Coffee machines Delonghi are deservedly considered one of the market leaders due to their reliability and quality of prepared espresso. However, even the most advanced equipment requires regular maintenance, especially in conditions of hard tap water. Limescale buildup is an invisible enemy that can significantly shorten the life of your heating elements and ruin the taste of your favorite drink.
Many owners wonder whether it is possible to use affordable products instead of expensive original liquids. The answer is yes: citric acid is an effective and safe analogue if the correct proportions are observed. In this article we will look in detail at how to prepare a solution, start the decalcification process and avoid common mistakes that can lead to equipment failure.
Ignoring signals about the need for cleaning leads to the fact that the machine begins to heat the water longer, and the pressure in the system drops. Regular descaling procedure helps preserve productivity devices at the initial level. In addition, it saves you money on repairs and purchasing new equipment in the future.
Why does scale form and how does it affect the operation of the coffee machine?
The problem is based on the chemical composition of tap water. Calcium and magnesium salts are dissolved in it, which precipitate when heated, forming solid deposits. This process is called carbonate hardness. The higher the heating temperature and the more often you use the coffee machine, the faster the scale layer inside the hydraulic system grows.
Scale has low thermal conductivity, which forces the heating element (boiler or thermoblock) to work with increased load. This leads to overheating and eventual failure of expensive components. In addition, the narrowing of the water channels reduces the pressure, causing the coffee to lose its richness and the crema (cream) to become pale and loose.
Modern models Delonghi equipped with indicators signaling the need for a procedure. This is usually a flashing red light or a combination of buttons. However, you should not rely on electronics alone: if the water in your area is very hard, a visual inspection or regular use may indicate that it is time to clean it ahead of schedule.
Advantages of using citric acid over other means
The household chemicals market offers many specialized descaling products, however citric acid remains one of the most popular choices. This organic compound effectively dissolves carbonate deposits without damaging the plastic and rubber seals that are found in abundance inside the coffee machine.
Unlike aggressive acids such as hydrochloric or acetic acid, citric acid acts more gently. Vinegar, for example, has a strong odor that is extremely difficult to flush out of the system and can adversely affect the elasticity of rubber bands if used frequently. Citric acid does not have these disadvantages and is easily rinsed with plain water.
Another strong argument in favor of this method is its efficiency. A packet of food-grade citric acid costs significantly less than a branded bottle of decalcifier, and the effectiveness when properly diluted is comparable. This makes the method accessible to any coffee machine owner who wants to keep the equipment in working condition.
Use only food grade citric acid in powder or granule form. Liquid concentrates for descaling plumbing may contain additives that are hazardous to food-grade equipment.
Exact proportions of the solution and preparation for the procedure
The key point of the entire operation is the correct preparation of the solution. Too high an acid concentration can damage internal parts, while too low an acid concentration will not give the desired effect. For coffee machines Delonghi There is a gold standard breeding that strikes a balance between effectiveness and safety.
The optimal proportion is 30 grams of citric acid per 1 liter of warm water. This equates to approximately two heaping tablespoons per standard liter. It is important to use warm (but not boiling) water, as it dissolves the acid crystals faster and more completely, which eliminates the risk of undissolved granules getting into the pump.
Before you start blending, make sure the water tank of the coffee machine is empty. Rinse it with clean water to remove any remaining old coffee or previous solution. Then pour the required volume of water, add acid and mix thoroughly until the sediment at the bottom completely disappears.
| Tank volume | Amount of water | Acid dosage (grams) | Acid dosage (spoons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 liter | 1000 ml | 30 g | 2 tbsp. l. |
| 1.8 liters | 1800 ml | 54 g | 3.5 tbsp. l. |
| 0.5 liters | 500 ml | 15 g | 1 tbsp. l. |
| 1.5 liters | 1500 ml | 45 g | 3 tbsp. l. |
Strictly follow the proportions of 30g per 1 liter. Exceeding the concentration will not speed up the process, but may damage the aluminum alloys in the thermoblock.
Step-by-step instructions: how to start decalcification mode
Cleaning process in coffee machines Delonghi may differ depending on the model: automatic, carob or capsule systems have their own nuances. However, the general algorithm of actions remains the same. First you need to activate a special mode, if it is provided for by the design, or start the process of running water manually.
In automatic models (series Magnifica, Dinamica, PrimaDonna) you often need to enter the service menu. To do this, you usually need to hold down certain buttons when turning on or hold the steam button for a long time. In horn models (series Dedica, ECAM) the process is simpler: you simply open the steam valve and let the machine pump the solution through the system.
Remember not to brew coffee while the solution is passing through the system. The steam vent should be open and the coffee dispensing spout should be directed into a container to collect liquid. The solution must go all the way: from the tank through the boiler and brewing unit (if there is one in the flushing circuit) to the outlet.
☑️ Algorithm for starting cleaning
After half the solution has passed through the system, it is recommended to pause for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the acid to more actively act on softened deposits. Then continue the process until the tank is completely empty. If the machine is automatic, it will pause and continue the cycle.
⚠️ Attention: Never start brewing coffee with an acid solution inside! This will lead to reagent getting into the brewing unit, which will require difficult disassembly and washing of the mechanisms, and may also spoil the taste of future drinks.
Flushing the system and completing the work
Once all the acid solution has passed through the system, it is critical to thoroughly flush the internal lines with clean water. Residues of acid can change the pH balance of the water and give the coffee an unpleasant taste. To do this, fill the tank with clean cold water to the maximum level.
Repeat the procedure of running water through the system as you did with the acid solution. Pass the entire volume of clean water through the steam wand and water spout. In automatic models, this stage is often part of the program and is controlled by electronics, which will ask you to add water several times.
Make sure there are no air bubbles or foreign odors in the collected water. If you feel even a slight sourness, repeat the rinsing cycle again. When finished, wipe the outside of the machine, the cappuccino maker and the drip tray with a dry cloth.
What should I do if my coffee is still sour after cleaning?
If after two rinsing cycles the taste has not returned to normal, it is possible that residual solution is stuck in hard-to-reach areas of the brewing unit. Remove the brewing unit (if the model allows it) and wash it separately under running water without detergents.
Frequency of the procedure and characteristics of hard water
The frequency of cleaning directly depends on the hardness of the water in your region and the intensity of use of the coffee machine. Manufacturers recommend decalcification every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. However, these figures are averages.
If you use unfiltered tap water, the intervals should be reduced to 1-1.5 months. The use of filter jugs or reverse osmosis systems allows you to increase the intervals between cleanings to 4-6 months. You can visually assess the need for the procedure by looking at the condition of the steam trap mesh: a white coating indicates that the situation inside the system is similar.
Some models Delonghi Allows you to adjust the water hardness level in the menu. This helps the electronics more accurately calculate the intervals until the next reminder. Go to the settings and select the appropriate option so that the system works correctly.
- 📉 Soft water: cleaning once every 6-8 months or according to the indicator signal.
- 💧 Medium hardness: the optimal interval is 3-4 months.
- 🪨 Very hard water: cleaning is required every 4-6 weeks, it is advisable to use a softener filter.
Common mistakes and precautions
Despite the simplicity of the method, users often make mistakes that can negate the entire effect or damage the equipment. The most common of them is the use of hot water to prepare the solution, the temperature of which exceeds 40-50 degrees. This can lead to a premature reaction and reduce the effectiveness of the acid before it enters the system.
Another mistake is saving time at the washing stage. Users often limit themselves to one run of clean water, considering this to be sufficient. However, to completely remove the acid, it is necessary to pass a volume of water equal to at least one and a half to two volumes of the reservoir.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal utensils to stir the solution. Citric acid reacts with metals, which can lead to oxidation and reaction products entering the coffee machine. Use plastic or glass containers.
It's also worth mentioning that citric acid does not remove coffee oils or grease deposits. To completely clean the coffee machine, you must periodically use special tablets to descale the brewing unit or soak the removable elements in a solution of detergent for coffee equipment.
Citric acid only removes mineral deposits (scale). Other products are required to remove coffee oils and organic contaminants.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I clean my Delonghi coffee machine with vinegar instead of citric acid?
Using vinegar is highly not recommended. Acetic acid has a pungent, persistent odor that is very difficult to wash out of plastic pipes and the boiler. In addition, vinegar is more aggressive to rubber seals, which can lead to their drying out and leaks in the future. Citric acid is a safer alternative.
How often should you change the water filter in your coffee machine?
Standard life of a filter softener (for example, series DLSC002) is about 50 liters of water or 2 months of use, whichever comes first. If you use a filter, the frequency of decalcification can be reduced, but it cannot be completely eliminated, since the filter does not remove 100% of the salts.
What should I do if the scale indicator remains on even after cleaning?
Some models require you to manually reset the cycle counter after completing the procedure. This is usually done by long pressing the steam button or a combination of buttons (depending on the model). If resetting does not help, the contamination sensor may need calibration or there may be air left in the system.
Is citric acid dangerous for aluminum in a thermoblock?
If the correct proportions are observed (no more than 3-4% solution) and exposure time, citric acid is safe for aluminum alloys used in thermoblocks Delonghi. The only danger is the use of concentrated acid or leaving the solution in the car for a long time (more than 1 hour) without moving.