How to unclog and fix poor or very slow flow in Your Nespresso® Coffee Machine

Is your Nespresso® Machine clogged, giving you poor and very slow flow? Or in general pouring coffee slower or thinner than usual? It might be that coffee is not flowing properly or even flowing at all, just slowly dripping out the machine? Or perhaps you are not happy with the amount of coffee you are getting in your cup lately?

There’s likely a reason you are not getting the same cup of coffee anymore, and it might be time to unclog your Nespresso® coffee machine. Learn how to unclog and fix poor or slow flow in Your Nespresso® coffee machine

The source of the problem in your clogged Nespresso® Machine

The issue with the flow of your coffee is likely caused by a build-up of coffee oils and coffee residue. This build-ups occur in the brewing chamber, spout, nozzle and washer plate of your Nespresso® coffee machine. These components are in the front-end of your machine, gradually building up oils and residue with each cup you brew.

The build-up of sludge can severely influence the pour of your coffee, as well as the taste and smell. Further, it can easily clog the holes in your washer plate, leading to poor flow, and coffee. Therefore only dripping coffee out slowly, as less water and therefore coffee can push through the spout. Every Nespresso® machine needs a clean at least once a month due to this build-up and clogging.

To show you what goes on underneath the nice looking nozzle of your coffee machine, refer to pictures below. Really not the sort of thing you want to have in your next cup of coffee.

How to fully unclog and clean your Nespresso® Coffee Machine

So, how do you unclog and clean your slowly flowing or slowly dripping coffee machine?  The best way to unclog it is by using a coffee machine cleaning capsule. Using a Caffenu® Cleaning Capsule after 30 cups of coffee made or at least once a month will give your Nespresso® machine the clean it needs to function properly. And using it is as easy as making a cup of coffee.

The Caffenu® Cleaning Capsule was specifically designed to fit in your Original Line Nespresso® Machine, and give the front-end a thorough and hygienic cleaning. The capsule releases a unique and powerful cleaning agent with a foaming action. This foaming action penetrates inaccessible areas and effectively works its way through the brewing chamber, spout, and washer plate. Something that no hot water or descaling solution could do, as those lack the foaming power.

Caffenu® Cleaning Capsules unclog the washer plate, flush out all foul and hardened oils. Cleaning capsules also remove old coffee residue and bacteria from your coffee machine. Therefore, significantly improving both the flow in the pour of your coffee, as well as the taste. This also ensures that you only get the best and freshest tasting coffee with your next cup.

How to use the Caffenu® Cleaning Capsule in your Nespresso® machine

You simply insert the Cleaning Capsule the same way you would a coffee capsule and run your machine (watch how the old coffee pours out in video below). Once the machine has stopped, allow the remaining cleaning agent to filter through the essential components for at least a minute, then run your machine again to flush out the rest. Eject the capsule, close your lever, and run your machine with just water at least twice to flush out any remaining cleaning residue. Carry this process out after every 30 cups of coffee, or at least once a month. Please note that using a cleaning capsule is an entirely different process to descaling your machine, and we explain the difference between cleaning and descaling further below.

The difference between cleaning and descaling your Nespresso® Machine

So, the front part of your machine builds up oils and tannins, that need removing with a cleaning capsule due to the foaming power. But every Nespresso® Machine also has a back-end, where the water tank sits with a thermo block, a heating element and other internal components such as pipes. These components are tasked with brewing and heating up your coffee. And these components can build up lime scale and mineral residue which can only be removed by a descaling solution.

Should you find that your coffee is no longer as hot as it used to be, it is likely due to a calcium and lime scale build-up on your machine’s thermo block and element. This requires decalcifying/descaling which removes the calcium and lime scale. Removing this build-up can easily be achieved with the Caffenu® Eco Descaler. The perfect Combo product to use alongside the Cleaning Capsule. However, you only need to descale every 3-6 months depending on the hardness of the water that you use.

Additionally, if you have a Nespresso® Lattissima Touch or any other milk frothing container or equipment, you may also experience trouble with the milk frother or milk container not doing its job or clogged milk pipes on your machine. This is because milk frothing circuits build up milk blockages when not cleaned regularly. These circuits also require occasional cleaning to ensure effective useability. Read more about the Caffenu® Universal Coffee Machine Milk System Cleaner to find out how you can care for your milk system.

The answer to fresh tasting coffee, perfectly running and working Nespresso machines is to clean and care. Because if you take good care of your coffee machine, it will take good care of you in return! Here is to fresh coffee and a happy and clean coffee machine!