The problem is that the coffee machine Magnifica Start stopped serving coffee or began to make loud extraneous sounds when working, most often lies in the critical contamination of the brewing mechanism or scale in the hydraulic system. When the owner ignores regular maintenance, coffee oils harden, turning into a dense crust that blocks the movement of the pistons and breaks the tightness of the brewing circuit. This leads to the fact that water under pressure begins to look for workarounds, flowing through a tray for drops or pallets, and the drink itself loses its rich taste and aroma.
Timely decalcification mechanical cleaning of internal components avoid costly repairs and extend the life of the device for several years. Unlike the more complex models, the series Start It has a simplified design, but requires no less careful attitude to hygiene, especially if hard tap water is used. Proper care involves not only running automatic programs, but also manually processing removable elements, removing coffee dust and lubricating moving parts with edible oil.
Owners often underestimate the importance of flushing the system after each use, relying only on automatic rinse cycles when turned on. However, these short-term water supplies are not able to completely remove the remains of the coffee suspension from hard-to-reach places of the brewing block and connecting tubes. The accumulation of sediment leads to a change in the chemical composition of water, the appearance of bitterness in taste and, ultimately, to the breakdown of the pump or heating element due to overload.
Diagnostics of pollution and preparation for maintenance
Before starting active cleaning activities, it is necessary to pinpoint the source of the problem, as symptoms may indicate different malfunctions. If the indicators flash in a certain sequence or burn in red, it can signal the need for decalcination or that the brew block is blocked by coffee grounds. A careful study of the device’s behavior helps you choose the right algorithm of actions and not waste time on unnecessary procedures.
- 🔴 Blinking of the vapor indicator is a signal about the need for urgent decalcination of the system.
- 🟠 A quiet hum and lack of coffee supply are likely clogging of the needle or channels of the brewing block.
- 💧 Water in the pallet for drops is a sign of a violation of the tightness of seals or overflow of the system.
- ⚫ Black flakes in a cup are the exfoliated particles of an old coffee mass inside the mechanism.
Preparation for cleaning begins with a complete disconnection of the device from the power grid, which is a mandatory safety requirement when removing internal components. While the car cools down, it is necessary to empty all removable containers: a pallet for drops, a container for grounds and a water tank. Special attention should be paid to the tank, since on its walls often formed biofilm, which becomes a source of unpleasant smell and taste.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove the brewing block while the coffee machine is on the network. The mechanism must be in the parking position, which is achieved only after the power button switches off the device.
To carry out high-quality cleaning, you will need a set of simple tools and tools that are found in the kitchen or easily bought in a hardware store. The use of aggressive household chemicals containing chlorine or abrasive particles is strictly prohibited, as they can damage plastic parts and food lubricants. It is best to use specialized products from the manufacturer or proven folk methods, such as citric acid, but in strict concentration.
Mechanical cleaning of the brewing block
The central element of any automatic coffee machine is the brewing unit, and it requires the most careful care. In the model Magnifica Start This node is removed quite simply: after opening the service door, you need to press the red locks on the sides of the mechanism and pull it on yourself. The extracted block is a complex system of pistons, sieves and springs that must be released from the compressed coffee tablet.
Design of the brewing block
Inside the block are two metal pistons that compress ground coffee, and a filter sieve. Between the moving parts are rubber seals, which eventually lose elasticity and require lubrication.
Washing of the brewing unit under running water should be carried out without the use of detergents, so as not to disturb the factory lubrication of the guides. If fat deposits are visible on the walls, you can use a soft brush with a long bristles to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places. It is important not to rub the metal sieve with hard sponges so as not to damage its structure and not increase the size of the cells, which will lead to the coffee getting into the cup.
| Element of the block | Frequency of cleaning | Cleaning method |
|---|---|---|
| Metal sieve | Weekly | Water washing, careful brushing |
| Rubber seals | Once a month | Wet cloth wipe, lubrication |
| Moving pistons | Every 2-3 months | Plaque removal, application of food lubrication |
| Block body | As pollution progresses | Rinse with warm water |
After drying all components, it is recommended to apply a special food lubricant to the moving parts of the mechanism to ensure their smooth running and prevent abrasion of the plastic. The lack of lubrication leads to the fact that the motor of the brewing unit experiences an increased load and can burn. For lubrication, silicone-based products allowed for contact with food are ideal.
The decalcination procedure of the system
Scale is the main enemy of the heating elements and the hydraulic system, so the decalcination procedure should be carried out regularly depending on the hardness of the water. In the coffee machine. Magnifica Start This process is automated, but requires user input to prepare the solution and control the steps. Use of the citric acid or special liquids allows you to effectively dissolve lime deposits without damaging the internal tubes.
To begin the process, you must fill the water tank with a decalcinator solution according to the instructions on the package of the product. Usually, a certain amount of liquid is required to be diluted in 1.5-1.7 liters of water. After installing the tank in place, you need to press the steam button or a special key combination (depending on the modification of the interface) to go into service mode and start the program.
⚠️ Attention: During the decalcification program, hot steam and liquid will come out of the cappuccinator. Make sure the nose is mounted above a capacity of sufficient volume to avoid burns and damage to the countertop.
The machine will begin to alternately supply the solution through the capuchinator and drive it through the custard block, making pauses to dissolve scale. The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes and requires no intervention other than topping up water or solution if the tank runs out. After the cycle with acid is completed, it is necessary to wash the system several times with clean water to remove the residues of the product and dissolved scale.
Key point: Completely performing the clean water wash cycle is as important as decalcination itself, otherwise the coffee will taste acid.
Care for the capuchinator and steam supply system
Cappuccinator in the model Magnifica Start It often becomes a place of accumulation of milk fat and bacteria, if not cleaned immediately after use. The residues of milk in the tubes quickly sour, which leads to the appearance of an unpleasant smell and deterioration of the quality of milk foam. Regular purging and washing of the steam supply unit retains its functionality and hygiene.
- 🥛 Immediately after whipping the milk, wipe the outside of the capcination with a wet cloth.
- 💨 Lower the nose in a container of water and briefly turn on the steam supply to clean the channel.
- 🧼 Once a week, remove the decorative casing and wash the capcinater tube with warm water.
- 🔍 Check the steam exit hole for clogging with milk plugs.
If the foam ceased to be thick and airy, there may have been a clogging of the steam supply hole or a violation of the tightness of milk absorption. In such cases, it is recommended to remove the silicone tube and thoroughly wash it, as well as check the condition of the capuchinator itself for cracks. Sometimes it is necessary to soak removable parts in a warm solution of detergent to completely remove fatty plaque.
Cleaning the tray for grounds and pallet
A spent coffee container and a drip tray are the first lines of defense to take on the main dirt. V Magnifica Start These items are removable and easy to clean, but many users forget to clean the niche they are installed in. It is there that water and fine coffee dust often accumulate, creating an ideal environment for mold reproduction.
Washing the pallet and container is better done using a soft detergent and warm water. After washing, all the details should be thoroughly wiped dry before being installed back into the machine. The humid environment inside the closed case of the coffee machine contributes to the development of corrosion on metal elements and the appearance of a musty smell.
☑️ Weekly checklist for care
Particular attention should be paid to the pan grille, since its cells can be clogged with a coffee suspension. For quality cleaning, you can use a toothbrush or brush to remove contaminants from each cell. The purity of this zone directly affects the sanitary state of the entire device, since air from the inner chamber passes through the lattice.
Frequent service errors and their consequences
Incorrect maintenance of the coffee machine can lead to situations where the device stops working or requires expensive repairs. One of the most common mistakes is using vinegar for decalcination, which can damage rubber seals and plastic tubes inside the system. Acid in Vinegar Too Aggressive for Materials Used in Modern Coffee Machines De'Longhi.
Another mistake is an attempt to lubricate the brewing block with ordinary vegetable oil. Over time, such oil oxidizes, thickens and turns into a sticky substance that glues the moving parts of the mechanism tightly together. Remove and clean such a unit becomes almost impossible without complete disassembly and replacement of parts, so use only special food lubricants.
⚠️ Warning: Never immerse the main body of a coffee machine in water or wash it under a tap stream. This will lead to a short circuit of the electronics and the device will fail.
Ignoring the machine’s signaling of maintenance is also a serious mistake. If the indicator flashes, requiring decalcination, continued use can lead to overheating of the boiler and its breakdown. Designed to protect the heating element, but constant overloading reduces its lifespan significantly.
Expert advice: Make a habit of writing down the date of the last decalcination on a sticker and glue it to a water tank. This will help you not forget about the procedure and keep the car in perfect condition.
Recommendations for extension of service
In order to make the coffee machine Magnifica Start served a long time and delighted delicious coffee, it is important to use quality water and properly selected coffee. Too small grinding or very dark roasting can lead to rapid contamination of the system and a change in the taste of the drink. The best choice will be medium hard water and medium roasted grains.
Regularity of service is the key to success. Even if the machine is rarely used, the internal processes of oxidation and scale formation still occur. Therefore, do not wait for problems to appear, but to carry out preventive measures according to the schedule specified in the instructions or compiled independently based on the intensity of use.
How often should the stained block be removed?
Lubrication of the brewing unit is recommended every 2-3 months or after every 500th cup, whichever comes first. If you notice that the block began to move tightly or creak, lubrication should be carried out immediately.
Can I use pills to clean up instead of liquid?
For Magnifica Start It is better to use liquid decalcination agents, as they dissolve faster and pass through the system more efficiently. The pills may not have time to completely dissolve and clog narrow channels, especially if the water is hard.
What if the car does not turn on after cleaning?
Check if the brewing block has completely dried and if it is installed correctly. If the block is inserted curved, the machine will not turn on for safety reasons. Also make sure all doors and pallets are closed before clicking.
Why does coffee get less hot after cleaning?
This may be because the system has not yet warmed up after a long wash with cold water. Let the car warm up for 10-15 minutes. If the problem persists, there may be air left in the system that needs to be removed by re-pumping.