Coffee machines Delonghi deservedly popular due to their reliability and ability to prepare excellent espresso. However, even the most advanced equipment requires regular maintenance, especially when it comes into contact with food. Brewing unit is the heart of the device, and it is it that takes the brunt of the blow in the form of coffee oils, fine dust and scale. Ignoring the hygiene of this unit inevitably leads to a deterioration in the taste of the drink, the appearance of foreign odors and, ultimately, to the breakdown of expensive equipment.
Many owners mistakenly believe that automatic rinsing when turning the machine on or off is enough for complete cleaning. In practice coffee oils They tend to oxidize and harden, turning into a sticky substance that a simple stream of water cannot wash off. Over time, this leads to the mechanism beginning to jam, and the pressure in the system drops. In this article we will take a detailed look at the manual cleaning process that will help extend the life of your Delonghi for many years.
Regular maintenance not only saves money on repairs, but also preserves your health, since bacteria and mold quickly multiply in old coffee grounds. The optimal frequency for deep cleaning the brewing unit is once a month during active use or every 300 cups brewed. Below we will look at all stages of the procedure, from preparation to assembly, and also answer frequently asked questions.
Preparation for the procedure and necessary tools
Before you begin disassembly, you must properly prepare your work area and tools. You don't need complex professional tools; a basic set that can be found in any kitchen is enough. The main requirement is cleanliness of hands and surfaces, so as not to introduce foreign contaminants into the mechanism. Also make sure that the coffee machine is turned off and completely cooled down, as working with hot parts can cause burns.
For a good cleaning, you will need the following items: a soft brush (you can use an old toothbrush), a sponge with an abrasive side, paper towels or a lint-free cloth. It is not recommended to use metal brushes or hard scrapers as they may damage the Teflon coating or plastic gears. As a detergent, it is best to use special tablets for coffee machines or a weak solution of citric acid, but ordinary warm water often works just as well.
- 🧽 Soft sponge and paper napkins to remove moisture and plaque.
- 🪥 Toothbrush for cleaning hard-to-reach places and meshes.
- 💧 Warm water and a special product for decalcifying or cleaning coffee oils.
- 🧤 Food grade silicone grease (optional, for rubber seals).
It is important to prepare a container in advance to drain any water that may remain in the system. Some models Delonghi, such as series Magnifica or ECAM, have a removable tank that must be emptied before starting work. If there is water left in the tank, it may spill into the body when removing the brewing unit, which is undesirable for the electrical part.
Dismantling the brewing unit: step-by-step algorithm
The process of removing the infuser for most models Delonghi standardized, but requires compliance with a certain sequence of actions. Improper dismantling may result in broken plastic retainers or misaligned drive gears. Before opening the service door, be sure to turn off the coffee machine with the power button and wait for the characteristic sound of the mechanism parking. If you try to remove the unit while the machine is in standby or on mode, you may damage the drive.
Open the service door, which is usually located on the right or front, depending on the model. Inside you will see the brewing unit itself, often closed with an additional plastic lid-fix. On some models, for example Delonghi Magnifica S, you need to press the red locking button and at the same time pull the block towards you. The movement should be smooth, without jerking. If the mechanism resists, check that the upper clamp arm is completely lowered.
☑️ Checklist before dismantling
After removal, carefully inspect the niche where the block was located. Spilled coffee and moisture often accumulate there. Wipe the inner walls with a dry cloth. The brewing unit itself consists of several parts: a movable and fixed half, a piston and a mesh filter. For deep cleaning, it is often necessary to remove the top cover of the unit itself, which is usually held on by latches or screws (depending on the modification). Be careful with the spring inside - it may spring back abruptly.
Removing coffee oils and scale
The main task of cleaning is to remove old coffee oils that do not dissolve in cold water. These oils oxidize when exposed to air, producing a rancid taste that is transferred to freshly brewed coffee. Soak the removable parts of the brewing unit in warm water with added cleaning agent for 15-20 minutes. This will soften the deposits and make them easier to remove mechanically.
Use a soft brush to clean the strainer and the channels through which water flows. Movements should be circular, without strong pressure. Pay special attention to rubber seals: it is on them that black deposits most often form. If the seal is removable, it can be carefully removed and washed separately. To remove scale that may have formed on metal parts, use a citric acid solution, but do not leave the parts in an acidic environment for more than 10 minutes to avoid damaging the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to wash the brewing unit in the dishwasher. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform plastic parts and damage the lubrication of the guides.
After soaking, rinse all parts thoroughly under running water. Make sure there are no coffee particles left in the filter mesh that could clog the holes. The cleanliness of the mesh directly affects the pour pressure and the quality of the espresso cream foam. If the holes appear clogged, you can use a thin needle or toothpick to gently clear them, but be careful not to widen the holes.
Lubrication of moving elements and care of seals
After all parts have dried, it is necessary to check the condition of the moving joints. Brewing unit mechanism Delonghi includes many rubbing parts that over time lose their factory lubrication. Lack of lubrication leads to increased operating noise and wear of plastic gears. For lubrication, use only food grade silicone grease that is safe for contact with food.
Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the side guides along which the piston moves, as well as to the rubber O-rings. Don't overdo it: too much lubricant can cause it to leach into the coffee cup, which is unacceptable. Spread the mixture evenly with your finger or a cotton swab. This will ensure smooth operation and tightness of the brewing chamber.
| element | Type of care | Frequency | Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strainer | Washing with a brush | Weekly | Warm water |
| Rubber seals | Lubrication and cleaning | Once a month | Food grade silicone grease |
| Block body | Oil removal | Once a month | Special agent or citric acid |
| Movable guides | Lubrication | Once every 3-6 months | Food grade silicone grease |
If you notice that the rubber rings have lost their elasticity, are cracked or have visible damage, they need to be replaced. Operating the machine with damaged seals will result in water leaks and a drop in pressure. You can buy a repair kit at authorized service centers or specialized stores of spare parts for coffee machines.
Assembling and installing the unit in the coffee machine
The brewing unit is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly. Make sure that all parts fit into place and click into place with a characteristic sound. The top cover should fit tightly, without gaps. If the design includes screws, tighten them, but do not overtighten, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic case. Check the mobility of the piston: it should move smoothly, without jamming.
When installing the unit into the coffee machine, it is important to correctly align it with the drive shaft. Insert the block into the niche until it stops, observing the angle of inclination specified in the instructions for your model Delonghi. Typically you will need to press the unit lightly until it snaps into place and then close the locking latch or door. If the block does not insert, do not force it - remove it and try again, checking the orientation.
What to do if the block does not fit into place?
If the brewing unit does not lock into place, check to see if there is anything obstructing its installation (for example, a forgotten rag or a grain of coffee). Also make sure that the block itself is assembled correctly and all its moving parts are in their original position (piston down). Sometimes slightly rocking the block from side to side while applying pressure helps.
After installation, close the service door and turn on the coffee machine. The device will automatically perform a rinse cycle. Carefully monitor the first portions of water: they should flow freely, without leaks in the area of the service door. If you hear unusual noise or see water outside, turn off the unit immediately and check that the unit is installed correctly.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes is using harsh household chemicals, such as dishwashing detergents with fragrances or chlorine-containing cleaners. The coffee filter has a porous structure and easily absorbs odors, which then cannot be removed. This causes the coffee to taste like “chemicals” or detergent. Use only neutral products or specialized chemicals for coffee machines.
Another mistake is ignoring the indicator of the need for decalcification. Although this process is different from cleaning the brewing unit, limescale inside the system will also affect its performance. Hard water causes deposits to form on valves and pipes, which increases the load on the brewing mechanism. Descale regularly using fluids recommended by the manufacturer. Delonghi.
- 🚫 Do not use abrasive powders or metal sponges.
- 🚫 Do not try to lubricate the mechanism with edible oil (it dries out and turns into a sticky mass).
- 🚫 Do not leave a wet brewing unit closed in a niche for a long time (risk of mold development).
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the quality of the coffee has not improved and the machine continues to make noise, the problem may lie in wear of the bearings or pump, which requires the intervention of a service center.
Prevention also includes using quality water. Filtering water through a jug or installing a main filter will significantly reduce the amount of scale and extend the life of not only the brewing unit, but also the boiler. Soft water allows you to carry out the decalcification procedure less frequently and preserves the taste of coffee.
Preserve the factory lubricant: with each cleaning, try not to completely wash off the factory lubricant from the guides if it has not lost its properties. Just remove the dirt and add some fresh food grade grease on top.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often should the brewing unit be completely disassembled and cleaned?
It is recommended to carry out a deep cleaning with disassembly and lubrication once a month during active use (4-6 cups per day). If you drink coffee less often, once every 2-3 months is enough. Regular washing with water without disassembly should be performed weekly.
Is the Delonghi brewing unit dishwasher safe?
No, the manufacturer categorically does not recommend washing the brewing unit in the dishwasher. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform plastic parts, damage the Teflon coating and wash lubricant out of moving joints.
What should I do if, after cleaning, the machine says “The brewing unit is blocked”?
Most likely, the unit is installed incorrectly or not completely. Turn off the machine, open the service door, remove the unit and reinstall it, making sure it clicks into place. Also check if there is anything in the installation niche that is blocking it.
How to lubricate the rubber seals of the brewing unit?
To lubricate rubber seals and moving parts, use only food-grade silicone grease. It is safe for contact with food, has no odor or taste, and also maintains the elasticity of rubber at high temperatures.
Regular cleaning of the brewing unit is not just a matter of hygiene, but a necessary condition for stable operation of the coffee machine and preserving the taste of your favorite coffee.