SBOK 2: ARTICLE BOdy
Regular maintenance of coffee equipment is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a vital necessity for maintaining the quality of the drink and durability of the equipment. Owners of machines Delonghi Often faced with an indication of the need for decalcination, ignoring which can lead to expensive repairs. Scaling formed inside the boiler and tubes drastically reduces thermal conductivity and increases the load on the pump.
The process of removing mineral deposits, or decalcificationIt takes no more than 40 minutes, but requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions. In this article, we will break down proven cleaning methods using both branded solutions and available home remedies such as citric acid. The right approach will allow you to avoid typical mistakes and return the machine to factory performance.
Causes and signs of scale formation in a coffee machine
Hard water contains salts of calcium and magnesium, which, when heated, precipitate, forming a solid plaque on the walls of the heating elements. In coffee machines Delonghi This process is intense due to the high temperatures required to make espresso. Over time, the scale layer thickens, narrowing the permeability of the tubes and forcing the thermoblock to work at the limit of possibilities.
The first signals that it is time to clean the system are changes in the operation of the device. The device can start to buzz louder, heat water longer or give out coffee of lower temperature. If you notice that the stream of coffee has become sluggish, and the cooking time of one serving has increased, this is a sure sign of contamination of the hydraulic system.
- 🔴 The panel lit up the decalcination indicator (often a flashing orange light or a lime symbol).
- 🔴 Coffee ceased to be hot, the temperature of the drink decreased significantly.
- 🔴 There was an extraneous noise when the pump or whistle at the time of steam supply.
- 🔴 Water drips from the nozzle of the cappuccinator even in downtime.
Ignoring these symptoms leads to the heater It overheats and can burn out. Replacing thermoblock is one of the most expensive procedures in service. Regular prevention is ten times cheaper and takes a minimum of time, saving the resources of your device for years to come.
The choice of means for the removal of scale: chemistry or folk methods
The market offers a variety of specialized liquids designed specifically for coffee appliances. Branded funds Delonghi EcoDecalk or DeLonghi Descaler have a balanced composition that effectively dissolves deposits without damaging rubber seals and plastic parts inside the machine. The use of original chemistry guarantees the absence of aggressive reactions with the materials of the case.
However, many users prefer alternative methods to save money. Citric acid is a popular and safe substitute if you follow the right proportions. It is important to understand that using vinegar or means to remove scale in kettles forbiddenThey may contain fragrances or too aggressive components that will spoil the taste of coffee and damage the appliances.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a pure vinegar essence or plumbing products. Their vapors can damage electronic components, and residues of the substance are almost impossible to completely wash out of the system, making coffee unfit for drinking.
To prepare a solution with citric acid, you will need to dilute 20-30 grams of powder in 1.5 liters of warm water. The crystals must dissolve completely so as not to clog the thin channels of the hydraulic system. This method is great for regular prevention if the water is in your region of moderate hardness.
| Remedy. | Efficiency | Safety for rubber | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delonghi EcoDecalk | Tall. | Absolute. | Tall. |
| Citric acid | Medium/High | Tall. | Low. |
| Vinegar (not recommended) | Tall. | Low. | Low. |
| Scaling pills | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Preparation of the coffee machine for the cleaning procedure
Before the beginning of the active phase, the equipment must be properly prepared. Make sure there is no coffee left in the container for beans, as during the decalcination process the machine does not cook the drink, but only drives water away. You should also empty the pallet for drops and the container for the used coffee tablet.
Remove the water filter if it is installed in the tank. SorbentThe nutrient inside the filter can react with the acid and break down when it enters the system. If you are using a model with a built-in filter jug, it should also be removed before pouring the cleaning solution.
☑️ Preparation for decalcination
Pour the prepared decalcinator solution into the water tank to the maximum mark. Set a container of at least 1.5 liters under the nozzle of coffee and steam, as in the process all the liquid will drain into the drainage. Turn on the car and wait for the exit to work mode.
Step-by-step instruction: start of decalcination mode
The algorithm of actions depends on a particular model DelonghiBut the general principle is the same for most devices. On machines with a display, you need to enter the settings menu, select "Decalcination" and confirm the start. On push-button models, it is often required to press the key combination, such as the steam button and the volume selection button, before the indicators blink.
After starting, the machine will start pumping the solution through the system. The process can take place in several stages with pauses. At this time, it is not recommended to turn off the device. The liquid will flow through the hot water supply nozzle and the capuchinator. Keep an eye on the level of liquid in the tank and add the solution if necessary if the machine requests it.
⚠️ During the cleaning cycle, do not attempt to make coffee or open the service cap. The pressure in the system can be high, and a hot acid solution can cause a burn.
When the tank is empty, the machine will automatically go into rinse mode or signal the need to add clean water. In some models, such as Magnifica S or DinamicaIt is required to manually switch the steam/water supply lever to wash the appropriate channels. Follow on the display or flashing of indicators.
What to do if the car is not in cleaning mode?
If the standard button combination doesn’t work, try disconnecting the machine from the network, clamp the desired buttons, turn on the power without releasing the buttons, and wait 5-10 seconds. On some models, the entrance to the service menu may differ.
Rinse and cycle completion
Once the entire acid solution has passed through the system, it is critical to thoroughly wash the internal contours. Pour clean cold water into the tank to the maximum. The machine will automatically run water through the boiler and tubes, draining it into a stand container. This stage can be repeated several times.
Do not miss the rinse stage, even if you think that the acid was a little bit. Residues can change the taste of coffee and be harmful to health. Washing It is considered complete when the machine is sounding or the green alert light is lit.
- 💧 Wash the water tank under the tap before pouring clean rinse water.
- 💧 Wipe the nozzle of steam and hot water supply with a wet cloth after the cycle is completed.
- 💧 Pour the water from the pallet and rinse it with detergent.
After the program is completed, the machine usually resets the scale counter. If the indicator continues to burn, you may need to manually reset the meter through a menu or a combination of buttons, as described in the instructions for a particular model. Your coffee machine is ready to make a delicious coffee.
Complete completion of the rinse cycle is a guarantee that the drink will not remain the taste of the cleaning product.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Often, users are faced with a situation where after cleaning the machine does not see the waste container or continues to signal an error. This may be because the machine did not record the completion of the cycle. Try turning off and on the device, first making sure that all the containers are installed correctly.
Another common problem is that the machine does not suck water from the tank. In this case, check if there is an air bubble in the system. You can try several times to quickly open and close the hot water tap or start a steam supply cycle to push the water through. If the problem persists, more serious problems may be needed. diagnostics pumps.
If you used too concentrated solution, foam may form in the tank. In this case, before continuing the cycle of rinsing the foam, it is better to drain part of the contents so that it does not get into the pump.
After each decalcination, lubricate with silicone lubrication the moving parts of the brewing unit (if it is removable) and seals to extend their service life.
Prevention and frequency of service
The frequency of the procedure depends on the hardness of the water in your area and the intensity of the use of the coffee machine. If you use tap water without a filter, it is recommended to clean every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. When using filtered water or bottled water, the interval can be extended to 6 months.
Modern models Delonghi They have a built-in water hardness meter. You can configure this option in the menu, and the machine itself will remind you of the need for maintenance. Ignoring these reminders may result in the device being locked for security reasons.
Regular care is the key to stable work. Don’t wait until the car stops heating the water. Planned cleaning takes less time and nerves than an emergency call from a master. Keep an eye on your device and it will delight you with aromatic coffee for many years to come.
Can I use citric acid in a Delonghi coffee machine?
Yes, you can. A solution of 20-30 grams of citric acid per 1.5 liters of water is a safe and effective alternative to branded products. The main thing is to thoroughly rinse the system with clean water after the procedure.
What if the scale indicator does not go out after cleaning?
The counter must be reset. On different models, this is done differently: either through the menu "Settings -> Decalcination -> Reset", or by holding certain buttons when you turn on. Please refer to the instructions of your model.
How often should you clean the coffee machine from scale?
On average, every 2-3 months when using tap water. If the water is hard or the machine is used in the office, the interval is reduced to 1-1.5 months. The machine will tell you about the need to clean the indicator by flashing.
Is it harmful to decalcinate often?
With the right tools and concentration, no. However, too frequent cleaning with aggressive chemicals unnecessarily can theoretically shorten the life of rubber seals, so follow the indicator readings.