Espresso machine DeLonghi Magnifica Start has established itself as a reliable device for daily coffee preparation, however, even the most advanced equipment requires regular maintenance. If you notice that the drink has become less aromatic and the preparation process is taking longer, then it’s time for a comprehensive cleaning. Ignoring this procedure may result in the accumulation of coffee oils and mineral deposits, which will significantly reduce the life of the equipment.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of servicing your coffee machine. You will learn how to properly remove and wash the brewing unit, descale the water supply system and maintain the cappuccino maker. Regular Maintenance is not just a matter of hygiene, but also a guarantee of stable pressure and temperature when brewing coffee.
Before you begin, make sure that the device is turned off and unplugged. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored. Next, we will look at each unit of the device separately so that you can return your coffee machine to factory performance.
Daily hygiene: rinsing and drip tray
Basic care Magnifica Start It starts with simple steps that should be performed after each use or at least once a day. The automatic rinsing system that the machine starts when you turn it on and off helps keep the inner tubes clean, but it's not enough for complete hygiene. You need to manually empty and wash the drip tray where waste water and pulp accumulate.
Remove the drip tip and wash it thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent. Pay attention to the grate: this is where coffee oils often remain, which over time turn rancid and spoil the taste of a fresh drink. Use a soft sponge to avoid scratching the plastic, as bacteria multiply faster in microcracks.
It is also important to monitor the pan full indicator. If the machine indicates overflow but the pan is empty, this may indicate a clogged drain hole or level sensor. In this case, wipe the contacts with a dry cloth and make sure that the float moves freely in its compartment. The cleanliness of this area directly affects the work hydraulic system.
- 🧼 Rinse the tray with warm water and a mild detergent after each use.
- 💧 Monitor the water level in the tank and use only fresh liquid.
- 🚫 Do not use abrasive sponges to clean plastic elements.
- ☕ Remove coffee oils from the drip tray daily.
Maintenance of the brewing unit (Brew Group)
The heart of your coffee machine is the brewing unit, and it is this that requires the most careful but careful attention. In the model Magnifica Start This unit is removable, which greatly simplifies the maintenance process. To remove the unit, open the service door on the left and press the red latches, then carefully pull the unit towards you. Do not use excessive force; the mechanism should release with a slight click.
Rinse the brewing unit under running warm water without using detergents. Chemicals can damage the food-grade lubricant applied to the moving parts of the mechanism, causing them to quickly wear out or jam. If coffee residue is visible on the filter, carefully remove it with a soft brush. Allow the unit to dry completely at room temperature before replacing it.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to wash the brewing unit in the dishwasher. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform plastic parts and wash away the factory lubricant.
A deeper cleaning is recommended once a month. If you notice that the coffee begins to flow too quickly or, on the contrary, drips barely, the filter holes may be clogged with fine dust. In this case, you can soak the filter in warm water for a short time, but you should not wet the mechanism itself. Proper care brewing mechanism provides a stable pressure of 9 bar.
☑️ Checklist for cleaning the brewing unit
Decalcification: fighting scale
Scale is the main enemy of any coffee machine that uses heated water. In the model Magnifica Start An automatic decalcification program is provided, which should be started when the corresponding indicator lights up or every 2-3 months depending on the hardness of the water. For the procedure, you will need a special descaling agent recommended by the manufacturer.
The process is started through the maintenance menu. Pour the product into the water tank according to the instructions on the package and start the program. The machine will stop periodically, giving the solution time to dissolve deposits in the heat exchanger and tubes. It is important not to interrupt this process, as incomplete decalcification may leave harsh chemicals within the system.
After completing the solution cycle, the machine will ask you to flush the system with clean water. To do this, you need to fill the tank with fresh water several times and run it through the system until the remaining product disappears. Water quality directly affects the frequency of this procedure: the softer the water, the less often decalcification will have to be done.
| Water type | Hardness | Frequency of decalcification | Recommended remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filtered | Soft | Once every 4-5 months | Standard |
| Bottled | Average | Once every 3 months | Standard |
| From the tap | Tough | Once every 1-2 months | Enhanced |
| Artesian | Very tough | Monthly | Enhanced |
Can I use citric acid?
The use of pure citric acid is not recommended by DeLonghi coffee machine manufacturers. Acid can attack rubber seals and aluminum parts of the heat exchanger, causing them to corrode. It is better to use specialized products based on organic acids that are safe for food systems.
Cleaning the cappuccino maker and steam system
If you like cappuccino or latte, then cleaning the cappuccino maker Magnifica Start should become a familiar ritual for you. Milk is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and even a small amount left in the tubes will quickly turn sour. Immediately after making milk foam, remove the cappuccino maker tube and lower it into a container of clean water, turning on the steam for a few seconds.
Once a week, it is recommended to remove the removable part of the cappuccino maker (if the model allows it) or thoroughly clean the steam wand spout with a brush. Dried milk may adhere to the outer surface of the tube and must be removed immediately with a damp cloth before it hardens. Hardened milk residues are difficult to remove and may obstruct steam escape.
For deep cleaning, you can use special tablets for milk systems or soak removable parts in a warm soda solution. Make sure that all air intake holes are free of debris, otherwise the foam will not be as thick as you would like. Mammary tract hygiene critical to your health.
- 🥛 Rinse the system with steam immediately after each use of milk.
- 🧽 Wipe the outside of the steam wand with a damp cloth.
- 🚿 Once a week, soak the removable parts of the cappuccino maker in a warm solution.
- 🌬️ Check the air intake hole for blockages.
To prevent the steam wand from becoming clogged, always start and stop steam by emptying the system for 2-3 seconds. This forces the remaining milk out of the inner chamber.
Cleaning the bean and burr compartment
Coffee beans contain oils that oxidize over time and become rancid. If you haven't cleaned the bean compartment in your Magnifica Start, this may be the cause of the off-taste in the drink. Carefully remove all beans from the hopper and wipe the inside walls with a dry cloth. The use of water here is undesirable, as moisture may get onto the millstones.
It is not recommended to clean the millstones themselves unless necessary, as this requires disassembling the machine and violating the factory grinding settings. However, you can use special cleaning tablets for coffee machines that are run through the burrs in the grinding mode. They absorb oils and clean carbon deposits from cutting edges.
Be sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to remove the coffee dust that inevitably accumulates around the burrs and in the grinding chamber. This dust can prevent the coffee from dispensing correctly and cause uneven grinding. Grinding quality - a key factor for obtaining the perfect crema.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to remove stuck beans or clean millstones. This can damage the grind and permanently damage the grinder.
Maintenance and Lubrication
Although DeLonghi Magnifica Start Designed to be a low maintenance device, the moving parts of the brewing unit will require attention over time. If you notice squeaking or difficulty moving the pistons when turning by hand (with the block removed), it may be time for lubrication. However, for most users, simply keeping the mechanism clean is sufficient.
Use only food grade silicone grease if you choose to lubricate the side guides of the infuser. Apply it in a very thin layer, avoiding contact with rubber seals and filters. Excessive grease may end up in the coffee cup, which is not acceptable.
Also check the condition of the O-rings on the brewing unit. If you see cracks or loss of elasticity, they need to be replaced. This is a consumable that ensures the tightness of the system when preparing coffee under pressure. System tightness - the key to proper extraction.
The main secret to a long service life of a coffee machine is the use of filtered water and regular but gentle cleaning of removable elements without aggressive chemicals.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often should complete decalcification be carried out?
The frequency depends on the water hardness. When using bottled or filtered water - once every 3-4 months. If the tap water is hard, the procedure should be carried out monthly or when the scale indicator lights up.
Can the brewing unit be washed in the dishwasher?
No, the manufacturer strictly prohibits washing the brewing unit in the dishwasher. High temperatures and chemicals can damage the plastic and wash away the special lubricant from moving parts.
What should I do if the machine makes a strange noise when operating?
The noise may be caused by scale in the pump, an air lock, or worn bearings. Try decalcification. If the noise continues, the pump or bearings may need to be replaced by a service center.
Why does the coffee flow too quickly?
Most likely, the grind is too coarse or there is not enough coffee in the tablet. Try reducing the grind level using the dial inside the bean hopper (only when the grinder is running!) or increasing the coffee dosage in the settings.
Which decalcifying agent is best to use?
It is recommended to use original DeLonghi EcoDecalk products or their analogues based on organic acids. Vinegar and citric acid can damage internal seals and metal parts of the heat exchanger.