Owners of automatic coffee machines are often faced with a situation where their favorite drink ceases to please with its taste. If you notice that your espresso has become bitter and the brewing time for your cup has increased, it's time for maintenance. Model Nivona 520 is a reliable Swiss device, which, like any complex mechanism, requires regular maintenance. Timely cleaning will not only restore the flavor of the drink, but will also extend the life of the expensive components of the unit.
Many users mistakenly believe that simply wiping the case with a damp cloth is enough. However, the internal structure of a coffee machine is much more complex, and this is where coffee oils and mineral deposits accumulate. In this article we will look at how to properly care for brewing unit, remove scale from the hydraulic system and service the coffee grinder. By following these recommendations, you can avoid costly repairs at a service center.
The maintenance process can be divided into several stages, each of which is important for the overall performance of the device. We will consider both standard procedures launched through the menu and manual cleaning of hidden elements. It is important to understand that ignoring the machine's signals about the need for decalcification can lead to failure of the heating element. Let's look at all the steps in detail.
Preparation for service and necessary tools
Before you begin active actions, you need to prepare your workplace and consumables. You will need access to a sink as part of the procedure involves rinsing with water. Also, stock up in advance with special products designed specifically for coffee equipment. Using household chemicals or vinegar can damage rubber seals and plastic parts.
For quality cleaning you will need the following components:
- 🧴 Cleaning Tablets - dissolve coffee oils.
- 🌊 Liquid for removing scale (Decalcifier) - carefully removes limescale.
- 💧 Water filter (IFC) - prevents scale formation in the future.
- 🧹 Soft brush and damp cloth - for mechanical cleaning.
Please note that for the model Nivona Cafe Romantica 520 is best to use original consumables or their high-quality analogues. Cheap substitutes may contain aggressive components that corrode silicone tubes. Make sure you have at least a 1.5 liter container on hand to catch the rinse water.
⚠️ Attention: Never use acetic acid to remove scale! It is too harsh on the inner tubes and can cause leaks that are difficult to fix on your own.
Preparation also includes clearing out the space around the coffee machine. You will need to pull out the tray, open the service door, and perhaps tilt the unit slightly. Make sure that the electrical cable is not strained and does not obstruct access to the rear of the chassis.
Daily hygiene: tray and infuser
The most important stage of care is daily hygiene. 90% of the quality of your coffee depends on the condition of the brew unit. In the model Nivona 520 this unit is removable, which greatly simplifies the task. After every few cups or at the end of the day, it is recommended to remove the block and rinse it.
The removal process is as follows: open the service door on the right, press the two red latches on the top of the unit and pull it towards you. The movement should be smooth. If the block is stuck, it may be in the wrong position - in this case, turn on the machine and wait until the mechanism moves to the starting position.
Rinse the brewing unit under running warm water without using detergents. Carefully remove any remaining coffee tablets and coffee cake from the strainers. Pay special attention to the rubber seals - plaque often accumulates on them, which breaks the seal during brewing.
☑️ Daily care for Nivona 520
After water treatments, allow the block to dry completely at room temperature. Do not put the wet unit back in immediately, as excess moisture may cause the coffee to turn sour. While the block is drying, you can wipe the inside niche of the coffee machine with a damp cloth, removing spilled coffee.
Deep cleaning of the brewing unit with tablets
Water alone cannot remove fatty coffee oils, which oxidize over time and produce an unpleasant bitterness. This is done through deep cleaning using special tablets. In coffee machines Nivona automates this process, which minimizes human participation. It is recommended to run the program every 200-300 cups prepared or once every 1-2 months.
First, make sure there is enough liquid in the water tank and the pulp container is empty. Insert the cleaning tablet into the compartment, which is usually located next to the place for the brewing unit or in a special hatch (depending on the modification of the hatch in the 520 series, the tablet is often placed directly in the niche in front of the unit or in a special compartment, if it is provided for in the instructions for a specific revision, but most often in Nivona the tablet is placed in the niche where the unit is inserted, or in a special compartment above the unit). In the 520 model, the tablet is usually placed in a special compartment above the brewing unit or directly into a niche, following the instructions on the display.
Activate cleaning mode through the menu:
- Click the button
Menuon the display. - Select an item
Care(Care). - Find a section
Cleaning(Cleaning). - Confirm the start of the process.
The machine will begin the cycle itself, which will take about 10-15 minutes. During the process, she will pump water several times and pause to allow the chemical solution to dissolve the contaminants. Do not unplug the device while the program is running, otherwise the cycle will be interrupted and the chemistry will remain inside the system.
⚠️ Attention: During the cleaning cycle, do not attempt to open the service door or remove the infuser. The mechanism is locked and forced opening may damage the plastic drive gears.
After the program has completed, the machine will prompt you to rinse the system. Be sure to follow this step by running 2-3 hot water cycles without coffee to flush out any remaining cleaning product. This will ensure that there are no off-flavors in your cup.
Descaling: step-by-step algorithm
Scale is the main enemy of any coffee machine. Calcium and magnesium salts contained in water settle on the heating element (thermal block) and in thin tubes. This reduces heat transfer, increases heating time and can completely block the flow of water. Model Nivona 520 is equipped with a sensor that signals the need for decalcification, but it is better not to wait for the icon to appear if you know that the water in your area is hard.
The descaling process takes about 30-40 minutes. You will need a special product and a large container. The algorithm of actions is strictly regulated by the software:
- 📏 Pour 0.5 liters of water into the tank and add 100 ml of descaler.
- 💧 Add another 0.5 liters of clean water to obtain the desired concentration.
- 🚰 Place a container for draining water under the cappuccino maker tube (if there is one) or the coffee dispensing spout.
- ▶️ Launch the program
Descalingvia menuCare.
The coffee machine will alternately pump the solution into the system and pause. At some points it may be necessary to turn the steam/water regulator to flush the relevant circuits. Follow the instructions on the display Nivona 520 carefully. If you skip the step of flushing the steam channel, limescale will remain inside the tube, which will subsequently clog the nozzle.
| Parameter | Recommendation | Critical value |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of decalcification | Once every 2-3 months | For water hardness > 10 dH |
| Fund volume | 100 ml per cycle | No more than 120 ml |
| Solution temperature | Room | Not hotter than 40°C |
| Process duration | 30-40 minutes | Depends on hardness |
What happens if you ignore scale?
Scale acts as a heat insulator. The thermoblock begins to overheat, trying to heat the water through the layer of lime. This leads to microcracks in the metal, a drop in pressure and, ultimately, to an expensive replacement of the boiler. In addition, the thinnest channels in the brewing unit become clogged, which makes the coffee watery.
After the cycle is completed, the machine will automatically flush the system with clean water several times. Make sure that the water that comes out has a neutral taste and no acidic odor. Now yours hydraulic system ready to work again with maximum efficiency.
Maintenance of the coffee grinder and millstones
The quality of the grind directly affects the extraction of coffee. If the burrs are contaminated with old oils or clogged with fine dust, the grind will become uneven. B The Nivona 520 uses a burr grinder, which requires periodic cleaning. Unlike the brewing unit, the coffee grinder cannot be washed with water!
To clean, use special cleaning granules (Grain) or dry rice (although manufacturers recommend special products). Pour the product into the bean hopper instead of coffee and run several grinding cycles. This will help the abrasive particles remove plaque from the surface of the millstones.
Mechanical cleaning requires care:
- Unplug the coffee machine.
- Remove all beans from the hopper.
- Remove the top hopper cover (if the design allows) or carefully vacuum the entrance to the coffee grinder.
- Use a soft brush to remove dust from visible parts of the burrs.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the millstones with oil or any liquids! This will cause coffee dust to stick together and jam the mechanism.
If you hear a noise when the grinder is running or see that the grind is too coarse despite the settings, there may be a pebble or foreign object stuck between the grinders. In this case, it may be necessary to remove the top burr for a visual inspection, but this should only be done if you are experienced.
Use only well-dried grains. Wet coffee instantly clogs the grinders and turns into mush, which is extremely difficult to clean without disassembling the grinder.
Water hardness setting and IFC filter
One of the key features Nivona 520 is the ability to use the IFC (Intelligent Filter Cartridge) filter. This small cylinder, installed in the water tank, not only removes chlorine from the water, but also softens it, preventing the formation of scale. When using a filter, the intervals between decalcifications increase significantly.
For the system to work correctly, you need to activate the filter in the menu and adjust the water hardness. If you don't know the hardness of your water, use the test strip that often comes with the machine or filter. Dip the strip in water for 1 second, shake off the excess and after 60 seconds compare the color of the indicator with the scale on the packaging.
Settings are made through the service menu:
Menu -> Settings -> Water hardness -> Select level (1-4)Firmness levels typically range from 1 (very soft) to 4 (very firm). An incorrect setting will result in the machine either requiring descaling too often, or, conversely, missing the moment when scale begins to deposit.
The IFC filter works effectively for 2 months or 150 liters of water (whichever comes first). After this it must be replaced. Don't forget to activate the new filter in the menu by immersing it in water according to the instructions so that the air comes out.
Table problems and solutions
Even with regular maintenance, minor problems can occur. Often they are due to the fact that some stage of cleaning was not completed completely. Below is a table that will help you diagnose the problem based on symptoms.
| Symptom | Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee flows too fast | Grind too coarse | Decrease the grind setting (turn the dial only while the coffee grinder is running!) |
| Coffee drips drop by drop | The millstones are clogged or the grind is fine | Clean the coffee grinder, increase the grinding degree |
| Water flows into the pan | The brewing unit is dirty | Clean with tablets and lubricate the seals with silicone grease. |
| Noisy pump operation | Air in the system or not enough water | Milk the water, start the rinsing program |
Turning the adjuster in a static position may cause the burrs to break. Do this carefully, one division at a time, preparing a test cup.
Regularity is the key to longevity. It is better to clean the machine in small portions (daily washing of the unit) than to completely disassemble it once a year.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the brewing unit be washed in the dishwasher?
No, manufacturers categorically do not recommend doing this. High temperatures and aggressive dishwasher detergents can deform plastic parts and damage the metal filter mesh. In addition, powder residue may remain in the pores of the plastic and spoil the taste of the coffee.
How often should the brewing unit be lubricated?
It is recommended to lubricate the O-rings and guides of the brewing unit with food-grade silicone every 6 months or after 5,000 cups. This will ensure silent operation of the mechanism and the tightness of the brewing system.
What should I do if the machine says “Clean grinder”?
This message appears when the sensor detects a clogged coffee grinder outlet channel. It is necessary to turn off the machine, remove the top cover (if possible) or carefully clean the outlet with a soft brush. Also check if the grind setting is too fine.
Can I use distilled water?
It is not recommended to use pure distillate, since the water level sensors Nivona 520 work on the basis of electrical conductivity. Distilled water does not conduct current, and the machine may not “see” the water in the tank, giving an error. It is better to use filtered water or bottled water of medium mineralization.
Why did my coffee turn sour after cleaning?
There is probably some residual descaling agent left in the system. It is necessary to run another 2-3 cycles of hot water without coffee. If the taste does not change, the grind setting or water temperature may be off, or the beans need to be replaced with a fresher roast.