Why Is My Vertuo Blinking? What the Lights Mean and How to Fix Them
A blinking light on a Nespresso Vertuo almost always comes down to one of two things: descaling or cleaning. Three blinks followed by a steady light is the descale alert. Fast blinking means the machine is in descaling mode. Blinking twice a second means a cleaning cycle is running.
Below, we explain what each pattern means, what to do about it, and the signs your machine needs a clean, since it won’t tell you itself.
Vertuo blinking lights at a glance
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Three blinks, then the light stays on | Descale alert | Run a descaling cycle |
| Light blinking rapidly | Machine is in descaling mode | Let the cycle finish, or hold the button for 7 seconds to cancel |
| Light blinking twice a second | A cleaning cycle is running | Let it run |
Light patterns can differ between Vertuo models. If what you see doesn’t match, check the manual for your machine.
Three blinks, then a steady light: your Vertuo needs descaling
If your machine blinks three times and the light then stays on, that’s the descale alert. Minerals in your water slowly build up inside the machine as limescale, and the alert is your machine telling you it’s time to remove it.
The fix is to run a descaling cycle. Mix the Caffenu Descaler for Vertuo with water as directed on the bottle, then follow the descaling steps in your Vertuo manual or our step-by-step Vertuo descaling guide.
Rapid blinking: your Vertuo is in descaling mode
When the machine is in descaling mode, the light blinks rapidly. That’s normal if you started a descaling cycle on purpose.
If you didn’t mean to start one, you can cancel it. Hold the button down for seven seconds and the machine will leave descaling mode.
Your Vertuo won’t warn you when it needs a clean
Cleaning is the one job your machine won’t notify you about, so you need to know the signs. Watch out for:
- coffee that tastes stale
- a musty smell from the machine
- an uneven flow when brewing
Any of these usually means your machine needs a clean. Cleaning and descaling are not the same job. Descaling removes mineral build-up from your water. Cleaning removes coffee residue left behind by brewing.
How to run a cleaning cycle on a Vertuo
- Place a container under the coffee outlet.
- Pop a Caffenu cleaning capsule for Vertuo into the machine.
- Close the head and lock the lever.
- Press the button three times quickly.
- When the light blinks twice a second, the cleaning cycle has started. Just let it run.
How often should you clean and descale your Vertuo?
Descale when your machine shows the descale alert. Clean when you notice the signs above, and at least once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Vertuo blinking three times?
Three blinks followed by a steady light is the descale alert. Run a descaling cycle to clear it.
Why is my Vertuo blinking fast?
Rapid blinking means the machine is in descaling mode. Let the cycle finish, or cancel it if you started it by mistake.
How do I get my Vertuo out of descaling mode?
Hold the button down for seven seconds to cancel the descaling cycle.
Does my Vertuo tell me when it needs cleaning?
No. Look for stale-tasting coffee, a musty smell or an uneven flow. These are signs it needs a clean.
How do I start a cleaning cycle on a Vertuo?
Insert a cleaning capsule, lock the lever and press the button three times quickly. Blinking twice a second means it’s cleaning.
How often should I clean my Vertuo?
At least once a month, and sooner if you notice any of the signs above.
Keep your Vertuo running well
Caffenu Descaler for Vertuo and Caffenu cleaning capsules for Vertuo cover both jobs. Shop Vertuo care products
Caffenu is not a product of Nespresso® Vertuo® nor is related in any way. Nespresso® Vertuo® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
Popular Blogs
