How-to

Cleaning the Aeroccino: How to Keep Your Milk Frother Fresh

Learn how to clean your Nespresso Aeroccino safely after milk drinks, prevent sour smells and residue, and know when to check the manual or support.

By Emma Blake· Updated Jul 9, 2026

Vertuo coffee machine — Official Nespresso product photography

Cleaning the Aeroccino: The Best Way to Keep It Fresh

Canadian care note

Water hardness varies a lot across Canada: much of the Prairies and southern Ontario has hard water, while coastal British Columbia is much softer. In a hard-water area, descale more often than the default reminder and consider filtered water. For repairs or parts under warranty, contact Nespresso Canada or the retailer you bought from.

The Aeroccino is simple to use, but milk residue can quickly create sour smells, sticky rings and weak foam. The best routine is simple: clean it shortly after each use, keep water away from electrical parts, dry the whisk properly and avoid rough shortcuts that damage the coating.

This guide is for everyday cleaning, not electrical repair, and it keeps Nespresso Original and Vertuo compatibility clear.

Quick Answer

To clean an Aeroccino, unplug or remove it from the base, let it cool, pour out remaining milk, remove the whisk, then clean the inside with warm water, a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Rinse carefully, wipe the outside with a damp cloth, dry the whisk and jug fully, and reassemble only when everything is dry. Do not immerse the powered base, scrape the inside with metal tools, or assume every part is dishwasher safe unless your exact model manual says so.

Safety note before you start

Milk frothers still include electrical parts. Keep the base, connector and underside dry. If milk spills onto the base, unplug it first and wipe with a slightly damp cloth.

Avoid abrasive pads, knives, bleach, strong cleaners and vinegar-based hacks. If there is a damaged cable, burnt smell, cracked jug or repeated electrical fault, stop using it and check official support.

What you need

Item

Warm water

Use It For: Loosening milk film
Avoid: Boiling water on electrical parts

Item

Mild dish soap

Use It For: Cleaning milk fat
Avoid: Strong chemical cleaners

Item

Soft sponge or cloth

Use It For: Wiping the interior
Avoid: Metal scouring pads

Item

Dry towel

Use It For: Drying whisk and jug
Avoid: Reassembling while wet

Item

Model manual

Use It For: Dishwasher and part rules
Avoid: Guessing from another model

Item	Use It For	Avoid
Warm water	Loosening milk film	Boiling water on electrical parts
Mild dish soap	Cleaning milk fat	Strong chemical cleaners
Soft sponge or cloth	Wiping the interior	Metal scouring pads
Dry towel	Drying whisk and jug	Reassembling while wet
Model manual	Dishwasher and part rules	Guessing from another model

Step-by-step Aeroccino cleaning routine

1. Clean it soon after use. Milk is easiest to remove before it dries. After pouring your foam, let the frother cool briefly, then clean before the milk ring hardens.

2. Remove leftover milk. Pour out any remaining milk or foam. Do not keep old milk in the jug for another drink later.

3. Take out the whisk. Remove the spring or whisk piece carefully. Milk residue often hides under it, so cleaning only the visible jug is not enough.

4. Wash the inside gently. Add warm water and a little mild dish soap. Wipe the bottom, sides and whisk post with a soft sponge. If residue is stubborn, let warm soapy water sit briefly, then wipe again. Do not scrape.

5. Rinse without flooding the base. Rinse the jug interior carefully. Keep electrical contact points and the powered base dry. Use dishwasher options only when the manual confirms them.

6. Clean the whisk separately. Rinse the whisk under warm water, remove milk film from the spring area and dry it well. A damp whisk stored inside a closed jug can create stale smells.

7. Wipe the outside and base. Use a damp cloth for splashes on the exterior or base. Never place the powered base in water.

8. Dry before storage. Leave the lid, jug and whisk dry before closing. If you use the Aeroccino daily, storing it slightly open for a while after cleaning helps prevent trapped moisture.

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What do you usually drink?

If the Aeroccino smells sour

A sour smell usually means milk residue stayed behind. Repeat the gentle cleaning routine, paying attention to the bottom, lid, whisk and small grooves. Do not mask the smell with syrup or coffee; it will return when the frother heats.

If the smell remains, check whether the coating is damaged or residue has baked onto the surface. Use the manual or support instead of harsher chemicals.

Original vs Vertuo note

Maintenance tips for fresher milk foam

Clean after every milk drink, especially sweetened or plant-based milks that can leave more residue. Stay below the max lines for hot milk and foam. Use fresh milk, rinse the whisk separately, dry the lid and do not store damp parts in a closed jug.

When to check the manual or support

Check the manual before using a dishwasher, replacing the whisk, cleaning removable parts, or trying any model-specific mode. Contact support if the whisk stops spinning, the frother overheats, the base gets wet, or the unit smells electrical.

Replacement whisks, accessories and service options can vary by country, so check availability locally before buying parts.

FAQ

Can I put my Aeroccino in the dishwasher?

Only if your exact model manual says that specific part is dishwasher safe. Do not assume all Aeroccino models or all parts follow the same rule.

Can I clean the Aeroccino with vinegar?

For normal milk residue, use warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth. Avoid vinegar hacks unless the official manual for your model instructs it.

Why does milk stick to the bottom?

Milk can stick when residue is left behind, the frother is overfilled, the wrong foam line is used, or the inside is not cleaned soon after use.

Does Aeroccino cleaning depend on Original or Vertuo?

Not much. The cleaning routine is about milk residue, not capsule extraction. Original and Vertuo compatibility still matters when choosing capsules and machines.