The Nespresso Pixie is a crucial part of many people’s lives, providing them with a great cup of coffee whenever they need it the most.
Descaling is an important maintenance process that helps to keep the Pixie clean and healthy, and it only takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Descaling is necessary to remove calcium carbonate buildup in the machine that occurs after use, particularly in regions with a higher concentration of hard water.
It is recommended to descale the machine every three months or after approximately 300 uses, but at the very least, it should be done once a year.
What is Descaling?
Descaling is a crucial maintenance process that involves removing the buildup of calcium carbonate from the Nespresso Pixie.
This buildup occurs when hot water passes through the machine after use, especially in areas with hard water that have a higher concentration of calcium carbonate.
Descaling is necessary to keep the machine clean and healthy, ensuring that it operates efficiently and provides quality coffee.
By removing this buildup, the machine’s lifespan is extended, and the risk of blockages and malfunctions is minimized.
What Will I Need to Descale My Nespresso Pixie?
To descale your Nespresso Pixie, you will need a descaling solution kit.
The Urnex Dezcal Activated Scale Remover is a highly recommended kit for this purpose.
In addition, you will need fresh water and a container to catch the deposited solution during the descaling process.
These items are necessary for a successful descaling process.
Steps to Descaling Your Nespresso Pixie
Descaling your Nespresso Pixie is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Preparation: Turn on your machine and remove any capsules. Empty the container and drip tray, and place a container to catch the liquid.
- Add descaling solution: Add the descaling solution to the water tank, following the instructions on the kit. Make sure you use the recommended amount of solution.
- Activate descaling mode: Activate the descaling mode on your machine. The method may differ slightly depending on the model, so refer to your user manual for specific instructions.
- Wait for the cycle to complete: Wait for the machine to complete the cycle and deposit the solution into the container. This usually takes around 20 minutes.
- Repeat with used solution: Once the first cycle is complete, repeat the process with the used solution in the tank. This ensures that all the calcium carbonate buildup is thoroughly removed.
- Rinse with fresh water: After the second cycle is complete, rinse the machine with fresh water to remove any remaining solution.
- Repeat the rinsing process: Repeat the rinsing process twice to ensure all traces of the solution are removed.
- Exit descaling mode: Once you have finished rinsing, exit the descaling mode and your machine is ready to make delicious coffee.
Benefits of Descaling Your Nespresso Pixie
Regular descaling can help improve the taste of your coffee and prevent clogging or leaking issues.
It also helps to remove bacteria and other impurities that may accumulate in the machine over time.
Descaling your Nespresso Pixie can also save you money in the long run, as a well-maintained machine is less likely to require expensive repairs or replacements.
Tips for Maintaining Your Nespresso Pixie
In addition to regular descaling, there are a few other things you can do to keep your Nespresso Pixie in good condition.
For example, you can clean the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
You should also be sure to empty the drip tray and capsule container regularly to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Finally, it’s a good idea to use high-quality water and avoid using distilled or softened water, which can cause mineral buildup in the machine.
How To Clean Your Nespresso Pixie Effectively
Developing the habit of rinsing your Nespresso machine after each use can be challenging.
If left uncleaned, coffee sediment can accumulate in the spout, obstructing the entire system.
To remove coffee buildup from the spout, you can use a straightened paper clip, pipe cleaner, or q-tip to scrape inside the spout.
Afterward, rinse the machine a few times by closing the lever to dislodge any particles.
Coffee grinds can also accumulate on the spike-like pyramids inside the capsule mechanism, which pierce the foil lid of the coffee capsules.
This can cause a blockage or impede the flow of water through the pods.
To prevent this from happening, it’s recommended that you use an old toothbrush to clean the inside of the capsule mechanism from time to time.
Once done, rinse the machine a few times by closing the lever to wash out any dislodged particles.
Nespresso Pixie Features
The Nespresso Pixie is a small and efficient coffee machine, ideal for those with limited space in their homes or apartments.
Despite its compact size, the Pixie is capable of preheating water in just 30 seconds, making it a quick and convenient option for coffee lovers.
Additionally, the machine features an auto-off function that turns it off after 9 minutes of inactivity, conserving energy.
Users can also add an Aeroccino milk frother to the machine, creating a creamy and delicious cup of coffee.
Why Go Organic
Using organic products is beneficial for the environment because they are non-toxic and biodegradable, which results in less harm to the environment.
Artizan Coffee has become the first company in the world to receive the USDA organic certification for its line of Nespresso-compatible capsules.
By using these organic products, not only can you help save the environment, but you can also enjoy great-tasting coffee.
Conclusion
Keeping your Nespresso Pixie clean and healthy through regular descaling is important to maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
By using organic products, such as Artizan Coffee’s Nespresso-compatible capsules, you not only get to enjoy great-tasting coffee but also contribute to a healthier environment.
With these simple steps, you can continue to enjoy delicious coffee from your Nespresso Pixie for years to come.
FAQ’s
Q: How do I descale my Nespresso Pixie machine?
A: To descale your Nespresso Pixie machine, you need a descaling solution kit, fresh water, and a container. Follow these simple steps:
Turn on the machine, remove the capsules, empty the container and tray, and place a container to catch the liquid.
Add the descaling solution to the water tank, activate the descaling mode on the machine, wait for the cycle to complete, repeat with the used solution, rinse with fresh water, and repeat the process twice.
Finally, exit descaling mode and your machine is ready to make delicious coffee.
Q: How do you clean a Nespresso Pixie without a descaling solution?
A: It’s not recommended to clean a Nespresso Pixie without a descaling solution, as it can cause damage to the machine.
Descaling solution helps to remove calcium carbonate buildup that cannot be removed by regular cleaning.
Q: How often should I descale my Nespresso Pixie?
A: It’s recommended to descale your Nespresso Pixie every three months or after around 300 uses.
However, at a minimum, it should be done once a year.
Q: How do I put my Nespresso in descaling mode?
A: To put your Nespresso in descaling mode, turn on the machine and ensure there are no capsules in it.
Press both buttons simultaneously and hold for 3 seconds.
The lights will blink for a few seconds, indicating the machine is in descaling mode.
Q: What solution can I use to descale my Nespresso?
A: The Urnex Dezcal Activated Scale Remover is a recommended kit to use for descaling your Nespresso Pixie.
It’s designed specifically for Nespresso machines and is highly effective in removing calcium carbonate buildup.
Q: How do I reset my Nespresso Pixie after descaling?
A: To reset your Nespresso Pixie after descaling, press and hold the Lungo button until the lights stop blinking.
This indicates that the machine is ready to use.
Q: What does the red light on Nespresso Pixie mean?
A: The red light on Nespresso Pixie indicates that the water tank is empty or needs refilling.
Fill the tank with fresh water to remove the red light.
Q: How do I make my own descaling solution?
A: To make your own descaling solution, mix equal parts of water and citric acid.
You can also use lemon juice instead of citric acid.
Mix the solution well and use it to descale your Nespresso Pixie as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, it’s recommended to use a descaling solution that’s designed specifically for Nespresso machines to avoid any damage to the internal parts of the machine.
