Nespresso Vertuo Pop (GCV2 / ENV90) how to descale the machine
When the button blinks orange 3 times before turning steady white. Takes about 20 minutes and cannot be interrupted. The machine can enter descaling mode only after 30 or more coffees.
You need
- Nespresso descaling kit (1 unit of descaling liquid)
- Container of at least 1 L
Steps
- Unlock and open the head to eject any capsule. Empty the capsule container and drip tray and refit them.
CAUTION
Please note that the descaling solution can be harmful. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and surfaces.
Marked CAUTION by the manufacturer Source: Descaling, p. 22
- Fill the water tank with 0.5 L (17 fl oz) of water and add 1 unit of Nespresso descaling liquid.
- Remove the cup support and place an empty container of at least 1 L under the coffee outlet.
- With the machine on, close the head and leave the lever unlocked.
- Hold the button for at least 7 seconds until the light goes off; it then blinks orange rapidly. You now have 45 seconds.
- Turn the lever to lock, then back to unlock, and hold the button again for about 7 seconds until it blinks orange rapidly.
- Lock the lever. The light keeps blinking orange quickly: the machine is in descaling mode.
- Press the button once. The light blinks orange throughout and the machine stops by itself after the first phase.
- Rinse the water tank and drip tray, fill the tank with fresh water, empty the container and put it back.
- Press the button to rinse. Descaling is finished when the light stops blinking and stays steady.
- Wash the capsule container, cup support and drip tray in hot water with mild detergent, dry the machine and wait 10 minutes before using it.
Source: Descaling Source: Descaling, pp. 21–25
Used for
- Orange 3 times, then steady white: Descaling is due. The machine can be used only a few more times before descaling becomes necessary.
- No coffee and no water
- Coffee is not hot enough
- Leaking or unusual coffee flow
Other Vertuo Pop (GCV2 / ENV90) procedures
- How to clean the machineMonthly, when coffee residue builds up in the head, after a long period without use, or when there are grounds in the cup.
- How to program a cup sizeTo change how much coffee a capsule type makes.
- How to empty the systemBefore a long period without use, for frost protection, or before sending the machine for repair.
Sources
- Vertuo Pop user manual (21 languages; English pp. 2–33). Nestlé Nespresso S.A. (hosted by De'Longhi). Document De'Longhi asset 297263, revision PDF dated 2024-04-03, 2024-04-03, 643 pages, en. library.delonghigroup.com. Listed on the manufacturer's support page. Retrieved 13 November 2026.
Page numbers are the numbers printed in the manual. Where this page and the manual differ, follow the manual.