Replacement of the filter-softener in the coffee machine Delonghi It should be produced strictly every two months or after the preparation of 50 liters of coffee, whichever is the first. Ignoring this schedule leads to rapid scale formation in the boiler and thermoblock, which causes overheating of the system and expensive repairs. Many owners of equipment forget about the need for regular maintenance, relying only on decalcination indicators, but it is the cartridge that is the cartridge. Cleary or Intenza It is the first line of protection against hard water.
If you notice a change in the taste of the drink, the appearance of sediment in the cup or an increase in washing cycles, this is a sure sign that the cartridge resource is exhausted. High-hardness water contains calcium and magnesium salts, which settle on heating elements, reducing the efficiency of heat exchange. Timely installation of the new module avoids these problems and maintains a factory warranty on the device, as service centers often check the condition of the filter when diagnosing malfunctions.
The role of filter softener in the work of the coffee machine
The main task of the cartridge installed in the water tank is not to rough mechanical cleaning, but to chemically soften the liquid. Inside the plastic case is a special ion exchange resin that replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or hydrogen ions. This process prevents the deposition of solid mineral salts on the inner walls of the hydraulic system. DelonghiProviding stable pressure and temperature of brewing.
Using unfiltered tap water significantly accelerates the wear and tear of expensive nodes such as a brewing unit and pump. Scale. It has low thermal conductivity, which is why the heating element requires more time and energy to heat the water to the operating temperature. This leads to increased energy consumption and the risk of breakdown of the TEN.
⚠️ Attention: Use of distilled or fully demineralized water in coffee machines Delonghi It is prohibited, as the absence of minerals disrupts the operation of water level sensors and can lead to corrosion of metal parts.
In addition to protection against scale, a high-quality filter improves the organoleptic properties of the drink. Chlorine, heavy metals and foreign impurities trapped by the sorbent can distort the taste of espresso, making it bitter or metallic. Correctly selected and replaced in time cartridge reveals a full bouquet of the aroma of coffee beans.
For maximum effect, always activate the new filter according to the instructions before first installing it in the tank.
Factors affecting the life of the cartridge
The standard life of the filter is about 50 liters or two months, however these figures are averaged. The actual rate of resource depletion depends on the hardness of the water in your area. If you live in an area with very hard water, the resin is saturated with calcium ions much faster, and the softening efficiency drops after 3-4 weeks of active use.
The frequency of the coffee machine also plays an important role. In offices or coffee shops where the device is continuously running, a volume of 50 liters can be consumed in a couple of weeks. In this case, you need to focus on the liturgy, and not on the calendar period. Conversely, if the machine is rarely used, the resin can lose its properties over time even without passing through it a large volume of water.
The temperature of the water affects the rate of chemical reactions inside the cartridge. Although in domestic conditions this factor is less significant, it is worth remembering that hot water accelerates the depletion of the resin resource. Therefore, if you plan to not use the device for a long time, it is better to remove the filter from the tank.
- 🌊 Tap water hardness: the higher the salt content, the faster the resource is consumed.
- ☕ Intensity of use: The number of cups cooked per day directly shortens the life of the cartridge.
- 📅 Operation time: even with low consumption, the filter is recommended to be changed at least once every two months.
- 🌡️ Storage Temperature: Storing the filter at high temperatures before installation can reduce its efficiency.
Symptoms of filter resource depletion
Determine that the filter softener has ceased to cope with its task, it is possible for a number of indirect signs. The first warning sign is often a change in the taste of coffee. The drink may acquire an unpleasant taste, become less fragrant or too bitter. This is because water stops extracting coffee oils properly.
The second sign is the increase in requests for decalcification. If the coffee machine Delonghi began to require a scale removal procedure more often than usual, which means that the filter no longer retains the hardness salts. Ignoring these signals will cause the scale warning system to fail due to critical overgrowth of sensors.
Visually, you can notice a white coating on the nose of the cappuccinator or on the surface of the water in the cup immediately after cooking. It is also possible to make noise when the pump is running, since the narrowing of the channels due to deposits causes the pump to work with a greater load. Timely replacement This will prevent these troubles.
Instructions for activation and installation of a new filter
The process of installing a new cartridge requires prior activation, which should not be missed. Without activation, the water will pass through the dry resin without being cleaned, and air bubbles can enter the system, which will lead to suffocation of the pump. To activate, a container with cold water will be required.
First, remove the protective cap and swivel replacement date cover from the new filter. Set a date on the lid by turning the disc to the current month so as not to forget about the next replacement date. Then immerse the filter vertically in a water tank to the level of the letter "A" or until full immersion, if the model so requires.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Keep the filter in the water until the air bubbles stop coming out. It usually takes about 5 minutes. After that, remove the cartridge, shake it slightly to remove the remaining water, and install the coffee machine in the tank before clicking. Don’t forget to pour water into the tank immediately after installation.
| Phase | Action. | Time. |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Removal of caps and setting of date | 1 minute |
| 2 | Immersion in water (activation) | 5 minutes |
| 3 | Shaking and removing bubbles | 30 seconds. |
| 4 | Installation in the tank | 1 minute |
Setting the hardness of water in the coffee machine menu
For the correct operation of the notification system about the replacement of the filter and the need for decalcination, in the menu of the coffee machine Delonghi It is necessary to set the water hardness parameter correctly. This value depends on your location and the quality of the water used. If the filter is not installed, the machine will consider the water hard and often require cleaning.
To change the settings, go to the settings menu (usually by holding the steam button or through the screen, depending on the model). Find the "Hardness" or "Rigor." Here you can choose from four levels: 1 (very soft) to 4 (very hard). If you use a filter, it is recommended to choose level 1 or 2, even if the tap water is hard.
Table of rigidity levels
Level 1: 0-7 dH (soft), Level 2: 8-14 dH (medium), Level 3: 15-21 dH (hard), Level 4: >21 dH (very hard).
Incorrectly configuring this parameter can cause the machine to either decalcify too often or miss the moment when scale has already begun to form.
Frequent errors in the maintenance of water treatment system
One of the most common mistakes is the reuse of disposable cartridges. Some users try to “regenerate” the filter by soaking it in a saline solution, as is done with dishwashers. In the case of coffee cartridges Cleary or Intenza This is inefficient and dangerous, since the design does not provide for reverse washing, and the resin can collapse, once in the hydraulic system.
Another mistake is to store the spare filters in inappropriate conditions. The packaging must be airtight. If the cartridge is stored in a dry hot place or, conversely, in the cold, the properties of the resin may deteriorate. Always check the expiration date on the package before buying and installing.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a filter whose packaging has been damaged or opened long before installation, as the resin may have dried or absorbed foreign smells from the air.
Users often forget to reset the filter counter after replacement. In some models Delonghi With the display, you need to manually confirm the replacement in the menu, otherwise the indicator will continue to burn, confusing the owner.
The main rule is to change the filter every 2 months or 50 liters, even if the indicator has not yet caught fire.
The benefits of regular replacement over savings
Buying cartridges every two months is an extra expense. However, the cost of one filter is disproportionately small compared to repairing a heat exchanger or replacing a boiler. Scaling, formed due to the old filter, is able to disable the coffee machine for several months of active operation.
Regular replacement ensures stable quality of the drink. Coffee will always be equally delicious, without foreign tastes and the smell of chlorine. This is especially important for espresso connoisseurs who feel the slightest nuances in the cup profile. In addition, the clean hydraulic system works quieter and more energy efficient.
In the long term, using original filters and following the replacement schedule extends the life of the device by 3-5 years and maintains its high residual value in the event of resale. Buyers of used equipment are always interested in the state of internal nodes, and the lack of scale is a weighty argument in favor of the transaction.
Can I use a coffee machine without a filter if the tap water is soft?
Technically, the machine will work, but manufacturers do not recommend leaving the tank without a softener filter for a long time. Even in water with low hardness, mechanical impurities or chlorine may be present, which the filter traps. In addition, the lack of a filter may require reconfiguring the stiffness level in the menu, which sometimes gets confused when updating the firmware.
What if after the filter is replaced, the machine continues to write “Replace the filter”?
It is necessary to perform the procedure of resetting the counter in the device menu. For different models Delonghi The button combination is different (often it is a long-term holding of the steam button or logging into the service menu). Also make sure that the new filter is properly activated in the water before installation.
Does the type of coffee (bean vs ground) affect the rate of filter contamination?
No, the type of coffee used does not affect the rate of depletion of the softener filter. The filter only cleans the water passing through the tank. However, using ground coffee may require more frequent mechanical cleaning of the brewing unit, which is not related to the cartridge life.
Where to dispose of used filters?
The cartridges used are household waste. Plastic case and contents (tar, coal) are not toxic, but it is better to take them to plastic reception points if such a fee is established in your city. Disposal in a common garbage container is also allowed.