How to Descale your Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro

Maintaining a healthy Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro is important when regularly making coffee. If consuming coffee is a daily occurrence, it will need to be cleaned to ensure it lives a long and healthy life.

Have you ever noticed that your coffee tastes slightly off? Then your Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro may need descaling. Descaling is an important aspect of maintenance that only takes around 20 minutes out of your day and we can show you how to do it.

What is Descaling?

Descaling is the process of removing a mineral called calcium carbonate from inside you Nespresso machine. Every time you use your Nespresso, the hot water flowing through the machine leaves small deposits of this mineral that can build up over time if not taken care of. This build-up can be particularly prevalent in places that use hard water due to a higher concentration of minerals. If not properly disposed of, it can damage your machine beyond repair, so it is important that you descale when necessary. This will result in a healthier machine and better tasting coffee.

How Often Should I Descale My Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro?

It is recommended that one should descale their Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro every at least once a year. However, to achieve the best results, every three months will maintain optimal machine cleanliness and consistently great coffee.

What Will I Need?

Successfully descaling your Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro will require a good descaling solution kit. The Urnex Dezcal Activated Scale Remover kit is cheap, non-toxic, biodegradable, safe and works on most machines. Moreover, it is only $3 and will get the job done. With the kit, you will need fresh water and a container to catch the solution deposited from the machine.

Steps To Descaling My Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro

The steps required to descale a Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro are quite simple. Follow this process to ensure that your Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro is clean and ready to make delicious coffee.

Preparing my Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro

• First, empty the drip tray and the capsule container on each side.
• If present, remove the milk canister from the front of the machine and detach the steam nozzle using the key provided.
• For the CS220, screw on the transparent tube. For the CS200 attach the soft end of the same tube.
• Place two containers under the nozzles.
• If your machine has a water filter in the water tank, remove it.
• If your machine is connected to a water source, turn off the tap at the back of your machine and deactivate the water source using the menu.
• Place the machine in standby mode.

Starting the descaling process

• Using the ristretto, espresso and lungo buttons, scroll through the menu until you reach descaling. Press to activate.
• Water will then flow from the hot water nozzle.
• When this cycle stops, remove the water tanks from the machine and fill the left water tank with 2 litres of water and four sachets of descaling solution. Then fill the right water tank with 1 litre of water and only one sachet of solution.
• Press any flashing button on the front of the machine to begin the descaling cycle.
• Water will flow alternately from the steam and hot water nozzles and the coffee outlets.
• When the descaling cycle has finished, empty the containers and place them back.

Rinsing my Nespresso machine

• Empty and rinse the water tanks thoroughly ensuring they are devoid of any solution.
• Refill the tanks with fresh water to the maximum level.
• Then begin the rinse cycle by pressing any button on the front of the machine.
• When complete, the machine will enter standby mode.

Exiting descaling mode

• Turn on your machine as normal.
• If your machine is connected to a water source reactivate it by turning the tap at the back and changing the settings.
• Finally, replace the transparent tube with the steam or milk nozzle.

Now, your Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro has been descaled and is ready to make amazing coffees again.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this video on how to descale a Nespresso Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro:

Maintaining My Steam Wand

Your steam wand is great for making a smooth brew and great tasting coffee. However, it is important to properly clean your steam wand due to its frequent contact with milk. Bacterial build-up can be dangerous for anyone that uses the steam wand so proper maintenance is necessary. When cleaning, ensure you dismantle the entire wand and thoroughly rinse and was all parts, when clean dry with a cloth. If done correctly, you will prevent damage to your machine and ensure great tasting coffee.

Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro Features

The most notable feature that sets these machines apart from the other models is its double-headed extraction system for making two cups of coffee at the same time. However, the CS220 Pro has an integrated milk steamer whereas the CS200 does not. Other features include a large used capsule container capable of holding 70 capsules and the ability to connect to a direct water source.

The Gemini CS200 & CS220 Pro are suited to business or larger homes with enough space to accommodate the large, heavy machine. Its ability to produce multiple coffees simultaneously make it perfect for a small cafe, office, or a large family.

Why Go Organic

Drinking organic coffee has both health and environmental benefits and so does using an organic descaling solution. The Cafetto Restorer Descaler is a friendly non-toxic descaling solution that is also odorless, biodegradable and harmless to the planet. Artizan Coffee sells 100% organic descaling solutions and Nespresso capsules. They are also the first company in the world to receive the USDA organic certification for their line of Nespresso compatible capsules. By using these products you can continue drinking amazing coffee and save the environment at the same time.