How to Descale and Clean Your NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine

The exact way to descale your coffee machine will be dependent on the type of machine you have, so make sure to see our descaling and cleaning guide, and select the machine you have. Some of our machines come with a descaling alert (like our Genio S coffee machines), but some do not (like our Mini Me automatic coffee machines). If your machine doesn’t have a descaling alert, see below for our top tips.

1. Switch the machine off, empty the water tank and remove any pods left in the machine
2. (Optional) If your model came with a rinsing tool, place this in the capsule holder
3. Mix fresh, drinking water with the descaler bottle in the measuring up with the ratio 1:10 (e.g., if you need to use 500 ml of water, mix it with 50 ml of descaler)
4. Pour descaling solution into water tank and insert water tank to machine
5. Open locking handle and insert empty capsule holder. Close locking handle and place a cup or jug under the machine
6. (Optional) If your machine has a volume dial display, set it to the maximum level
7. Some machines have a descaling alert. If yours does not, press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds. The power button should start blinking orange and machine enters the descaling mode
8. If your machine has a selection lever, make sure to move it to the “hot” position. If it doesn’t have a lever, press the coffee button instead
9. If your machine doesn’t come with a dial, wait until half of the descaling solution has been dispensed from the water tank and then return the lever to the neutral position. Note: coffee machines with a volume display will stop themselves
10. Wait for 2 minutes for the descaling solution to stop
11. Rinse the water tank and fill it up with clean water. Then, put it back into the machine.
a. If your machine has a lever, push it to the “hot” position
b. If your model doesn’t stop the procedure automatically, put the lever in the neutral position once half of the water is left in the tank (unless the manual suggests otherwise).
c. If your Dolce Gusto® machine stops the descaling by itself, you will need to wait for the lever to return to the neutral position. Then, move the lever towards the cold-water selection and return it to neutral once the water tank is empty (with some models, you will need to wait for the lever to go back by itself).
12. Once the descaling procedure has been completed, make sure to switch off your coffee machine. If relevant to your machine, open the locking handle, remove the capsule holder and rinsing tool to rinse and dry them. (Remember to keep the rinsing tool for future use)
13. Fill the water tank with fresh, clean water and your NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto® machine is ready to make your favourite coffee shop quality coffee!

 
Want to see it done? Keep reading for more details and a link to our helpful video tutorial for a step-by-step guide on descaling your NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto® machine.

Descaling a coffee machine is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, preventing machine damage, improving coffee taste, and extending the machine's lifespan. Limescale buildup can clog components, affect water flow, and alter coffee flavour. Regular descaling removes mineral deposits, ensuring your machine operates efficiently and produces high-quality coffee.

Ideally, descaling your coffee machine every 3 months is the way to go – especially if you use it every day. Your machine might need descaling if you see the following symptoms:

 
- The temperature of your coffee is lower than normal
- The flavour of your coffee changes, even when you’re using the same capsules
- If there is a smaller volume of coffee dispensed or no coffee dispensed at all.

If you see any of this whilst you’re making your coffee, make sure to try the steps above to descale it.

Cleaning your NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto® coffee machine regularly means you’ll have great tasting coffee, time and time again. Find out how easy it is to clean your machine by reading our guide below.

1. You can easily clean the drip tray by removing the tray above it and taking a soft brush to clean it gently. Then, dry it with a clean cloth. Check if your model’s drip tray is dishwasher safe by reading the manual.
2. Next, rinse the capsule holder from both sides and dry it. Again, check if this component is dishwasher safe.
3. You can then clean the water tank with a soft, clean, food-safe brush. To avoid scratches on the hard plastic, make sure to not use a scrubbing device. Then, rinse the tank and dry it with a cloth.
4. After this, use a soft, damp cloth to clean the piercing needle around the head of the machine.
5. Now, open the locking handle and place the empty capsule holder into the machine. Close it and place an empty cup under the coffee outlet.
6. Then, it’s time to rinse the inside of the machine. Turn on the coffee machine and wait for it to warm up. Either move the lever to “hot” or press the hot brewing button and turn the dial up to the maximum level to start rinsing.
7. After 30–60 seconds, move the lever to the neutral position. If your model has a button, you can just wait for the dial to run its course. Make sure to empty the container that the water was in.

We’ve put together a short guide on how to clean the outside of your NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto® coffee machine. There are a few little bits and pieces that require cleaning, so your coffee machine stays nice, shiny and hygienic. Make sure to switch the machine off before cleaning.

This is where the coffee residue gathers when you’re making a delicious cup of coffee. As coffee gathers here, it’s important to clean it for general hygiene. Luckily for you, the drip tray and grid are both dishwasher proof across all NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto® machines – this is unless your grid is made of metal, then it should be washed by hand. If you’re ever unsure, don’t worry, the user manual for your respective model is there to help.

This part of the machine is where the capsule or pod is slotted into your machine. This will need to be removed and rinsed thoroughly to avoid any old coffee residue.

Your NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto® coffee machine will have a water tank at the back. Like the inside of the machine, this area can have limescale build up, especially if you live in a hard water area.
Make sure to empty and rinse the water tank every couple of days and ensure the water is clear and odourless Remember that this part isn’t dishwasher friendly, so make sure to wash it by hand (and with a soft sponge to avoid scratches!)

Dust is the bane of our lives and, unfortunately, your coffee machine isn’t immune to dust specks. Wiping your NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto® machine with a damp microfiber cloth will help to remove dust. Try buffing and drying your machine after with a kitchen towel for that extra shiny finish.