How to descale a DeLonghi coffee machine at home

Scale is the main enemy of any equipment that works with heating water, and a coffee machine DeLonghi are no exception. Over time, mineral salts contained in tap water settle on the inner walls of the boiler and heating elements, forming a hard limescale deposit. This process is inevitable if left unchecked and will directly affect the quality of your morning espresso, leaving the flavor flat and unpleasant.

Ignoring the problem leads to thermal conductivity heating element decreases, and the machine has to work with increased load. As a result, the heating time increases, electricity consumption increases, and in critical situations the expensive thermoblock completely fails. Regular decalcification is not just a recommendation, but a necessity to extend the life of your device.

In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly carry out the cleaning procedure, what products are best to use, and how to avoid common mistakes that can damage equipment. You'll learn why common household products can be dangerous and how to set up the unit to work properly after servicing.

Why scale forms and how it harms equipment

The problem is based on the chemical composition of the water. Hard water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium salts. When heated, these salts precipitate, forming a porous structure called scale. In coffee machines DeLonghi, especially in models with thermoblock, this process is very intense due to high temperatures and constant flow of liquid.

The scale layer acts as a heat insulator. The heating element requires more time and energy to transfer heat to the water. This leads to overheating of the element itself, since the heat does not have time to be removed by water. Over time, the metal warps or cracks, leading to leaks and costly repairs.

In addition, particles of exfoliated scale can get into the brewing unit, clogging the thin water supply channels and cappuccino nozzles. This deteriorates the pressure in the system, and the coffee begins to flow in a thin stream or drip instead of forming a dense foam. crema.

• ⚡ Reduced pressure in the brewing system and worsened extraction.
• ⚡ Increased noise during operation of the pump and heating element.
• ⚡ The appearance of a foreign taste of metal or antiquity in the drink.
• ⚡ Frequent machine stops indicating the need for urgent cleaning.

⚠️ Attention: If you live in a region with very hard water, the intervals between cleanings should be reduced. Ignoring machine signals may void your warranty.

Understanding the nature of deposit formation helps to understand the importance of prevention. Using filtered or bottled water may slow down the process, but will not stop it completely. Therefore, knowledge of the algorithm for descaling is a mandatory skill for the owner of a coffee machine.

Choosing a descaling agent: chemistry or traditional methods

There are many solutions on the market to combat limescale. The most obvious and safest option is to use original decalcifier DeLonghi EcoDecalk. This product is specially developed taking into account the materials used in the construction of these coffee machines, and guarantees the absence of corrosion of internal parts.

Many users wonder whether it is possible to use citric acid or vinegar. Citric acid does have cleansing properties, but at home it is difficult to maintain the exact concentration. A solution that is too strong can damage the rubber seals and gaskets that are critical to the tightness of the system.

The use of acetic acid is strictly not recommended by manufacturers. Vinegar has a pungent odor that is very difficult to wash out of plastic pipes and the boiler. As a result, the first dozen cups of coffee will taste like vinegar, and the aggressive environment can accelerate the aging of the plastic.

When choosing a product, it is important to pay attention to its composition. Mineral-based acids (hydrochloric, phosphoric) act faster and more aggressively than organic ones (citric, lactic). For regular maintenance, softer organic compounds that dissolve scale gradually without damaging the metal are better suited.

Product type	Efficiency	Safety for rubber	Difficulty in cleaning
Original Decalcifier	High	Maximum	Low
Citric acid	Average	Average	Average
Acetic acid	High	Low	Very high
Anti-scale tablets	Average	High	Low

Saving on cleaning products often results in repair costs. The original chemistry is used sparingly; one bottle is enough for several cycles, which makes the cost of one procedure quite affordable.

Preparing the coffee machine for the decalcification procedure

Before starting the active cleaning phase, the device must be properly prepared. This will ensure process safety and efficient removal of deposits. First, make sure that the machine is turned off and has cooled down after the last coffee preparation.

Remove the used coffee grounds container and rinse the drip tray thoroughly. It is important that there is no water left in the pan, since during the cleaning process the volume of liquid will increase and it may overflow. You also need to remove the water filter DLS or Aqua Filter, if it is installed in the tank.

Fill the water tank with clean water up to the mark 1 liter (or up to the level A on some models). Then add descaling agent. The proportions are usually indicated on the bottle, most often it is 100 ml of product per 1 liter of water. Mix the solution by shaking the tank, but do not turn on the machine at this point.

Place a container to collect liquid (drip tray or jug) under the hot water spout and under the cappuccino maker. The volume of the container must be at least 1.5 liters, since the liquid will come out in portions. Make sure the steam and water swivel spout is in the correct position.

Some models DeLonghi, such as series Magnifica S or Dinamica, have an automatic cleaning mode, which activates itself when a certain number of prepared cups accumulate. In other cases, the launch is done manually through a menu or a combination of buttons.

Step-by-step cleaning algorithm in automatic mode

Most modern models DeLonghi equipped with an intelligent cleaning system. To start the process, you often need to press and hold the steam button or a special button with a scale symbol for 5-10 seconds until the light begins to flash.

After activating the mode, the machine begins to signal the need to confirm the action. A message or flashing symbol may appear on the display. Press the confirmation button (usually the steam button or volume button) to start the pump.

The process takes place in several stages. First, the machine pauses to warm up, then begins pumping the solution through the system. The liquid will flow through the hot water spout and the cappuccino maker intermittently. This is normal as the system needs time to dissolve deposits.

You don’t need to be nearby all the time, but you need to control the process. Make sure that the drain container does not overfill. When the water tank is empty, the machine will beep or the indicator will flash. This completes the first stage.

Now you need to thoroughly rinse the system from chemical residues. Empty the contents of the tray, rinse it and the water tank. Fill the tank with clean water to the maximum and start the drain mode again (usually the machine goes to this stage automatically or requires you to press the same button).

⚠️ Caution: During the rinse phase, do not attempt to make coffee. The water in the system still contains cleaning agent residue and the drink will be unusable.

Once the second rinse cycle has completed, the machine will normally go into standby mode. The indicators stop flashing and the device makes a characteristic sound when the program ends. Now you can brew a test cup to make sure there are no foreign odors.

Manual cleaning and features of models without display

Owners of classic models such as DeLonghi ECAM 22.110 or Bar series, may encounter a lack of text menu. In such devices, cleaning is carried out through mechanical switches and buttons. The algorithm of actions here is critically important, since automation is less informative.

Starting the mode on manual models often requires turning the steam selector knob to the "clean" position or holding the steam button together with another function key. It is better to look for the exact combination in the instructions for a specific model, as they may differ.

During the manual cleaning process, it is important to monitor the temperature of the exiting fluid. If the machine does not automatically adjust the temperature, the first batches may be very hot. Use heat-resistant dishes.

What should I do if the machine does not enter cleaning mode?

If the standard combination does not work, try unplugging the machine for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes this resets controller errors that block entry to the service menu. Also make sure that there is water in the tank, otherwise the level sensor will not allow the pump to start.

Pay special attention to the cappuccino maker. In some models, the cappuccino maker tube is removable. It must be removed, disassembled (if the design allows) and washed separately under running warm water, removing the remaining milk and scale with a brush.

If the scale light remains on after a cleaning cycle, the cycle may have been interrupted or the solution may not have been concentrated enough to treat old, stubborn deposits. In this case, the procedure can be repeated, but using only clean water for intensive rinsing to make sure that the problem is not chemical residues.

For models with system LatteCrema (automatic milk jug) you must run the milk circuit rinsing program separately. This is done through the maintenance menu or a special button on the jug itself, depending on the modification.

Common mistakes and precautions

One of the most common mistakes is interrupting the cleaning process. If you turn off the machine mid-cycle, acid residue will remain inside the boiler. This can lead to corrosion and a strong chemical taste. If the process is interrupted, it must be completed.

Another mistake is using hot water to prepare the solution. Many products may foam or lose their properties when in contact with boiling water. Always use water at a temperature no higher than 20-25°C.

• ❌ Do not use abrasive sponges to clean the inside of the tank.
• ❌ Do not try to speed up the process by pouring a concentrated product without water.
• ❌ Do not ignore the indicators, even if the coffee seems to be brewing normally.

It is important to remember safety precautions. Decalcification solutions are acidic. Avoid contact of liquid with skin and especially with eyes. If this happens, immediately flush the affected area with plenty of running water.

After completing all procedures, do not forget to wipe the external surfaces of the machine with a damp cloth. Drops of solution that get on the case can damage the plastic coating or leave stains over time.

How often should you clean your coffee machine?

The frequency of the procedure depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use of the device. Manufacturers recommend decalcification every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. However, these figures are averages.

If you use tap water in a region with high hardness, the interval may be reduced to 1 month. The use of built-in softener filters allows you to increase this period to 4-5 months. Cars DeLonghi often have a water hardness meter that can be adjusted in the menu.

Symptoms indicating the need for urgent cleaning appear before the indicator lights up. If the espresso preparation time has increased, the stream has become weak, and the temperature of the drink has dropped - these are sure signs that the channels are overgrown with scale.

⚠️ Attention: Do not wait for the machine to lock itself. Preventative cleaning at the first sign of deterioration in performance prolongs the life of the pump and heater.

Keeping a simple maintenance log will help you remember the date of your last service. You can simply write the date on a sticker and stick it on the body of the car or in a cabinet nearby. This is especially true for office coffee machines, where different people monitor the equipment.

Troubleshooting after cleaning

Sometimes after a seemingly successful procedure, the car behaves strangely. There may be air in the system and the coffee will flow jerkily. In this case, you need to start the hot water supply mode without coffee to expel any air pockets.

If a strange taste appears, most likely the circuit was not flushed well enough. Repeat the rinse cycle with clean water 1-2 times. Don't be afraid to waste water, health is more important.

In rare cases, after cleaning, it may be necessary to reset the settings to factory defaults if the electronics “shut down” due to power surges during a long procedure. This is done through the service menu or by turning off the power for a long time.

Can I use tablets instead of liquids?

Yes, many manufacturers produce tablets for coffee machines. They are convenient to store and dispense. However, make sure that the tablet is completely dissolved in the water before starting the cycle, otherwise grains may clog the narrow valves. Liquid products are considered more effective for old, strong deposits.

Why did my coffee turn sour after cleaning?

This is a temporary phenomenon. Residual acid in the tubes is mixed with the first portions of coffee. It is enough to pour 2-3 cups of hot water through the system (Americano mode or just boiling water) to normalize the taste. If the sourness remains, perhaps too aggressive a folk remedy was used.

Do moving parts need to be lubricated after cleaning?

After drying, it is recommended to lightly lubricate the brewing system itself (which you take out to rinse off the coffee) with food-grade silicone lubricant. However, lubricant cannot be added inside the hydraulic circuit where water circulates - everything there runs on water.

What should I do if the scale indicator is constantly on?

Try performing the full cleaning cycle again, strictly observing the proportions. If this does not help, the flow sensor or the indicator itself may have failed. In some models, resetting the cup counter through the service menu helps, but this requires technical documentation.

Is frequent cleaning harmful to your car?

Cleaning with original products is safe even with frequent use. The only problem is the use of aggressive acids (vinegar, lemon juice) more than once every six months, as they destroy rubber seals. The chemical decalcifier is designed for regular use.