Coffee machine DeLonghi is not just a household appliance, but a real assistant for gourmets, capable of preparing aromatic espresso, cappuccino or latte at home. However, even the most advanced equipment requires regular maintenance. Irregular cleaning leads to the accumulation of coffee oils, limescale and bacteria., which not only spoil the taste of the drink, but also shorten the service life of the device. If you notice that your coffee has started to taste bitter and your machine is making more noise than usual, these are sure signs that it’s time to clean it.

In this article we will figure out how to properly wash a coffee machine. DeLonghi different models - from compact Dedica to professional Magnifica. You will learn which products can be used and which are strictly prohibited, how often to clean and what to do if the machine indicates an error. We will pay special attention to the nuances of caring for automatic and capsule models - they require a different approach. By following our recommendations, you can keep your equipment in perfect condition and enjoy Perfecto coffee every day.

Why is cleaning your DeLonghi coffee machine so important?

Many coffee machine owners underestimate the importance of regular maintenance, believing that it is enough to wipe the body with a damp cloth. In fact, a whole “bouquet” of contaminants forms inside the device:

  • 🧪 Coffee oils and sediment — remain on the walls of the brewing unit, filters and tubes, giving the drink a bitter taste.
  • 💧 Limescale - accumulates due to hard water, clogs heating elements and reduces operating efficiency.
  • 🦠 Bacteria and mold - multiply in a humid environment, especially in the milk container and drain pan.
  • ⚙️ Mechanical particles — small grains of coffee can get stuck in the mechanism, causing breakdowns.

According to service center statistics, more than 60% of breakdowns of DeLonghi coffee machines are associated with untimely cleaning. For example, limescale deposits can lead to overheating of the heating element, and clogged pipes can lead to incorrect water supply. The manufacturer recommends daily, weekly and monthly cleaning depending on the intensity of use.

⚠️ Attention: If your coffee machine starts giving an error E05 or E09, this may mean critical contamination of the system. In such cases, regular washing will not help - disassembly and professional cleaning will be required.

Which DeLonghi models require special care?

Line of coffee machines DeLonghi includes several types of devices, each of which has its own cleaning features:

Coffee machine type Models (examples) Features of care Cleaning frequency
Automatic (with grain processor) Magnifica S, PrimaDonna, Eletta Requires cleaning of the brewing unit, millstones and milk supply system Daily (rinse), monthly (deep clean)
Capsule Nespresso Lattissima, Dolce Gusto Cleaning the capsule piercing needle and waste collection container After each use (igloo), once a week (container)
Carob (espresso) Dedica, La Specialista Washing the holder, filter and steam tube After each use (holder), every 2 weeks (steam wand)
Combined Autentica, Dinamica Combination of care for automatic and carob block Daily (rinse), once a month (full cleaning)

For example, DeLonghi Dedica EC685 - a popular carob model, which requires mandatory washing of the holder after each use, otherwise the coffee oils will solidify and spoil the taste. But Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 is equipped with an automatic washing system, but even it requires manual cleaning of the millstones once every 1–2 months.

📊 Which DeLonghi coffee machine do you use?
Automatic with grain processor
Capsule (Nespresso/Dolce Gusto)
Carob (espresso)
Combined
Another

Daily care: what to do after each use

Even if you only use your coffee machine once a day, daily care should become a habit. It will take no more than 5 minutes, but will significantly extend the life of your equipment.

Rinse the holder (carob models) under running water|Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth|Clean the drip tray of coffee residue|Pass water through the system (without coffee) for rinsing|Wipe the body with dry microfiber-->

For automatic models such as DeLonghi Eletta ECAM 45.760.W, daily care includes:

  1. Removing milk residues from the cappuccino maker system (if used).
  2. Cleaning the waste container (press container).
  3. Passing hot water through the system without coffee ("Rinse" function in the menu).

For capsule models (DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima One EN50.B) required:

  • 🧼 Rinse the needle for piercing capsules after each use (you can use a special brush from the kit).
  • 🗑️ Empty the container for used capsules.
  • 💧 Spill water through the system if the machine has not been used for more than a day.
⚠️ Attention: Never use abrasive pads or wire brushes to clean the steam wand or holder. They leave microcracks in which bacteria later accumulate.
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If your coffee machine is equipped with a function Auto Clean (for example, DeLonghi Dinamica ECAM 350.55.B), run it daily before turning it off. This will remove coffee residue from the inner tubes and prevent clogging.

Deep cleaning: step-by-step instructions for automatic models

Automatic coffee machines DeLonghi with grain processor, such as Magnifica S ECAM 22.110.B or PrimaDonna Soul, require deep cleaning every 1–3 months (depending on the intensity of use). For this you will need:

  • 🧴 Special means for decalcification (for example, DeLonghi EcoDecalk or Durgol Swiss Espresso).
  • 🧽 Soft sponge and microfiber cloth.
  • 💦 Distilled or filtered water (at least 1 liter).
  • 🔧 Screwdriver (for some models).

Step by step instructions:

  1. Preparation: Unplug the machine, remove all removable parts (water container, pulp container, cappuccino maker).
  2. Cleaning the brewing unit:
    • Remove the brewing unit (in most models it is secured with latches).
    • Rinse it under warm water using a soft sponge. To remove coffee oils you can use citric acid solution (1 tbsp per 0.5 l of water).
    • Dry all parts thoroughly before assembly.
  • Decalcification:
    • Fill the tank with a mixture of water and descaling agent (the proportions are indicated on the packaging).
    • Turn on the machine and run the cleaning program (usually Menu → Settings → Decalcification).
    • After the cycle is complete, rinse the system with clean water 2-3 times.
    • Cleaning the millstones: Use the special brush included in the kit to remove coffee dust. Do not use water or liquid products!
    • Assembly and test: Reinstall all parts and run a test coffee cycle (without capsules/beans) to ensure there are no leaks.

    For models with system LatteCrema (for example, DeLonghi Eletta Cappuccino Top ECAM 650.85.MS) additional cleaning of the milk pipeline is required:

    • 🥛 Rinse the milk tube with warm water, then pass the solution through it DeLonghi LatteClean.
    • 🔄 Launch the function Cleaning the milk line in the car menu.
    What happens if you skip decalcification?

    Limescale deposits narrow the lumen of the tubes, causing the machine to overheat. This leads to:

    - increasing the coffee preparation time;

    - appearance of errors E01 (overheating) or E02 (insufficient water pressure);

    - breakdown of the heating element (replacement cost is up to 40% of the price of a new car).

    Cleaning DeLonghi carob coffee machines (Dedica, La Specialista, etc.)

    Carob coffee machines such as DeLonghi Dedica EC685.M or La Specialista EC9335.M, require a special approach. Their main difference is the removable holder (horn), which is in direct contact with the coffee. If the holder is not cleaned, the coffee oils oxidize and give the drink an unpleasant “rotten coffee” taste.

    Cleaning instructions:

    1. Holder and filter:
      • After each use, rinse the holder and filter under running water.
      • Soak them in the solution once a week 1 tbsp. l. soda per 0.5 liters of water for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
    2. Steam pipe (pannarello):
      • After use, wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
      • Once every 2 weeks, remove the nozzle and wash it in a soapy solution. To clean the internal channel, use a thin needle or a special brush.
  • Group head:
    • Wipe it daily with a damp cloth.
    • Once a month, remove the top lid (if provided by your model) and remove any accumulated coffee sediment.
    • Water tank: Wash once a week with a mild detergent, then rinse under running water.

    For models with a built-in coffee grinder (e.g. La Specialista Arte EC9155.M) additionally:

    • 🌰 Clean the millstones once a month with a special brush (included in the kit).
    • 🔄 Adjust the degree of grinding - grinding too fine can clog the system.
    💡

    For carob coffee machines, it is critical to use filtered water. Hard water accelerates the formation of scale in heating elements and tubes, which leads to breakdowns after 1–2 years of operation.

    DeLonghi capsule coffee machines: care details

    Capsule coffee machines such as DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro EN750.MB or Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus EDG676.W, seem easy to care for, but have their own pitfalls. The main problem is clogged needle for piercing capsules, due to which the machine may not pierce the shell or do so unevenly.

    Step by step cleaning:

    1. Puncture needle:
      • After each use, wipe the needle with a damp cloth or a special brush.
      • Once a week, soak it in a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water) for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
  • Capsule container: Empty after each use, wash once a week with soap.
  • Capacity for collecting drops: Rinse daily as sticky coffee residue will accumulate.
  • Milk supply system (for models with cappuccino maker):
    • After each use, pump water through the tube (function Clean in the menu).
    • Once a week, disassemble the nozzle and wash all parts in warm water.

    Pay special attention decalcification. Capsule machines are especially sensitive to scale due to the compact size of the tubes. Use only official decalcification products (for example, Nespresso Descaling Kit), since homemade solutions (vinegar, citric acid) can damage the seals.

    ⚠️ Attention: If your capsule machine starts giving an error RED LIGHT BLINKING (flashing red indicator), this is a signal of critical contamination. In this case, complete disassembly and cleaning by a service center is required - independent attempts may damage the sensors.

    What products can and cannot be used for cleaning

    Choosing a detergent is one of the most important points in caring for a coffee machine. The wrong composition can not only damage the parts, but also leave an aftertaste in the coffee. Here's what the experts recommend:

    Product type Recommended Brands For what parts? Frequency of use
    Decalcification agents DeLonghi EcoDecalk, Durgol Swiss Espresso, Nespresso Descaling Kit Water tank, tubes, heating element Once every 1–3 months
    Milk line cleaners DeLonghi LatteClean, Urnex Cafiza Cappuccino maker tubes, milk container After each use of milk
    Universal cleaners Puly Caff, Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner Holder, filter, group head Once a week
    Natural remedies Citric acid, baking soda (in reasonable proportions!) Removable parts (holder, filter) Once a month

    It is strictly forbidden to use:

    • 🧹 Abrasive powders and metal sponges scratch surfaces.
    • 🧴 Household cleaning products (e.g. Fairy or AOS) - leave a chemical aftertaste.
    • 🍋 Pure vinegar or citric acid in high concentration - rubber seals are corroded.
    • 🧼 Products with chlorine spoil metal parts and leave an odor.

    For models with AquaPrime system (for example, DeLonghi Magnifica Evo ECAM 290.81.B) the manufacturer recommends using only original DeLonghi products, as they are tested for filter compatibility.

    Common cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced coffee machine users DeLonghi Sometimes they make mistakes that can lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common of them:

    • 🚫 Ignoring machine signals. If the indicator lights up on the display CLEAN or DESCALE, do not delay cleaning. In some models (for example, PrimaDonna) If the signal is ignored, the machine is blocked until the procedure is completed.
    • 🚫 Use unfiltered water. This leads to accelerated scale formation. If you have hard water, install a filter or use bottled water.
    • 🚫 Cleaning millstones with water. Moisture leads to corrosion and jamming of the mechanism. For cleaning, use only a dry brush.
    • 🚫 Neglecting to dry parts. Damp holders or tubes become breeding grounds for mold. All removable parts must be completely dry before assembly.
    • 🚫 Self-repair without knowledge. Disassembling internal mechanisms (for example, the brewing unit) without experience can lead to damage to sensors or seals.

    Another common mistake is Using too aggressive cleaning agents for the steam wand. For example, some users try to clean it with wire, which damages the inner coating. For this purpose, there are special brushes or needles included in the kit.

    1. Correct assembly of all parts (especially the brewing unit).

    2. Dry contacts (moisture could get on the board).

    3. Presence of errors on the display (codes E03–E07 often associated with malfunctions after incorrect cleaning).-->

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Can the removable parts of the DeLonghi coffee machine be washed in the dishwasher?

    Most removable parts (holder, filter, drip tray) can be washed in the dishwasher only if permitted by the instructions. For example, for DeLonghi Dedica EC685 The manufacturer allows the holder to be washed in the dishwasher, but at a temperature not exceeding 50°C. Parts with rubber seals (for example, a milk pipe) cannot be washed in the dishwasher - this will lead to their deformation.

    How often should I change the water filter in my DeLonghi coffee machine?

    The service life of the filter depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use. On average:

    • For models with system AquaPrime (for example, Magnifica Evo) - once every 2 months.
    • For models with filter Brita or DeLonghi - once every 1–1.5 months.

    The machine usually indicates the need for replacement with an indicator FILTER on the display.

    What should I do if my DeLonghi coffee machine does not turn on after cleaning?

    First check:

    1. Correct assembly of all removable parts (especially the brewing unit and water container).
    2. Availability of water in the tank (some models will not turn on without water).
    3. Dry contacts (if moisture gets on the board, the machine needs to be dried for 24 hours).

    If the problem is not resolved, reset the settings to factory defaults (in the menu Settings → Reset) or contact the service center.

    Can I use vinegar to descale my DeLonghi coffee machine?

    Vinegar is a controversial remedy. On the one hand, it is effective against scale, but on the other hand, it can damage rubber seals and leave a persistent odor. If you still decide to use it:

    • Dilute in a ratio of 1:3 with water.
    • After the procedure, rinse the system thoroughly (at least 3 cycles with clean water).
    • Do not use on models with aluminum parts (vinegar will oxidize them).

    For warranty vehicles it is better to use official means.

    How to remove plastic smell from a new DeLonghi coffee machine?

    The smell of new plastic is normal and will disappear after a few cycles of use. To speed up the process:

    1. Run 2-3 tanks of clean water (no coffee) through the machine.
    2. Wipe all removable parts with a soda solution (1 teaspoon per glass of water), then rinse.
    3. Leave the machine turned on for 1-2 hours in standby mode (this will help “dissipate” the smell).

    Avoid using flavorings - they can enter the system and ruin the taste of the coffee.