Use only branded Decalcifier to prevent damage to internal seals and maintain product warranty.
Indicator DESCALC on the control panel of the coffee machine Delonghi Autentica lights up red, signaling a critical accumulation of mineral deposits in the hydraulic system. Ignoring this requirement leads to a decrease in pump pressure, unstable brewing temperature and eventual breakdown of the heating element. Starting the descaling program is a mandatory procedure that should not be skipped, since hard water quickly damages the expensive components of the device. Unlike simply washing with water, this process requires the use of a special chemical to dissolve calcium plugs.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that there is no residual liquid in the water tank and that there is enough free space in the drip tray. You will need a descaling agent recommended by the manufacturer and a container of at least 1.5 liters if you plan to drain the waste liquid into a separate container, although the system Autentica usually dumps water into the pan. The process takes about 30 minutes and takes place in several automatic stages, which are not recommended to be interrupted in order to avoid errors in the operation of the electronics.
System automatic cleaning in models of the ETAM series (29.510, 29.530 and others) it is controlled through the service menu, accessed by long pressing the corresponding button. It is important to distinguish between daily circuit flushing, brewing unit cleaning and deep decalcification, since these are different processes with distinct algorithms. Following all the steps correctly will ensure a long service life for your coffee equipment and a consistent espresso taste.
Preparing equipment and supplies
The effectiveness of descaling directly depends on proper preparation of the device and the use of high-quality reagents. For models Delonghi Autentica It is strictly not recommended to use acetic acid, citric acid powder or products from other brands, as they can damage plastic seals and cause corrosion of metal parts of the boiler. Branded solution Decalcifier designed taking into account the specifics of the materials used in the production of these coffee machines.
- 🧴 Bottle of Delonghi EcoDecalk descaling product (500 ml).
- 💧 Distilled or filtered water for diluting the solution.
- 🗑️ Empty and clean water tank.
- 🧽 Soft cloth for wiping external surfaces after the procedure.
Start by removing the brewing unit if available on your version, although the descaling program itself works with the unit installed. Rinse the grounds tray and drip tray as the cleaning process will force a large volume of hot water through the system and may overfill the tray. Make sure the machine is plugged in and in operating mode and not in deep sleep.
⚠️ Attention: Never add descaling agent dry or in a concentration higher than recommended, as this may cause the solution to boil inside the boiler and damage the level sensors.
Composition of the product
EcoDecalk is an environmentally friendly mineral-based product, does not contain phosphates and is completely biodegradable. It effectively dissolves calcium carbonate without leaving any odor or taste in the finished drink after the rinse cycle.
Starting the descaling program
The process of activating the cleaning mode in Delonghi Autentica requires sequential execution of actions through the management interface. You must first turn off the machine using the power button, and then turn it on while holding down the button with the descaling symbol (usually marked as DESCALC or shower head icon with arrows) for 5 seconds. The indicators will begin to flash, confirming entry into the service menu.
After activating the mode, you need to press and hold the steam button or the cleaning program selection button (depending on the specific model of the ETAM series) until the ready indicator lights up. The machine will begin to supply water in small portions, warming up the system. At this stage, it is important to ensure that there is always a mixture of water and decalcifier in the tank. If the reservoir is empty, the process will stop and will have to be started again after the heater has cooled.
The duration of the first stage is about 15-20 minutes, during which the machine will periodically pump the solution through the boiler and tubes. Do not unplug the device or try to open the tank lid, as pressure and high temperatures will build up inside. The system itself controls the exposure time of the chemical reagent for maximum effect.
Stages of flushing the system with clean water
After the mixture with the decalcinator is finished, the machine will automatically switch to rinsing mode or signal the need for this action. You will need to thoroughly rinse the tank under running water to remove any chemical residue and fill it with clean water to the maximum level. MAX. Installing a dirty tank is not acceptable as this will ruin all cleaning efforts.
Insert the filled reservoir into place and press the start button (usually the same one used to start the program). The flushing cycle will begin and may last from 10 to 15 minutes. During this period, clean hot water will flow through the internal hydraulics and the steam/hot water spout, washing away dissolved salts and acid residues. The process may be accompanied by characteristic pump noise and intermittent liquid supply.
- 🚰 Rinse the tank 2-3 times before final filling.
- 💧 Use room temperature water to speed up the process.
- 🔄 Do not skip the rinsing stage, the remaining acid will ruin the taste of the coffee.
It is important to monitor the drip tray as the volume of water drained can be significant. If the tray becomes full, the machine will pause and require the container to be emptied. Once the rinsing cycle is complete, the lights will stop flashing and the machine will be ready to brew coffee. The device is now ready for use.
Cleaning the brewing unit and internal components
Decalcification only cleans the water circuit, but does not remove coffee oils and ground bean residues that accumulate in the brew group. For models Autentica With a removable block, it is necessary to hygienically clean it regularly, approximately once a week or after every 200-300 cups. The accumulation of old oils leads to a bitter taste and can cause the mechanism to jam.
To remove the unit, open the service door (usually on the left), press the red latches and pull the unit towards you. Rinse it exclusively with warm water without using detergents or sponges with an abrasive side. The metal mesh and moving parts can be gently cleaned with a soft brush to remove any stuck coffee particles. After washing, the unit must be completely dry before reinstalling.
☑️ Service checklist
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to wash the brewing unit in the dishwasher or use aggressive chemicals, this will lead to deformation of the plastic and damage to the Teflon coating.
It is also worth paying attention to the compartment where the brewing unit is installed. The drive gears and water intake holes are located there. They should be kept dry and clean by carefully removing dust and coffee dust with a vacuum cleaner or dry brush. Moisture should not come into contact with the electrical contacts in this compartment.
Setting water hardness and maintenance frequency
So that the system Delonghi Autentica correctly calculated the intervals until the next cleaning, you need to correctly set the water hardness parameter in your region. Factory settings may not match reality, resulting in either too frequent or late descaling reminders. Water testing is carried out using litmus strips included in the delivery kit (usually found in the package with documentation).
The setup procedure is performed with the machine turned off. It is necessary to hold down certain combinations of buttons (described in the instructions for a specific model, for example, simultaneously pressing cup size buttons) and turn on the device. The indicators will show the current hardness level. Change the level by pressing the appropriate buttons until the indicator corresponding to your test lights up.
| Hardness level | Test indicator (strips) | Decalcification interval (approximate) | Panel indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (Soft) | 1 division | 300 cups / 1 year | 1 indicator |
| Level 2 (Intermediate) | 2 divisions | 240 cups / 9 months | 2 indicators |
| Level 3 (Hard) | 3 divisions | 180 cups / 6 months | 3 indicators |
| Level 4 (Very hard) | 4 divisions | 120 cups / 4 months | 4 indicators |
Correctly setting this parameter prolongs the life of the heating element and reduces the consumption of cleaning products. If you use water softener filters (such as DLS), they must be changed on a regular schedule, otherwise they will no longer work effectively and may even become a source of contamination.
Fine-tuning your water hardness level is a key factor in determining the frequency of maintenance and the longevity of your coffee machine's thermoblock.
Typical errors and ways to resolve them
During maintenance, users often encounter situations where the machine does not exit the cleaning mode or displays errors. One common problem is the cycle ending prematurely due to low line voltage or too cold water in the tank. The system may interpret this as a malfunction and block further actions until a reboot.
If the scale light remains on or flashing after cleaning, there may be air remaining in the system or the system may not have completed a full rinse cycle. In this case, it is recommended to run several hot water cycles without coffee. It is also worth checking whether the tank lid is tightly closed and whether it is installed correctly, since level sensors can malfunction if they do not fit tightly.
- ❌ "Fill the tank" error during cleaning: add water without removing the tank abruptly.
- ❌ The machine does not turn on after cleaning: check that the brewing unit compartment is completely dry.
- ❌ Noisy operation: air may have gotten into the pump, the water needs to be pumped again.
If an error code appears on the display (for example, blinking lights in a certain sequence), refer to the interpretation table in the user manual. Often it helps to simply turn off the machine from the outlet for 15-20 minutes to reset temporary errors in the controller logic.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the cleaning procedures the quality of the coffee has not improved, and the operating noise has increased, it may require professional service disassembly and lubrication of the mechanisms.
Prevention and care of external elements
External care Delonghi Autentica is also important for the overall condition of the device. The housing should be wiped with a damp soft cloth, avoiding the use of abrasive powders that may scratch plastic or metal. Pay special attention to the cappuccino maker (pannarello): it must be disassembled and washed after each use so that the milk fat does not dry out inside the tubes and clog the steam holes.
Regularly check the condition of the needle piercing the capsules (if the model supports it) or simply the coffee outlet hole. If this unit is clogged, coffee flows out in a thin stream or splashes to the sides. Cleaning can be done with a thin wooden skewer or a special brush included in the kit.
Mechanism lubrication
Once a year, it is recommended to lubricate the guides of the brewing unit with food-grade silicone spray. This will ensure silent operation and smooth operation of the brewing mechanisms.
Following a maintenance schedule, regularly replacing filters, and using quality water will keep your coffee machine Autentica to delight you with excellent coffee for many years. Don’t wait for a breakdown; prevention is always cheaper and easier than complex repairs.
How often should I change my DLS water filter?
The DLS (Delonghi Water Filter) filter is designed for an average of 2 months of use or for preparing 130-150 cups of coffee, depending on the hardness of the source water. After this period or the expiration date (indicated on the packaging), the filter loses its properties and can become a source of bacteria, so replacing it is necessary to maintain the quality of the drink.
Can I use distilled water without a filter?
The use of fully distilled water is not recommended for coffee machines Delonghi, since water hardness and level sensors may not work correctly due to the lack of mineral salts that conduct current. It is better to use filtered water or special bottled water for coffee machines with moderate mineralization.
What to do if you run out of descaling agent?
If the indicator lights up and you don’t have the product at hand, you can make several cups of coffee, but you shouldn’t delay the purchase. As a last resort, you can start the cleaning cycle later, but operating the machine with a heating element heavily overgrown with scale will lead to its overheating and failure. Use only original products or their certified equivalents.
Why is my coffee watery after cleaning?
If your coffee appears watery immediately after descaling, there is likely some residual water left in the system from the rinse cycle. Prepare 2-3 cups of coffee (without drinking) or simply run hot water to completely displace any remaining clean water from the boiler and pipes. After this, the concentration of the drink will be restored.