As a barista with over 10 years of experience operating and maintaining professional-grade espresso machines, I’ve helped troubleshoot all kinds of issues with home espresso makers like Nespresso. One common problem Nespresso owners face is when the cleaning cycle stops working properly.
If your Nespresso machine is failing to start or complete the cleaning process, don’t panic. In most cases, it’s an easy fix. Based on my decade of hands-on experience, I’ll walk you through some troubleshooting tips to get your Nespresso cleaning cycle working again.
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Why The Cleaning Cycle Matters?
Before we dig into fixes, let me quickly explain why the cleaning cycle is important for your Nespresso machine. If coffee oils, sediments, and residues are allowed to build up inside, they can lead to a few problems:
- Bad-tasting coffee – Leftover coffee particles will make freshly brewed coffee taste stale or bitter
- Mold and bacteria – Damp residues promote mold/bacteria growth inside the machine
- Clogged pipes – Enough buildup can clog tiny water pipes and prevent water flow
- Scalding and leaks – Blockages can also lead to increased heat/pressure, causing leaks or burns
That’s why Nespresso automatically prompts you to run a cleaning cycle every few weeks. It flushes hot water through the system to wash away residue buildup and keep things hygienic inside.
So if your cleaning cycle stops working properly, don’t delay getting it fixed. Letting buildup go unchecked can seriously impact your machine’s performance and coffee taste over time.
Step 1: Check Alert Messages
If your Nespresso suddenly won’t start the cleaning process, first check if any alert messages are showing on the display screen. On my Nespresso Expert model, when the cleaning cycle fails the display will say “Water Tank Empty” even when there is water inside.
The machine fails to detect the water for some reason and wrongly assumes the tank is empty. But an easy fix is simply removing the water tank and then reinserting it properly. This resets the water detection and allows cleaning to proceed.
If you get an alert message like “Empty Capsule Container”, similarly remove and reinsert the capsule holder to clear the error. Resetting the key components often fixes false alerts so cleaning can run.
Step 2: Descale Your Machine
If resetting tanks/trays doesn’t work, the next thing I would do is run a descaling cycle on the Nespresso machine.
Descaling dissolves mineral deposits that have built up inside the machine over time. This mineral scale can prevent water from flowing smoothly during the cleaning cycle.
To descale, you’ll need to purchase Nespresso’s descaling solution or a non-Nespresso descaler suitable for aluminum coffee machines. Follow the chemical’s instructions, running the solution through your Nespresso system.
After 30 minutes of descaling, flush clean water through. This should dissolve enough scale to allow proper water flow for cleaning.
Step 3: Check Water Tanks & Filters
Another common reason the cleaning cycle fails is if water isn’t reaching the machine properly due to issues with removable water tanks or attached water lines.
Check that your machine’s water tank is fully inserted, clean of residues, and filled above the minimum line. If you use a water filter, inspect it for damage or expiration. Old water filters can clog and prevent water flow.
For direct water line connections rather than water tanks, first, inspect all tubing for kinks that could block flow. Then unplug the water line from your Nespresso machine and hold the open end over a sink to check water pressure. If the flow is very weak, an issue with your water source line is preventing the cleaning cycle.
Step 4: Contact Nespresso Support
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting tips but your Nespresso still won’t start cleaning, then it’s time to employ the experts. Contact Nespresso support online or by phone. Describe the issue in detail along with steps you’ve tried.
With remote assistance, many cleaning cycle failures can be identified and resolved easily without needing machine repair or replacement.
However, in rare cases of electrical or mechanical failure inside the unit, a technician visit may be required. Support can determine this and arrange warranty service if applicable.
Maintaining Your Nespresso Properly
Beyond just fixing issues when they occur, the best way to avoid cleaning problems is proper maintenance:
- Descale Regularly: Descaling every 3-6 months prevents mineral buildup that can impede cleaning cycles.
- Run Cleaning Cycles: When the machine prompts cleaning, always complete the process ASAP. Skipping allows residue to accumulate.
- Wipe Exterior: Use a soft damp cloth to regularly wipe down your machine’s outer housing. This prevents dirt from interfering with buttons or water sensors.
- Check O-Rings & Connectors: Ensure rubber seals around tank connectors aren’t cracked or warped, which could lead to water flow issues.
Doing preventative maintenance makes cleaning cycles much more reliable. But even well-maintained machines can occasionally have hiccups. Now you’re equipped to get your Nespresso cleaning function back up and running.
Over a decade as a barista, equipment technician, and coffee shop manager, I’ve learned to troubleshoot every coffee machine error possible. So if cleaning issues persist or you face other Nespresso problems, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always glad to assist fellow coffee lovers and keep their at-home setups brewing smoothly.
Also Read – Brewing Perfect Espresso – How to Avoid Channeling
Dina Kalanta is the expert behind brewedcoffee.net, bringing over 8 years of experience in the coffee industry. With a Master’s degree in Food Science specializing in Coffee Chemistry, Dina delves into every aspect of coffee, from bean selection to brewing techniques. Her global travels to coffee farms enrich her insights, and she loves sharing her knowledge and new recipes with readers. Follow Dina’s coffee journey on Instagram.
