A decrease in pump pressure or the appearance of cracks in the brewing unit body most often indicate a critical accumulation of coffee oils and limescale deposits inside the hydraulic system DeLonghi. If you ignore regular decalcification and lubrication of moving parts, the machine’s automation will begin to produce errors, and the taste of the drink will acquire bitterness and foreign tones. Owners often mistakenly believe that simply washing the pan is enough, but hidden components require deeper intervention to preserve the life of the device.
The maintenance process is divided into daily procedures, weekly cleaning and periodic deep decalcification. Each stage affects durability boiler and tightness of connections. The lack of a systematic approach leads to the fact that even reliable Italian units fail long before the warranty period expires. Understanding the physics of the processes occurring inside the case will allow you to avoid expensive repairs at a service center.
Daily hygiene and care of the brewing unit
The main element that requires constant attention is the brew group, which is removed from the machine body. This is where the coffee tablet is formed under high pressure, so the remaining ground coffee quickly turns into a dense mass that breaks the seal. Every day, after preparing the last cup, you must remove the block and rinse it with warm water without using detergents to remove fresh residues of cake.
It is important not only to rinse the parts, but also to check the condition of the rubber seals for particle adhesion. If a sticky residue remains on the surface of the plastic or rubber, this is a signal that coffee oils began to polymerize. In this case, more thorough cleaning with a soft brush is required. The cleanliness of this unit directly affects the quality of extraction and the absence of foreign flavors in the drink.
After water treatments, the infuser should be completely dry before putting it back into the machine to prevent mold from developing in a humid environment. Many users make the mistake of installing a wet unit right away, which creates ideal conditions for bacteria. Regular visual inspection allows you to notice wear of moving parts in time.
- ☕ Remove the brewing unit every evening after use.
- 💧 Rinse the knot with warm running water without chemicals.
- 🚫 Do not use dishwashing detergents for daily cleaning.
- 🌬️ Let the parts dry before putting them back into the case.
⚠️ Attention: Never lubricate the brewing unit with edible oil or Vaseline. To lubricate the guides, only special food-grade silicone-based lubricant approved by the manufacturer is used.
Particular attention should be paid to the mesh filter at the top of the brewing unit. Water passes through it under pressure, and if the cells become clogged, the flow will be uneven. You can clean it with an old toothbrush, carefully removing stuck coffee particles. This simple manipulation often solves the problem of low jet pressure.
Decalcification procedure: removing scale from the system
Scale is the main enemy of any coffee machine that works with hard water, since calcium salts settle on the heating elements and in the narrow channels of the hydraulic system. For models DeLonghi It is recommended to use the original Decalcifier or its high-quality analogs with citric acid in the composition, but without the addition of chlorine and aggressive surfactants. The process is launched through the menu or a special button, if it is provided for by the design of a particular model.
Before starting the cycle, you must completely empty the water tank and fill it with decalcifier solution according to the instructions on the product packaging. The machine will automatically begin to circulate fluid through the system, pausing to allow the chemical to dissolve any solid deposits inside. thermoblock and tubes. It is strictly not recommended to interrupt this process, as this may lead to incomplete removal of the reagent.
Why you shouldn't use vinegar
Acetic acid can damage rubber seals and plastic parts of the internal line, and also leave a persistent unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove.
After the entire volume of solution has passed through the system, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the circuit with clean water. To do this, the tank is filled with fresh water several times and the rinsing cycle is repeated until all traces of the cleaning agent disappear. Residual acid in the system can spoil the taste of coffee and harm your health.
| Water type | Frequency of decalcification | Signs of need | Consumption of funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft (filter) | Once every 4-5 months | The indicator came on | 1 bottle (2x100ml) |
| Medium hardness | Once every 2-3 months | Noise when heating | 1 bottle (2x100ml) |
| Hard (from tap) | Once every 1-2 months | Reduced pressure | 1-2 bottles |
| Very tough | Monthly | The boiler is cracking | 2 bottles |
Modern models DeLonghi often equipped with a water hardness meter, which can be adjusted in the menu. If you are using filtered water, be sure to change the hardness settings in Settings -> Water Hardnessso that the machine does not require cleaning too often or, conversely, does not miss the moment of scale formation.
Lubrication of moving mechanisms and seals
Mechanical parts of the brewing unit, such as pistons and guides, require periodic lubrication to ensure smooth operation and sealing. Over time, the factory lubricant is washed out with water and wiped off when moving, which leads to squeaking, jamming and increased wear of rubbing surfaces. For maintenance, a special food-grade lubricant is used, which is safe in contact with food.
The compound should be applied in a thin layer to the rubber piston seals and plastic slide guides. Excess lubrication is just as harmful as no lubrication, since excess grease can mix with coffee dust and form an abrasive slurry. It is enough to renew the lubricant once every 3-4 months or after each deep cleaning with disassembly of the unit.
Use a needle-less syringe to precisely apply lubricant to hard-to-reach areas of O-rings without staining surrounding surfaces.
The sealing rings on the boiler require special attention if the design of the machine allows access to them. Their drying out leads to water leakage into the housing or outward in the area of the pan. If microcracks are detected in the rubber, the element must be replaced immediately; lubricant will not help here.
- 🛢️ Use only food grade silicone grease.
- 🧴 Apply a thin layer to the rubber piston seals.
- 🔄 Repeat the procedure every 300-400 cups prepared.
- 🚫 Avoid getting grease on electrical contacts.
If, after lubrication, the brewing unit becomes difficult to insert or remove, the layer may be applied too thickly or the wrong composition has been used. In this case, it is necessary to remove the excess with a dry cloth and check the free movement of the mechanisms manually before installing it in the machine.
Cleaning the cappuccino maker and milk circuit
Milk residue is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, so the steam and milk supply system requires daily purging and regular deep cleaning. Immediately after frothing the milk, you need to switch the machine to steam mode and release the stream for a few seconds to push out the remaining liquid from the tube. This prevents the milk from drying inside the canal.
Once a week, it is recommended to chemically clean the milk tract using special tablets or liquid for milk systems. The solution is poured in instead of milk, and the machine drives it through the cappuccino machine, dissolving fatty films and protein deposits. For automatic cappuccino makers DeLonghi often a special regime is provided Clean in the service menu.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel a sour or rancid smell when you turn on the steam, it means that the milk inside the cappuccino maker tube has soured. Immediate disassembly and soaking of parts in a cleaning solution is required.
The removable parts of the cappuccino maker (panarello) can be washed in the dishwasher if the manufacturer has indicated this option in the instructions. However, internal channels and valves require manual cleaning with a brush. Pay special attention to the steam outlet - it should not be clogged with coagulated protein.
Maintaining the water supply system and filter
The quality of water directly affects the taste of coffee and the rate of scale formation, so the use of a built-in filter-softener (if provided by the model) is highly desirable. Before installing a new cartridge, it must be activated by immersing it in water and waiting until air bubbles stop escaping to saturate the granules with moisture. This prevents the pump from airing when first started.
The water tank itself also needs to be rinsed regularly, as biofilm or mucus can form on its walls. Once a month, the tank should be washed with warm water and a mild detergent, rinsing thoroughly before use. It is not recommended to leave water in the tank for a long time if the machine is not in use.
If your model does not have a built-in filter, it is recommended to fill the tank with water that has already been purified by a household filter jug. This will significantly extend the life of the heating element and reduce the frequency of necessary decalcifications. Ignoring water quality leads to rapid failure of expensive components.
Diagnosis of typical problems and their solutions
During operation, the user may encounter various malfunction signals, which can often be eliminated independently without calling a technician. For example, if the machine hums, but water does not flow into the group, the pump may be airy or the inlet holes of the puncture needle may be clogged. In such cases, repeating the initial startup procedure or cleaning the needle with a thin wire helps.
The appearance of large quantities of water in the tray may indicate that the coffee tablet has not formed correctly and has leaked through the filter, or there is a problem with the drain valve. If the indicators flash in a certain sequence, you must refer to the instructions to decipher the error code, since different models DeLonghi alarm may vary.
- 🔊 Humming without water - airing or dry pump.
- 💧 The water in the pan is a loose tablet or valve failure.
- 🌡️ Underheating - scale on the temperature sensor or heating element.
- 🚫 The infuser is blocked - requires lubrication or cleaning.
Most DeLonghi coffee machine errors can be resolved by doing a full reset, cleaning the brewing unit, and repeating the descaling cycle.
If after all the procedures the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace worn parts, such as cuffs, springs or the infuser itself. In complex cases related to electronics or depressurization of the boiler, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Regular maintenance checklist
In order for the coffee machine to serve for a long time and delight you with a high-quality drink, it is necessary to systematically care for it. Chaotic cleaning is less effective than following a specific schedule of procedures, depending on the intensity of use of the device. Below is the best plan of action to keep your equipment in perfect condition.
☑️ DeLonghi Service Plan
Following these simple rules will help you avoid sudden breakdowns and keep the taste of your coffee at a high level. Remember that the cost of regular maintenance is not comparable to the cost of repairing or purchasing a new device. Taking good care of your equipment pays off with stable operation over many years.
How often should you change your water softener filter?
The standard cartridge life is about 50 liters of water or 2 months of use, whichever comes first. If you use the machine very actively, it is worth replacing more often.
Can the brewing unit be washed in the dishwasher?
No, absolutely not. High temperatures and aggressive detergents will deform plastic parts and destroy the special factory lubricant of the seals.
What should I do if the machine says "Infuser blocked"?
Do not try to force the block out. Turn off the car, wait 10-15 minutes until the mechanism returns to the park position, and try to remove the unit again after turning it on.
Why does coffee flow too fast or too slow?
Too fast a flow means coarse grinding or weak pressing, slow flow means too fine a grinding or strong pressing. The cause may also be a clogged mesh of the brewing unit.