Coffee machine Nivona 520 is a reliable automatic device that, with regular maintenance, can please the owner for years. However, like any complex mechanism, it requires periodic human intervention to remove accumulated deposits. Ignoring maintenance procedures can lead to a decrease in the quality of the drink, the appearance of extraneous noise, and even the breakdown of expensive components.
The main cause of problems lies in the hardness of water and the properties of coffee oils. Calcium salts settle on the heating elements, forming scale, which impairs heat transfer. At the same time, the fats in the grains oxidize and harden, creating a favorable environment for bacteria. That's why systematic cleaning is not just a recommendation, but a necessity to preserve the taste characteristics of espresso.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of servicing your equipment. You will learn how to properly decalcify, how to rinse the brewing unit and how often you need to change the carbon filter. Following these rules will help you avoid service in the workshop and save your budget.
Preparing for Maintenance Procedures
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to prepare a workplace and consumables. Nivona 520 requires the use of specialized tools developed specifically for this brand of equipment. The use of aggressive household chemicals or acetic acid is strictly prohibited, as they can damage rubber seals and plastic parts of the hydraulic system.
Make sure you have a decalcifier and a coffee oil cleaner on hand. You will also need a container with a volume of at least 1 liter to drain the liquid. It is important that the machine is unplugged unless running automatic programs that require the power to be turned on.
⚠️ Attention: Never use vinegar or citric acid for decalcification. These products can corrode the metal parts of the boiler and cause leaks that are not covered by the warranty.
Check for clean water availability. To prepare solutions and subsequently flush the system, it is better to use filtered or bottled water. This will reduce the rate of new scale formation after the procedure. If your model has a carbon filter installed Claris Smart, its condition should also be assessed before starting work.
- 💧 Descaler (liquid or tablets).
- ☕ Cleaner for coffee oils.
- 🥣 Capacity 1-1.5 liters.
- 🧽 Soft fabric and warm water for external work.
Removing and cleaning the brewing unit
The heart of the coffee machine is the brewing unit. This is where the coffee tablet is formed and hot water flows through the ground coffee. In the model Nivona 520 This unit is removable, which greatly simplifies maintenance. Regular washing of this element prevents coffee residues from souring and the appearance of mold.
To remove the unit, open the service door located on the side of the chassis. Press the latch and gently pull the module towards you. Don't try too hard; If the mechanism is jammed, make sure the machine is turned off and the block is in the correct position. After removing, rinse it under running warm water without using detergents.
☑️ Cleaning the brewing unit
Pay attention to the mesh filter and rubber seals. Coffee dust often accumulates on them, which over time turns into a hard coating. You can use a soft brush to remove it. After water treatments, be sure to allow the unit to dry completely at room temperature before installing it back.
Every few months it is recommended to carry out a deeper cleaning using tablets Cleaner. To do this, the block is assembled back into the machine, the solution is poured into the water tank and the appropriate program is launched. This allows you to remove fatty deposits from internal channels that cannot be reached mechanically.
Automatic decalcification system
The descaling process (decalcification) is the most important procedure for the longevity of the heating element. The machine itself signals the need for this operation when the water hardness meter reaches the limit. Ignoring the signal can lead to overheating of the heating element and a decrease in pressure in the system.
To start the program, go to the maintenance menu. On display Nivona 520 Select "Care" and find the descaling icon. The system will prompt you to empty the drip tray and fill the water tank with a special solution. Follow the on-screen instructions without skipping steps.
| Stage | User action | Machine action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fill the tank with decalcifier solution | Waiting to start |
| 2 | Confirm the start of the process | Pumping solution through the system |
| 3 | Monitor the fluid level | Pauses to dissolve deposits |
| 4 | Rinse the tank and fill with clean water | Final flushing of circuits |
The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes and takes place in several cycles. The machine will alternately supply the solution and pause so that the chemistry has time to act on the deposits. The process cannot be interrupted, as this may cause acid residues to remain inside the boiler.
What to do if the process is interrupted?
If decalcification was stopped accidentally, restart the program from the beginning using fresh solution. Do not try to continue where you stopped, as the concentration of the substance in the system is impaired.
After the cycle is completed, the machine will prompt you to flush the system with clean water. This is a critical step to remove chemical residues and dissolved scale. It is recommended to run 2-3 rinsing cycles to ensure that future cups of coffee are free of flavor.
Caring for the cappuccino maker and milk pipe
Model Nivona 520 equipped with an automatic cappuccino maker, which requires special attention. The milky environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria, so the hygiene of this unit must be impeccable. If you use the machine daily, flush the system after each milk drink.
For quick cleaning, place the cappuccino maker tube in a container of clean water and run the “Rinse” function. The machine will purge the system with steam and water, removing any remaining milk from the tubes. However, once a week it is necessary to carry out deep cleaning and disassemble the unit.
- 🥛 Remove the milk tube and rinse it under the tap.
- 🧼 Soak the removable parts of the cappuccino maker in a warm cleaning solution.
- 🌬️ Blow out the steam supply channels to make sure they are complete.
- 🧹 Use a brush to remove dried milk particles.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave milk in the cappuccino maker tube overnight. Stagnant milk quickly sours and clogs thin channels, which may require replacing the entire milk supply unit.
Also check the condition of the steam outlet. It should not be clogged with coffee dust or mineral deposits. If necessary, carefully clean it with the special needle included in the delivery set or a toothpick, avoiding damage to the metal.
Replacing the Claris Smart carbon filter
Using a carbon filter Claris Smart allows you to significantly increase the intervals between decalcifications and improve the taste of coffee. The filter softens water and removes chlorine, but its resource is limited. Depending on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use, replacement is carried out every 2 months or after preparing 50 liters of coffee.
Before installing a new cartridge, it must be activated. Immerse the filter in a container of cold water and wait until air bubbles stop coming out. This usually takes about 5 minutes. If you skip this step, the filter may not work correctly or damage the pump.
After installing the new filter, be sure to run 2-3 cups of non-coffee water through the system. This will wash away the coal dust and activate the sorbent.
Once activated, insert the filter into the water tank, following the flow direction indicated by the arrow. Then, in the machine menu, select the "Replace filter" option and confirm the action. From this moment on, the water hardness counter will be reset and the machine will switch to filter mode.
Don't forget to change the filter regularly. A cartridge that is dry or has expired becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and can even worsen the quality of water by starting to release accumulated contaminants back. Timely replacement - the key to the health of your coffee machine.
External care and maintenance of millstones
The appearance of the coffee machine also requires care. Wipe the housing with a damp soft cloth. You can use special household appliance products to remove stubborn stains, but be careful not to get chemicals on the display or in the air intake openings. Abrasive sponges and powders can scratch plastic and metal.
The coffee grinder and bean compartment require special attention. Once a month it is recommended to clean the upper millstone of any remaining grains. To do this, use a dry brush or a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment. It is prohibited to wash the millstones with water - this will lead to their corrosion and dullness.
If you notice that your coffee is getting too hot or too cold, check the temperature settings in the menu. Sometimes the problem is not a breakdown, but rather broken parameters. It's also worth checking the grind level: too fine a grind can create excess pressure, while too coarse can make the drink watery.
Regular maintenance of all components Nivona 520 guarantees stable operation and excellent taste of the drink. Don't wait for a breakdown, but act preventively. The machine itself will tell you when attention is needed, but visual control and adherence to the cleaning schedule remain the responsibility of the owner.
The main secret to a long life of a coffee machine is the use of high-quality water and regular filter replacement, which reduces the load on the boiler significantly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often should Nivona 520 be completely descaled?
The frequency depends on the water hardness and the installed program. When using the Claris Smart filter - once every 3-4 months. Without a filter in regions with hard water - once every 1-2 months. The machine itself will remind you of this with a symbol on the display.
Can the brewing unit be washed in the dishwasher?
No, absolutely not. High temperatures and aggressive detergents in the dishwasher can deform plastic parts and damage the lubrication of the guides. The unit should only be washed by hand under warm water.
What should I do if the machine says “System empty” after cleaning?
Most likely there is air left in the system. It is necessary to run the flushing program several times until the water flows in a smooth stream without spitting. Also check that the water tank cap is tightly closed.
What is the difference between Cleaner and Decalcifier?
Decalcifier removes mineral deposits (scale) from the boiler and pipes. Cleaner (cleaner) dissolves coffee fats and oils in the brewing unit and hydraulic system. These are different chemical compositions for different tasks.