Brand coffee machines DeLonghi are famous for their reliability, but hard water remains their main enemy. Over time, mineral salts settle on the heating elements, forming a dense layer of scale that reduces the efficiency of the device. If you are looking for information on the request “delongi descaling video”, it means that your coffee machine has started to make noise, takes longer to heat the water, or produces weak pressure. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to expensive repairs or complete replacement of the thermoblock.
In this article we will analyze the decalcification process in detail, based on official guidelines and the practical experience of owners. You'll learn how to properly run the built-in cleaning cycle, which products are truly safe for internal components, and why typical video instructions may not cover important nuances for your specific model. Proper care extends the life of equipment several times.
Why is it important to remove scale on time?
Scale is a solid deposit of calcium and magnesium salts that precipitates when water is heated. In coffee machines DeLonghi, especially in models with a boiler or thermoblock, this process occurs very intensively. The layer of limescale acts as a heat insulator, causing the heating element to work with increased load. This not only increases power consumption, but also leads to overheating and eventual failure of key components.
Decalcification is the only effective way to dissolve these deposits without mechanical intervention. If the procedure is not carried out regularly, the patency of the tubes decreases, the pressure in the system drops, and the taste of the coffee becomes unpleasant and metallic. In some cases, ignoring signals about the need for cleaning leads to blocking the operation of the machine, since the electronics detect a critical state of the system.
⚠️ Attention: Using acetic acid or lemon juice instead of specialized products can damage the rubber seals and plastic parts inside the coffee machine DeLonghi.
Timely cleaning allows you to maintain factory pressure and brewing temperature characteristics. The coffee will remain aromatic and the foam will be thick and creamy. In addition, regular maintenance reduces the risk of leaks, which often occur due to corrosion or rupture of pipes clogged with limescale plugs.
Selecting a cleaning product
The market offers many options for descaling solutions, but owners DeLonghi It pays to be selective. The manufacturer recommends using liquid products based on sulfamic or lactic acid, which effectively dissolve calcium without leaving an odor. The most popular option is the original liquid EcoDecalk, developed specifically for the equipment of this brand.
When choosing a chemical, it is important to pay attention to the composition. Aggressive acids, such as hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid in high concentrations, can be harmful to aluminum alloys used in some thermoblocks. Material safety - priority number one, since replacing internal components is often not economically feasible.
If you use filtered or bottled water, the frequency of decalcification procedures can be reduced, but they cannot be completely abandoned even when using distillate (due to the presence of other impurities).
Tablet forms are also convenient to use, but they take longer to completely dissolve in the reservoir. Liquid concentrates act faster and are easier to dose.
Preparing the coffee machine for the procedure
Before starting the cleaning cycle, it is necessary to prepare the device so that the process is as efficient as possible. First remove the water filter Caro (if installed in the tank) and a container for coffee grounds. The water reservoir should be thoroughly rinsed with warm water, removing any remaining old solution or mucus that may have formed on the walls.
Next, you need to make sure that there is no coffee in the system. Rinse the brewing unit under running water without using detergents if the design of your model DeLonghi allows its extraction. For series models Magnifica or Primadonna This is a standard procedure that takes a couple of minutes.
☑️ Preparation for decalcification
It is also important to prepare a container for draining the waste liquid. The water tank capacity is usually 1.5-2 liters, so the drip tray may overflow in the process. It is better to use an additional pan or a large bowl, placing it under the water and steam spout.
Step-by-step instructions for starting a cleaning cycle
Decalcification process on coffee machines DeLonghi is automated, but requires user participation at certain stages. After preparation, turn on the machine and wait until it enters ready mode. The control panel will display a cleaning indicator (usually a flashing lime symbol or "Descaling").
Pour the recommended amount of product into the water tank, diluted according to the instructions on the package (usually 100 ml of concentrate per 1 liter of water). Press and hold the clean button (or a combination of buttons depending on your model) for 5 seconds until the lights flash in a pattern. This is a signal to enter cleaning programming mode.
⚠️ Attention: During the cleaning cycle, do not unplug the coffee machine from the outlet or interrupt the process, otherwise the system may become blocked or the rinsing settings may be lost.
Open the steam tap (cappuccino maker) by turning it counterclockwise. Liquid will begin to flow into the system and flow out through the spout. Periodically close the tap when the tank is empty to allow the machine to pump the solution through the internal circuits under pressure, and open it again to drain. The whole process takes about 20–30 minutes.
What should I do if the indicator does not light up?
On some models DeLonghi (for example, series Esam) the scale indicator may not be lit continuously. To force start, hold down the steam button and the power button simultaneously for a few seconds after turning on the machine.
Flushing the system with clean water
After the product solution has run out and the machine automatically moves to the next stage (or gives a signal), it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the system. This is a critical step as any remaining acid can ruin the taste of the next coffee you make. Rinse the water tank under the tap several times to remove any remaining chemicals.
Fill the tank with clean drinking water to the maximum level. Open the steam valve again so that the machine begins to circulate water through the system. Repeat the filling and draining procedure until the tank runs out of water 2-3 times. Only then can the cleaning cycle be considered complete.
Some modern models DeLonghi have an automatic rinse mode, but it often requires user confirmation. Follow the display: if the shower symbol is flashing, it means the machine is waiting for rinsing to complete.
High-quality rinsing takes longer than decalcification itself, but it ensures that your espresso does not have a chemical aftertaste.
Service frequency table
The frequency of the procedure depends on the hardness of the water in your region and the intensity of use of the coffee machine. Below is a guideline to help you determine when you need descaling.
| Water hardness | Cups per day | Recommended frequency | Signs of need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft (filter jug) | 1-3 | Once every 4-5 months | Plan indicator |
| Medium (plumbing) | 4-8 | Once every 2-3 months | Reduced steam pressure |
| Hard (no filter) | 8+ | Once a month | Noise during operation, long heating time |
| Very tough | Any | Monthly | White coating on nose |
The use of a built-in water softener filter (cartridge) allows you to significantly increase the intervals between services. However, even with a filter it is impossible to completely eliminate scale formation, so regular procedures remain mandatory.
Frequent maintenance errors
One of the most common mistakes is using too hot water to dilute the product. The chemical reaction may become too violent, resulting in foam emission or damage to the plastic parts of the tank. Always use water at room temperature unless the instructions indicate otherwise.
Also, users often forget to clean the external parts of the cappuccino maker. The removable milk jug or panarello is also susceptible to becoming overgrown with scale and milk fat. They should be soaked in a warm solution of dishwashing detergent or a special milk system cleaner. DeLonghi.
Ignoring car beeps is another mistake. If the machine makes an intermittent beeping sound or flashes multiple lights, this may indicate that the cleaning cycle has failed or requires re-rinsing.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to use citric acid instead of a special product?
The use of citric acid is not recommended by the manufacturer DeLonghi. Acid crystals may not dissolve completely and may damage the pump or valves. In addition, acid can adversely affect rubber seals, causing them to dry out and crack, leading to leaks.
What should I do if my coffee tastes strange after cleaning?
Most likely, the system was not flushed well enough with clean water. It is necessary to repeat the rinsing cycle (without adding products) 2-3 times, running a full tank of water through the hot water spout and the cappuccino maker. It is also recommended to brew and pour 2-3 cups of coffee empty.
How to reset the scale indicator if it remains on after cleaning?
Usually the indicator goes out automatically after the complete cycle (cleaning + rinsing) has been successfully completed. If this does not happen, try turning off the machine, holding down the clean button and turning on the power without releasing the button until a characteristic sound signal is heard. On some models, you need to enter the settings menu and select "Reset descaling cycle".
Is decalcification harmful to the coffee machine itself?
When using certified products, decalcification is absolutely safe and extends the life of the equipment. Harm can only be caused by aggressive chemicals (vinegar, strong acidic cleaners for plumbing) or a complete lack of maintenance, leading to mechanical destruction of the thermoblock.