Ever wondered how to drain your Nespresso machine, especially before storing it away or moving house? You’re not alone—many coffee lovers want to prevent mold or damage but aren’t sure where to begin. Draining your Nespresso isn’t just about tidiness; it keeps your machine healthy and your coffee tasting fresh.
In this article, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step guide to draining your Nespresso, along with helpful tips to keep your machine in top shape.
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How to Drain Your Nespresso Machine: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Draining your Nespresso machine is an essential task, particularly when you need to store it away or move it. Letting water sit in the system for too long can create problems—such as unpleasant odors, mold, or pump issues. Whether you own a classic Original Nespresso or a Vertuo line machine, the process is simple if you follow the right steps. Here’s how to drain your Nespresso machine efficiently, plus tips and answers to common questions.
Why Is Draining a Nespresso Machine Important?
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why draining your Nespresso machine matters. Here are the key reasons:
- Prevents Stagnant Water Issues: Leftover water can breed bacteria, mold, or limescale.
- Avoids Freezing Damage: If you’re storing the machine in a cold place, water can freeze and crack internal parts.
- Extends Machine Lifespan: Regular draining ensures better machine health and fewer maintenance problems.
- Facilitates Moving or Storage: Moving or storing the machine without draining may cause leaks and messes.
How to Drain a Nespresso Machine: Step-by-Step Instructions
The steps may differ slightly for different Nespresso models, but the general process is similar. Below you’ll find guidance for most Nespresso machines, including special notes for Vertuo and Original models.
1. Preparation
Start with these basic steps:
- Unplug your machine. Safety first!
- Make sure your machine has cooled down if it was just used.
- Remove any used capsules from the holder.
2. Empty the Water Tank
- Detach the water tank from your Nespresso machine.
- Pour out all the remaining water.
This reduces the amount of liquid that needs to be drained during the next steps.
3. Place a Container Under the Spout
- Position a cup, mug, or small bowl under the coffee spout to catch water during the draining process.
4. Start the Draining Process
Follow the correct draining procedure for your specific model. Below, find general instructions, followed by model-specific tips.
For Nespresso Original Line Machines
- Reattach the empty water tank (without water) to the machine.
- Close the lever as if you’re making coffee, but do not insert a capsule.
- Plug in your machine.
- Power it on and wait until it is ready.
- Press the brew button as if brewing an espresso. The machine will try to pump water from the (now empty) tank and push any remaining water through the internal system—this may take a couple of cycles.
- Repeat this process until nothing else comes out from the spout.
For Nespresso Vertuo Line Machines
- Ensure the machine is plugged in and powered on.
- With the empty tank in place, open the lever (lid) and remove any capsules.
- Close the lever without inserting any capsule.
- Place the container under the spout.
- Hold down the brew button for about 3 seconds to initiate the emptying mode (this can vary—check your specific model’s manual for emptying/cleaning mode).
- The machine will run its pump and expel water from the system.
- Repeat the process until no more water flows out.
5. Wipe Down and Let Air Dry
- With the machine now empty of water, take a clean, dry cloth and wipe the inside of the water tank, drip tray, and capsule container.
- Leave the lid and water tank open to air dry fully before storage or transport.
Important Tips and Best Practices
- Always Use Clean Hands: When handling removable parts, keep things hygienic.
- Don’t Force Buttons or Levers: If something appears stuck, double-check the manual rather than forcing it.
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Draining is a good time to check for limescale or residue. If needed, run a descaling cycle before draining for storage.
- Consider the Drip Tray: Make sure to empty and clean the drip tray and used capsule container, especially before long-term storage.
- Run an Empty Brew Cycle: After storing, run one or two water-only brew cycles before making your first coffee to flush out any dust or residue.
Benefits of Draining Your Nespresso Machine
Draining your Nespresso brings several noticeable benefits:
- Reduces Risk of Mold: Less moisture means less chance for mold to grow.
- No More Musty Smells: Stagnant water often leads to unpleasant machine odors.
- Longer Lifespan: Avoiding leaks, mineral buildup, and corrosion helps your Nespresso last longer.
- Peace of Mind While Travelling: Take your machine with you, store it away, or ship it without worry.
Common Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)
Here are common difficulties people face when draining their machines, plus solutions:
- Not All Water Is Expelled: Run the brew cycle multiple times, or check your manual for a special emptying mode.
- Water Leaks: Make sure all removable parts are locked in place and that the machine is upright.
- Forgotten Used Capsules: Always check and remove used capsules before starting.
- Unclear Model Instructions: If your machine doesn’t respond as expected, look up the specific draining procedure for your model in the manual.
- Stuck Drip Tray or Container: Remove these gently. If stuck, check for dried coffee or mineral buildup and clean as needed.
Practical Advice for Specific Situations
Before Storing Your Nespresso Machine
- Drain thoroughly as outlined above.
- Let all parts air dry—including the tank, drip tray, and capsule container.
- Store with all components detached for better ventilation.
- Select a cool, dry storage location.
If You’re Moving House
- Always drain before packing.
- Place the machine in a plastic bag or ensure padding around it to prevent bumps or accidental spills.
- Keep the water tank and other removable parts separated to avoid breakage.
After Long-Term Storage
- Inspect all parts for dust or residue.
- Reassemble, fill the tank, and run several water-only cycles before brewing coffee.
Conclusion
Draining your Nespresso machine is a straightforward but crucial part of caring for your coffee maker. By regularly emptying the machine—especially before storage or moving—you protect its internal parts, prevent unpleasant surprises, and ensure your next cup always tastes fresh. Building this habit takes just a few minutes, but greatly extends your machine’s usable life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I drain my Nespresso machine?
It’s not required to drain the machine after every use. Drain your Nespresso when you plan to store it for a week or longer, or before moving it. Routine draining every few months, as part of deep cleaning, is also beneficial.
2. Can I leave water in the tank overnight?
Yes, you can leave water in the tank overnight, but try to replace stagnant water every day for the best taste and hygiene. Always empty the tank if you don’t plan to use the machine for several days.
3. Why is there still water coming out after several draining cycles?
Some water may remain in the machine’s internal pipes or pump. Continue to run empty brew cycles until the flow stops. For stubborn cases, consult your model’s manual for a dedicated emptying or cleaning mode.
4. Is draining the same as descaling?
No, draining removes water for storage or transport, while descaling is a cleaning process that removes mineral deposits inside your machine. Both are important but serve different purposes.
5. Will draining my machine help if it’s not brewing properly?
Draining can help clear minor blockages or reset your machine if air-lock or minor pumping issues occur. However, if problems persist after draining and cleaning, further troubleshooting or professional service may be needed.