How to Clean a Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine: Easy Descaling Guide
HOW-TO
How to Clean a Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine: Easy Descaling Guide
Written by Monica
The Dolce Gusto coffee machines by Krups are well-known for allowing you to enjoy a great cup of coffee with ease, thanks to convenient capsules – but only if you take care of them regularly. Cleaning your Dolce Gusto coffee machineis essential to keep it working for as long as possible and to preserve the full flavour of your coffee. So, how to clean a Dolce Gusto coffee machine properly?
Why Should You Descale Your Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine?
Have you ever noticed small white marks on your machine, or that your coffee flows more slowly than usual?
That’s limescale. When water is heated, limescale deposits build up inside the pipes of your coffee machine. Even if you use filtered tap water, limescale will eventually form and can damage your Dolce Gusto machine over time.
When this happens, your coffee maker won’t perform as well: the pipes become clogged, water has difficulty flowing, and the machine may produce a loud, unpleasant noise with each use. On top of that, limescale affects the taste of your coffee.
Regular descaling – part of how to clean a Dolce Gusto coffee machine – removes limescale from the internal system. The benefits of this are:
Extending the lifespan of your coffee machine
Reducing the risk of costly repairs due to limescale build-up
Preserving the flavour, aroma, and intensity of your coffee
Reducing the noise produced during brewing
How to Clean a Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine Step by Step
To maintain the quality of every cup, regular care is necessary – and that includes descaling your Dolce Gusto coffee maker. Follow these steps:
5 min.
Easy
1 pers.
Ingredients
A Dolce Gusto-compatible descaling solution
Water
Material
Your Dolce Gusto coffee machine
Two containers (1 L and empty)
Preparation
Step 1Prepare one litre of clean water, a descaling solution compatible with Dolce Gusto, and an empty container.
Step 2Open the water tank, add the descaler, then fill with water.
Step 3Place an empty container under the spout.
Step 4Hold the power button for 5 seconds until it flashes green and orange.
Step 5Move the lever to the hot water position to start the descaling process.
Step 6Let it run (about 2 minutes) until the tank is empty.
Step 7Return the lever to neutral to stop the process.
Step 8Rinse the water tank thoroughly.
Step 9Refill with clean water only.
Step 10Place the emptied container under the spout.
Step 11Repeat the process with cold water to flush out any descaler residue.
Step 12Return the lever to neutral to stop the process.
Step 13Your Dolce Gusto coffee machine is now clean and ready to brew again!
Step 1
Prepare one litre of clean water, a descaling solution compatible with Dolce Gusto, and an empty container.
Step 2
Open the water tank, add the descaler, then fill with water.
Step 3
Place an empty container under the spout.
Step 4
Hold the power button for 5 seconds until it flashes green and orange.
Step 5
Move the lever to the hot water position to start the descaling process.
Step 6
Let it run (about 2 minutes) until the tank is empty.
Step 7
Return the lever to neutral to stop the process.
Step 8
Rinse the water tank thoroughly.
Step 9
Refill with clean water only.
Step 10
Place the emptied container under the spout.
Step 11
Repeat the process with cold water to flush out any descaler residue.
Step 12
Return the lever to neutral to stop the process.
Step 13
Your Dolce Gusto coffee machine is now clean and ready to brew again!
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How Often Should You Descale a Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine?
To avoid too much limescale build-up, it’s recommended to descale every 2–3 months, even if your coffee machine seems to be working fine.
Warning signs include strange noises, slower water flow, or a change in coffee taste.
Recent models even make it easier: when it’s time to descale, the power button turns orange.
White vinegar can remove limescale, but it’s too acidic and may damage the pipes and seals, causing leaks. However, it can be used on a cloth to wipe the machine’s exterior.
Une question de @Antoine
How do I turn off the orange descaling light?
The light comes on after around 300 coffees. Hold the power button for 5 seconds to start the descaling mode, reset the counter, and switch off the light.
Une question de @Alexandra
Do different Dolce Gusto models (Genio S, Lumio, Mini Me, Infinissima) require different cleaning methods?
No. All Dolce Gusto machines are descaled in the same way: add the solution to the water tank, run the descaling mode, then rinse with clean water. The only difference is whether the machine uses a lever or a button.
Now you know how to clean a Dolce Gusto coffee machine properly. Regular descaling not only ensures the best-tasting coffee but also extends the life of your Dolce Gusto machine. Don’t forget to clean detachable parts monthly (you can put them in the dishwasher) and wipe down the rest with a damp cloth.
That way, every cup of coffee you brew will taste just as it should: rich, aromatic, and intense.
