out what your local water is like.

Watch our full cleaning & descaling tutorial for Breville Coffee Machines

Signs you have left it far too long

Can I just use vinegar?

We would not. Vinegar is slow at shifting limescale, it needs to sit there for ages, and the smell hangs around in the machine long after you think you have rinsed it out. Loose citric acid from the supermarket is a different problem: it is not measured out for coffee machines and can be harsh on the rubber seals inside. Proper descalers are made for what is actually inside these machines. It is also worth a look at your warranty terms before you put anything unofficial through it.

Breville or Sage, same machine

If you bought yours in the UK, Ireland or Europe it will say Sage on the front rather than Breville. It is the same machine and everything above applies: one clean-up for coffee oil, another for limescale, both needed.

Sage model numbers start with SES instead of BES. If a button combination here does not behave quite as described, have a quick look at your own manual before you keep trying it.

Watch the tutorial now

Common questions

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Why is my Barista Express making bad coffee all of a sudden?

Usually old coffee oil, limescale, or both. Run the cleaning cycle first, then descale if the machine is still slow, weak on steam or not hot enough. If it is only the timing of your shot that has changed, check your grind and how much coffee you are putting in before blaming the machine.https://youtu.be/HBd9f1-OMEY

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What does the CLEAN / DESCALE light mean?

Flashing means run the cleaning cycle with a tablet. Steady means descale with descaling solution. Two different jobs, two different products.

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How long does descaling take?

The actual running is less than a minute at a time, but with warming up, the second pass and the plain water rinse, set aside 15 to 20 minutes.

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My machine will not go into descaling mode. What am I doing wrong?

Nearly always one of three things: not holding the buttons long enough, the machine not being properly switched off first, or the water tank not clicked all the way down. Also remember it times out after five minutes of sitting idle, so you may just need to start again.

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Can I skip the tablet and just run water through?

Water alone will not shift the oil. The tablet is what breaks it down, and the rubber disc is what forces the water backwards through the machine to reach the places a normal shot never touches.

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Do I really have to take the water filter out before descaling?

We would, yes. Descaler uses the filter up in one go. Take it out, then put it back once you have done the plain water rinse.

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Can I clean and descale on the same day?

Yes, and it is a good idea. Clean first, then descale. If you do it the other way round you are pushing loosened coffee oil into a machine you have just cleaned out.

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I descaled and it still tastes weird.

Almost certainly not rinsed enough. Run another full tank of plain water through the coffee outlet, steam wand and hot water spout, then make one coffee and pour it away.

If your Delonghi Magnifica S is producing weaker, bitter, or off-tasting coffee, or running slower than it used to, the cause is almost always one of two things: built-up coffee oils in the brew unit, or limescale in the internal pipes.

Both are normal. Both are avoidable. And both are fixable in under 15 minutes with the right process.

This guide walks through exactly how to clean and descale your Delonghi Magnifica S, why each step matters, and how often you should be doing it.

Why Your Delonghi Magnifica S Needs Regular Cleaning and Descaling

Every espresso machine with a built-in brew group faces the same two enemies over time:

Neither issue is a fault with the machine. It’s normal wear from daily use, and it’s exactly what routine cleaning and descaling is designed to prevent.

Step 1: Clean the Brew Unit

The brew unit is the heart of your Magnifica S, and it needs the most frequent attention.

  1. Remove the brew unit from the machine and rinse it thoroughly under running water.
  2. Drop a Caffenu Cleaning Tablet into the designated slot.
  3. Press the rinse button to run the cleaning cycle.
  4. Repeat the process until the water runs clear.

Running the cycle until the water is clear is the key indicator that the coffee oil residue has been properly flushed out, rather than just cleaning on a fixed schedule.

Step 2: Descale the Machine

Once the brew unit is clean, move on to descaling the internal water system.

  1. Add Caffenu Descaler to the water tank.
  2. Press and hold the rinse button for five seconds to begin the descaling cycle.
  3. Open the steam wand dial to allow the descaling solution to circulate fully through the system.
  4. Let the full cycle run to completion.
  5. Finish with a rinse cycle using fresh water only, to clear any remaining descaling solution from the system.

How Often Should You Clean and Descale a Delonghi Magnifica S?

As a general rule:

Your Magnifica S may also prompt you with a descaling alert on the display. Don’t ignore it. Waiting until the machine forces the issue usually means limescale has already built up more than it should have.

The Right Products for the Job

Using products designed specifically for espresso machines matters. The Caffenu’s Cleaning Tablets , the Descaler or even the 2-in-1 Cleaning & Descaling Kit are compatible with the Delonghi Magnifica S and formulated to clear coffee oil residue and limescale without leaving behind harmful chemical residue or damaging internal seals and components.

Watch our video on how to clean & descale your Delonghi Magnifica S

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I know if my Delonghi Magnifica S needs descaling?

Signs include slower brew times, reduced water flow, a build-up of white or chalky deposits around the water outlet, and the machine’s built-in descale alert activating.

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Can I use vinegar instead of a proper descaler?

It’s not recommended. Vinegar can leave a residual smell and taste, and it isn’t formulated to protect the internal seals and components the way a purpose-made descaler is.

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What happens if I don’t clean the brew unit regularly?

Coffee oil build-up affects extraction and flavour, and over time can cause the brew unit to stick or malfunction, leading to more significant repairs.

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Is descaling different from cleaning?

Yes. Cleaning the brew unit removes coffee oil residue from the parts that come into direct contact with coffee grounds. Descaling clears mineral deposits from the machine’s internal water pipes and heating system. Both are necessary, and neither replaces the other.

Watch the full video now

A dirty coffee machine doesn’t just taste worse. It brews at the wrong temperature, clogs internal water lines, and wears out parts faster than a machine that’s properly maintained. Here’s the full two-step cleaning and descaling routine for the Saeco Minuto HD8763, plus how often to do it.

Why Cleaning Your Saeco Minuto HD8763 Matters

Every espresso and coffee shot leaves behind oil residue in the brew group. Every tank refill adds mineral deposits from water, especially in hard water areas. Left unaddressed, this buildup:

Two products handle both problems: a cleaning tablet for the brew group, and a descaler for the internal water system.

What You’ll Need

Step 1: Clean the Brew Group

  1. Fill the water tank with fresh water.
  2. Add one Caffenu Universal Cleaning Tablet and let it fully dissolve.
  3. Remove the brew group from the machine.
  4. Soak the brew group in the solution for 15 seconds.
  5. Rinse the brew group under running water until it runs clear.
  6. Reinsert the brew group and close the service door.

This step targets coffee oil buildup and residue in the brew group specifically, the part of the machine that plain water rinsing doesn’t reach.

Step 2: Descale the Water System

  1. Mix the Caffenu Universal Descaler to the ratio stated on the bottle.
  2. Fill the water tank with the mixed solution and seat it back into the machine.
  3. Run the solution through the milk frother outlet first.
  4. Refill the tank with fresh water and run it through the coffee spout.
  5. Refill the tank with fresh water a final time and flush it through both the milk frother outlet and coffee spout until empty.

Both outlets need separate flushing because scale builds up along both water paths, not just one.

How Often Should You Clean and Descale a Saeco Minuto HD8763?

Daily use or hard water areas: Clean weekly & descale every two weeks.
Standard use: clean weekly and descale every 2-3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I know if my Saeco Minuto HD8763 needs cleaning or descaling?

Signs include slower brew time, lower water flow, a metallic or flat taste, and visible white scale around the water tank or spout.

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Can I use regular vinegar instead of a descaler?

Vinegar is not recommended for fully automatic machines. It can damage internal seals and doesn’t fully dissolve mineral scale the way a purpose-built descaler does.

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Do I need to clean the brew group every time I descale?

No. Cleaning the brew group and descaling the water system are separate tasks. Clean the brew group weekly; descale on the schedule above based on water hardness and usage (Typically every 2-3 months).

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What happens if I don’t clean or descale my machine regularly?

Untreated scale and oil buildup reduces brew temperature, blocks water flow, and increases the risk of expensive repairs or early machine failure.

Watch our cleaning and descaling tutorial here

Have you ever noticed that your coffee maker or kettle isn’t performing as efficiently as it once did? Maybe it’s taking longer to brew coffee or heat water. If this sounds familiar, you might need a descaling solution.

Descaling is the process of removing mineral deposits, primarily calcium and magnesium, that can accumulate inside appliances like coffee makers, kettles, and even dishwashers. There are two common descaling products on the market: descaling liquid and descaling tablets.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between these two options to help you make an informed decision on which one is right for your needs.

Descaling Liquid

Descaling liquid is a popular choice for those looking to rid their appliances of mineral build-up. It typically comes in a 200ml bottle, providing two descaling cycles. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using descaling liquid:

Advantages:

  1. Versatility: Descaling liquid is versatile and can be used in various appliances, including coffee makers, kettles, dishwashers, and even steam irons. This versatility makes it a go-to solution for many households.
  2. Ease of use: Using descaling liquid is straightforward. You mix the liquid with water in a specific ratio, run the solution through your appliance, and then rinse thoroughly. This process is relatively simple and can be done with minimal effort.
  3. Fast-acting: Descaling liquids are often designed to work quickly, effectively breaking down mineral deposits and limescale in a short amount of time.

Disadvantages:

  1. Storage: Liquid descaling solutions may take up more space.
  2. Spillage: There is a chance that liquid descaler can be spilt, whereas tablets won’t.

Descaling Tablets

Descaling tablets are an alternative to descaling liquid, but also an easy-to-use solution. These tablets are specially designed to remove limescale and mineral build-up efficiently. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of using descaling tablets:

Advantages:

  1. Precise dosing: Tablets are pre-measured, ensuring that you use the correct amount of descaling agent each time. This eliminates the need for measuring and mixing, making the process more straightforward.
  2. Compact and easy to store: Descaling tablets are compact, taking up less space in your storage area, and are less likely to spill or leak.

Disadvantages:

  1. Limited appliance compatibility: Descaling tablets are designed for bigger coffee machines.
  2. Slightly longer process: While descaling tablets are still relatively quick, they may take a bit longer to dissolve and work compared to liquid descaler.
  3. Costly: Descaling tablets tend to cost more than descaling liquid, as they go through a more intricate production.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between descaling liquid and descaling tablets ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Appliance compatibility: If you have multiple appliances that require descaling, descaling liquid may be a more versatile option.
  2. Convenience: If you prefer a quick and straightforward descaling process, descaling tablets, with their pre-measured doses, could be the right choice.

Conclusion

Descaling is an essential maintenance task to keep your coffee machine running efficiently and to extend its lifespan. Whether you choose descaling liquid or descaling tablets, both options are effective at removing mineral deposits and limescale. Your decision should be based on factors like appliance compatibility, cost, and personal preference.

Regular descaling will help ensure your machine continues to perform at its best and provide you with great-tasting coffee, tea, and more.

Welcome to our step-by-step guide on how to use the Caffenu® Eco Power Descaler for Nespresso® Vertuo® machines. Descaling your Nespresso® machine is an important step in maintaining its optimal performance and ensuring the longevity of your machine. The Vertuo® Descaler® is specifically designed to remove built-up mineral deposits, which can negatively impact the taste of your coffee and even damage your machine over time.

In this guide, we will walk you through the entire descaling process, from preparing your machine to flushing out the descaling solution. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have your Nespresso® machine descaled and ready to brew delicious coffee in no time. So, let’s get started!

Important points to note before you start the descaling process:

Instructions for all Vertuo® Machines except Vertuo® Plus

  1. Empty the water tank, drip tray & capsule container. Ensure any used capsules are ejected and close the machine (do not lock).
  2. Place a 34 fl oz/1L container under the spout.
  3. Fill the water tank with one dose of descaler (3.38 fl oz/100 ml) and add 17 fl oz/0.5L of water.
  4. Close the machine (do not lock). Turn the machine on to heat up until the light is steady.
  5. Enter descaling mode by holding the button for about 9 seconds. The light will start blinking fast.
  6. Lock the machine and then unlock it again. Then hold the button for 9 seconds in “unlocked” position.
  7. To start descaling, lock the machine again and push the button once. The machine will stop automatically once the descaling cycle is complete.
  8. Let the machine stand for 5 minutes.
  9. Empty and rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it with 34 fl oz/1L of fresh water.
  10. Press the button to begin the rinse cycle. The machine will stop automatically.
  11. Now exit descaling mode by holding the button for 9 seconds. (Not required with Vertuo®* Next). The button will stop blinking and turn steady.
  12. Descaling is now complete. Clean drip tray, cup stand, and capsule container.
  13. Allow the machine to cool for 5 minutes.
  14. Machine is ready to use.
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Instructions for Vertuo® Plus®

  1. Empty the water tank, drip tray & capsule container. Ensure any used capsules are ejected and close the machine (do not lock).
  2. Place a 34 fl oz/1L container under the spout.
  3. Fill the water tank with one dose of descaler (3.38 fl oz/100 ml) and add 17 fl oz/0.5 L of water.
  4. Turn the machine on to heat up until the light is steady.
  5. Push the lever down for 3 seconds to turn the machine off.
  6. Enter descaling mode by pushing the lever and button down at the same time, for 3 seconds. The blinking orange light will indicate that you entered the functions menu.
  7. Press the lever down ONCE to enter the descaling function.
  8. Push the button to begin descaling. The machine will stop once the descaling is complete, and the orange light will blink during the entire process.
  9. Empty and rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it with 34 fl oz/1L fresh water.
  10. Press the button to begin the rinse cycle. The machine will stop automatically. The orange light will blink once every 2 seconds, confirming the descaling process is complete.
  11. Exit descaling mode by pushing the lever and button down at the same time, for 3 seconds. The light will turn green and steady.
  12. Descaling is now complete. Clean drip tray, cup stand, and capsule container.
  13. Allow machine to cool for 5 minutes.
  14. Machine is ready to use.
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Instructions for Vertuo® Lattissima®

Before Descaling: Have 800 ml (27.05 fl oz) of water ready, and a full bottle of 200 ml (6.75 fl oz) descaler.
Descaling time is ± 20 minutes.

  1. Eject any used capsules. Empty water tank, drip tray, and capsule container. Close machine and lock.
  2. Fill the water tank with 6.75 fl oz/200 ml descaler. Add water up to the “descale” mark on the water tank.
  3. Remove the descaling pipe from the back of the machine and connect it to the milk carafe plug. Put the water tank back in place.
  4. Place a 50 fl oz/1.5 L container under the coffee & descaling pipe spout.
  5. Machine will automatically enter descaling mode. The descale light flashes and the cappuccino button lights up during descaling.
  6. Press cappuccino button. The descaling solution flows alternately through the coffee outlet, descaling pipe, and drip tray.
  7. When the descaling cycle is finished (the water tank runs empty), the latte macchiato button lights up.
  8. Empty the drip tray, cup support and 1.5 L container.
  9. Thoroughly rinse and fill water tank up to “Max” level with fresh and potable water. Place 1.5 L container back under outlets.
  10. Press the latte macchiato button to begin the rinsing cycle. Rinsing continues until the water tank is empty.
  11. Once the rinsing cycle is finished, the machine goes back to ready mode. Remove the descaling pipe and store it. Rinse and dry the drip tray and used capsule container.
  12. Rinse and fill the water tank with fresh water. Wipe down machine exterior, and visible interior (gently). Machine ready.

Instructions for Vertuo® Creatista®

Before Descaling: Have 800 ml (27.05 fl oz) of water ready, and a full bottle of 200 ml (6.75 fl oz) descaler.
Descaling time is ± 20 minutes.

  1. Eject any used capsules and lock machine. Empty water tank, drip tray, and capsule container. Clean steam tip holes.
  2. Replace drip tray and capsule container.
  3. Place at least a 50 fl oz/1.5 L container under the coffee spout and steam wand.
  4. Fill the water tank with 6.75 fl oz/200 ml (one bottle) descaler. Add water up to the “descale” mark on the water tank.
  5. Put the water tank back in place.
  6. Press the steam and milk temperature button together for 6 seconds.
  7. To begin the descaling cycle, press the steam button.
  8. Once descaling cycle is complete, remove, empty, and thoroughly rinse the water tank, container, and drip tray.
  9. Fill water tank to “descale” level with fresh, potable water, and put back in place.
  10. Replace the drip tray and container.
  11. Press the steam button to begin the rinse cycle until tank is empty.
  12. Once complete, remove, empty and thoroughly rinse, the water tank, container, and drip tray.
  13. Wipe down machine exterior, and visible interior (gently). Machine ready.

Valentine’s Day is here, and there’s no doubt you are showering those closest to you with love and appreciation! But what about your coffee machine? If you love your coffee machine, you need to show it. But how can you do that? It’s not like it would enjoy a hug.

The answer is simple: maintenance through regular cleaning & descaling!

Cleaning your coffee machine and equipment is essential for keeping your machine in top performance, as well as the taste of the coffee.

Cleaning your coffee machine with a Caffenu Cleaning Capsule will help with:

Descaling your coffee machine every 3 – 6 months with the Caffenu liquid descaler will help with removing limescale, calcium, and rust build-up from your coffee machine’s heating element & pipes, which will not only improve your coffee’s taste & temperature but will also enhance its performance as well as extend its lifespan!

Check out our reseller page to see where you can find Caffenu products in your area! And remember, love your machine, and it will love you back! ❤

Cleaning and maintaining your coffee equipment is as important as the coffee you buy when it comes to fresh quality coffee. Some cleaning products are simply a non-negotiable if you want to look after your equipment properly. We had a look at the Top 4 most popular Caffenu coffee machine cleaning products and will tell you below exactly how to use them and on which coffee machine they can and should be used on. Here’s to cleaning your coffee machine and enjoying fresher coffee!

The Top 4 Most Popular Caffenu cleaning products for coffee machines are

1. Eco Descaler:

The Descaler can be used on any coffee machine, kettle, and urn. It is probably the most important first step which any coffee machine requires so that limescale and mineral build-up does not lead to cold coffee, and machine blockage. Descale at least every 2-4 months depending on water hardness in your area.

Always consult your manufacturer’s instructions for descaling and rinsing procedures, first. General instructions below.

For Coffee Machines

  1. Empty 100 ml dose into water tank with 500 ml of water for the descaling solution.
  2. Insert large container under the brew spout and run 200 ml of the solution through the brew cycle.
  3. Run the 200 ml of the solution through the steam wand if applicable.
  4. Repeat step 2 & 3 until the solution is used up, allow the machine to sit for 5 minutes in between each run. When done empty and rinse water tank.
  5. Run one full tank of clean water through the machine to rinse it.
  6. Wipe surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth after descaling.

For Kettle and Urns

  1. Empty 100 ml into appliance with 500 ml of water. Empty 200 ml in 1 litre of water for Urns.
  2. Bring appliance to boil and allow boiled solution to stand for 10 minutes.
  3. Carefully empty appliance into sink and rinse.
  4. Wipe surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth after descaling.

Avoid splashing descaler on acid intolerant surfaces such as marble, silver, and limestone. Check out this cool video below on how to use the Caffenu® Eco Descaler.

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2. Cleaning Capsules:

The Caffenu cleaning capsule cleans the brewing chamber and spout of your machine in just 2 minutes. It removes residue and build-up from inaccessible areas. Here at Caffenu we have a wide range of Cleaning capsules. Take a look at the range of Caffenu cleaning capsules. See below for instructions on how to use most cleaning capsules.

  1. Open lever and insert cleaning capsule, close lever. Press button for 30 ml cup.
  2. Wait 1 minute. Press button for 100 ml cup.
  3. Open lever to eject capsule.
  4. Close lever; press button for 200 ml cup twice to rinse.
  5. Soak drip using the cleaning solution. Empty capsule container and rinse.

Below is a cool video showing you how to use our Nespresso compatible cleaning capsule.

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3. Cleaning Tablets:

The Caffenu cleaning tablets remove dirty coffee oils, odours and bitter tannins found inside brewing units, pots, and filters. They are suitable to be used on Fully Automatic, Espresso, and Filter coffee machines.

For machines with chute/chamber for pre-ground coffee 

  1. Remove brewing unit out of the machine and rinse thoroughly. Re-insert the rinsed brewing unit.
  2. Place large cup underneath the spout.
  3. Insert cleaning tablet into the chute.
  4. Select the coffee pre-grounds and select for one cup of coffee.
  5. Interrupt the programme by turning appliance off using main switch.
  6. Switch appliance on again, conduct step 4 to rinse at least three times.
  7. Remove brewing and rinse thoroughly.
  8. Soak the drip tray in the cleaning solution, allow cleaning how cleaning solution to sit for 5 minutes then rinse drip tray.

For machines with a portafilter/coffee handle with back flushing capability

  1. Turn machine on, place cleaning tablet inside the blind filter.
  2. Clamp the portafilter/coffee handle into the coffee machine.
  3. Start brew cycle for 10 seconds, then stop for 10 seconds. Repeat procedure 5 times.
  4. Remove portafilter and start brew cycle, rinse portafilter with water from group head.
  5. Re-insert portafilter with no tablet, conduct flushing procedure as in step 3 twice.
  6. Make and pour away the first cup of coffee for perfect coffee taste.

Find more information on our cleaning tablets, their usage instructions, and suitability.

4. Cleaning Powder:

The Caffenu cleaning powder removes dirty coffee oils, odours and bitter tannins from your group heads, lines, and valves. Suitable for all Manual and Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines.

Group Head Back Flushing Cleaning:

Place 1 teaspoon (3-5 g) of cleaning powder in the blind filter. Start brew cycle for 10 seconds, then stop for 10 seconds. Repeat the procedure 5 times. Remove portafilter and start brew cycle, rinse portafilter with water from group head. Re-insert portafilter without the powder and conduct flushing procedure. Make and discard the first cup of Espresso.

Weekly cleaning of filters, handles, holders, trays, and cups:

Dissolve 2 teaspoons (8-10 g) of cleaning powder per 1 litre of how water in a suitable container. Place objects to clean in solution for 20 minutes, ensure parts are clean. Rinse with fresh water thoroughly.

Check this short video on How to clean commercial machines with Caffenu Cleaning Powder.

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Descaling & Cleaning your Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Capsule Coffee Machine doesn’t need to be a big task. In fact it can be a rewarding experience. After you give your machine that spring clean, you will be rewarded with a hot, fresh cup of coffee. That is ultimately what you really want to get out of your coffee machine, right?

So, let’s discuss why and how you should be cleaning your Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Capsule Machine.

Why you should clean your Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® machine

Whether you use your machine daily or only every now and then, here is a fact for you: Every time you brew a coffee, the water that is running through your machine leaves mineral and limescale residue on the heating element and piping of your coffee machine. This limescale build-up also leads to weak machine performance, and it can result in cold, bad-tasting coffee or lead to leaks and blockage which might cause damage to your machine. It can also clog the water/brewing needle which can affect the flow of your coffee and make it slow. A tip to slow down the build-up of limescale is to use filtered water in your machine’s reservoir. However even with using filtered water, there will be a time where limescale needs to be attended to.

Apart from the limescale on the inside of your Capsule Coffee machine, there is also other areas that can get dirty. Don’t forget to clean the capsule holder and your drip tray. These can all build up coffee residue that needs to be cleaned. The residue can cause bacteria and foul smells that are definitely not wanted inside your next cup of coffee.

Thankfully there is fairly easy ways to clean your machine without the need for elbow grease and industrial-grade detergents.

How do I descale and clean my Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® coffee machine?

There is two steps to keeping your machine maintained well so it can give you the best coffee and last a long time.

The first step is descaling. A descaler is key to remove limescale and mineral build-up from a coffee machine’s heating element and piping. Plus descaling also removes the residue build-up from your coffee machine’s brewing needle. Below is a quick breakdown on how to descale.

First check your machine manufacturer’s instruction manual for descaling and rinsing procedures.

  1. Pour 100 ml (single dose) of Caffenu® Eco Descaler into the water tank of your machine, with 500 ml of water to make the descaling solution.
  2. Place a large container under the brew spout and run a brewing cycle to dispense about 200 ml of the solution into container.
  3. Repeat step 2 until all the solution has been dispensed, allowing the machine to sit for 5 minutes between each cycle.
  4. Rinse the tank then fill it with clean water and repeat step 2. Once done, wipe the machine and surface around it with a damp cloth.

The second step is cleaning. Usually it is recommended to use a Cleaning Capsule for this step, but in the case of the Dolce Gusto®, the actual capsule you use serves as the brew chamber. So you only need to clean the rest of your machine which is the capsule holder and drip tray. Remove the capsule holder and drip tray and soak it in hot water with dish soap. Then give it a clean with a toothbrush and/or cloth, and rinse. Lastly, use a brush with medium-hard bristles to gently clean where the capsule holder fits in to remove the residue.

It is safe to say that you have just spring cleaned your Dolce Gusto® coffee machine. Here’s to great coffee!

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