Blinking of the orange indicator "Scale" on the control panel DeLonghi Magnifica S signals the need to immediately start the decalcination cycle, ignoring which will lead to clogging of the boiler and breakage of the brewing unit. This light signal lights up automatically after preparing a certain number of cups, as the built-in meter records the volume of water passed through the heating element. If you fail to comply scale-washing In a timely manner, mineral deposits will begin to crystallize inside the narrow channels of the thermoblock, which will significantly reduce vapor pressure and worsen the taste of espresso.
The process of removing lime plaque takes about 30 minutes and requires the presence of a special liquid or tablets, as well as a capacity of at least 1.5 liters. Model owners ECAM 22.110 or 22.115 It is important to know that the system itself controls the steps of supplying solution and clean water, but human participation is necessary for the timely emptying of the pallet and filling the liquid in the tank. Properly performed procedure will restore the permeability of the hydraulic system and prolong the service life of expensive coffee equipment.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use acetic acid or lemon juice for decalcination, since aggressive organic acid can damage rubber seals and plastic tubes inside the case.
Causes of scale and symptoms of pollution
The main reason for the appearance of solid deposits is the hardness of tap water used for coffee. The liquid contains calcium and magnesium salts, which, when heated to high temperatures, precipitate in the boiler, forming a solid layer. calcium-carbonate. The rate of overgrowth of internal surfaces directly depends on the region of operation and the frequency of use of the device: the more cups you cook daily, the faster the cleaning sensor works.
The first signs that the system requires intervention are not only a flashing indicator, but also changes in the operation of the device. Heating the water can take longer, and the jet of steam from the cappuccinator becomes sluggish and intermittent. In some cases, users notice an extraneous noise when the pump is working or a decrease in the temperature of the finished drink, which indicates a violation of heat exchange due to the layer of insulation on the walls of the heater.
⚠️ Attention: If the scale indicator flashes quickly and constantly and the cleaning cycle does not start, it is possible that the flow sensor is blocked by the remnants of old coffee or an error reset via the settings menu is required.
For the prevention of serious breakdowns, it is recommended to regularly check the hardness of the water and, if necessary, install an additional filter softener in the tank. Ignoring the symptoms leads to the fact that the pieces of scale can come off and clog the narrow nozzles of the coffee distributor or valves, which will require not software, but expensive mechanical cleaning in the service center.
Preparation for the decalcination procedure
Before we start. scale-outWorkplace and supplies must be prepared. You will need a special liquid to decalcify coffee machines (for example, EcoDecalk) or certified tablets. You also need a transparent container of at least 1.5 liters to visually control the process of exiting dirty water, and soft fabric for wiping external surfaces.
It is critical not to use tap water to prepare the solution – only take filtered or bottled water to avoid adding new salts to the system during flushing. Remove the top panel with the grain compartment and remove the brewing block to make sure there are no foreign objects in the mine that can interfere with the fluid circulation.- 🧼 Prepare 100 ml of decalcination and dilute it in a water tank to the mark "A" (or according to the instructions on the product package).
- 💧 Make sure that the drop tray and the coffee grounds container are empty and properly installed in their places.
- ☕ Place a large container under the hot water supply nozzle and under the coffee dispenser, as the liquid will come out of both holes.
- 🔌 Check the stability of the coffee machine on a horizontal surface to avoid splashing hot water during pump vibration.
Do not forget that during operation the machine will heat water, so avoid contact with the metal parts of the cappuccinator and the nozzle supply steam. If you use tablets, wait for them to dissolve completely in water before starting the cycle so that the abrasive particles do not damage the pump.
Starting the scale cleaning regime
To activate the cleaning mode on the model Magnifica S You need to transfer the steam switch to the position "I" (on), after which the scale indicator will start flashing. Press and hold the steam clean button (with a shower/pair image) for a few seconds until the indicators start flashing in a specific sequence, confirming login to the service menu. Turn the volume regulator of coffee select the decalcination mode if the model requires manual selection, or follow the instructions of flashing LEDs.
After confirmation of the start of the procedure, the machine will start pumping the solution from the tank into the hydraulic system. You will hear the characteristic sound of the pump, and then from the nozzle of hot water supply and the cappuccinator fluid will flow. At this stage, it is important to monitor the water level in the tank and, if necessary, add clean water if the cycle requires several filling steps, although usually the entire solution is poured simultaneously.
⚠️ Attention: During the cleaning cycle, you can not turn off the coffee machine from the socket, otherwise the program may get lost, and the system will have to be washed again or carried to the service to reset errors.
The process takes place in several stages: injection of the solution, pause for dissolution of the sediments (about 15-20 minutes), and subsequent washing with clean water. The machine itself will give signals about the need to empty the pallet or add water to the tank, these requests cannot be ignored.
Cycle stages and washing
Cycle. decalcination into DeLonghi It is based on the alternation of the supply of active substance and pure water. After the solution has passed through the system and left the machine, an indicator will light up, requiring emptying the drip pallet and the thick container. Perform this action, rinse the pallet thoroughly and return it to its place so that the machine can continue the program.
The washing phase will follow. You will be asked to fill the water tank with clean water to the maximum. The machine will begin to intensively drive water through all the nodes, removing the residues of acid and dissolved scale. This step can be repeated several times and it is important to empty the pallet completely each time, as the volume of liquid output can be significant.
☑️ Checklist for completion of flushing
The table below shows the main stages and actions of the user:
| Phase | Action of the machine | User action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Start | Injection of decalcination solution | Control the presence of solution in the tank |
| 2. Pause | Waiting (scaling off) | Do nothing, don't turn it off. |
| 3. Plum. | Draining dirty water into the pallet | Empty and rinse the pallet |
| 4. Washing | Clean water circulation | Refill water at the request of the indicator |
| 5. Finish | Stop the program, the indicator goes off | Wipe the outer surfaces |
If at some stage the water stopped flowing, but the pump is buzzing, it may have formed an air traffic jam. In this case, you can carefully close and reopen the steam supply crane to provoke a fluid current.
Completion of the procedure and verification of the result
Successful completion of the procedure is characterized by the fact that the scale indicator stops flashing and either fades or lights up with an even green light (depending on the specific modification of the firmware). The machine will be back in ready-to-make coffee. Now you need to drain the remaining water from the boiler, opening the steam tap for a few seconds to make sure there is no smell of the cleaning agent.
What to do if the indicator is not turned off?
If the indicator continues to blink after a full cycle, try to repeat the procedure again using a double dose of the drug. In rare cases, a cup counter is required to be reset via a service menu or a flow sensor replaced.
Test the preparation of the drink without grains (just a run of water) to make sure the purity of the taste. If you feel a chemical taste in the water, repeat the cycle of washing with clean water again. After that, wipe the body. Magnifica S Wet fabric and set the brewing block in place.
Tip: To extend the life of the coffee machine, use water softener filters (cartridges), changing them every 2 months or after 50 liters of water, which will significantly reduce the frequency of necessary decalcifications.
Frequent mistakes and care recommendations
One common mistake is to use too hot water to breed the product, which can lead to too violent reaction and foam splashing. Also, users often forget to clean the capcination needle after the procedure, where the scale particles can get stuck. Regular prevention includes not only the removal of minerals, but also lubrication of the moving parts of the custard block with food silicone.
Main conclusion: Regular scale washing is not just a recommendation, but a prerequisite for maintaining the warranty and performance of the boiler of your DeLonghi Magnifica S.
Remember that the quality of water directly affects the durability of the device. If your area is very hard water, it is recommended to use bottled water or reverse osmosis systems (with the addition of a mineralizer, as fully distilled water is also harmful to some conductivity sensors).
- 🚫 Never leave the decalcinator solution in the tank overnight or for a long time after the cycle ends.
- 🧽 Regularly wash the removable nose of the capuchinator under running water, removing the scale with a brush.
- 💡 Keep an eye on the shelf life of cleaning products, expired chemicals may lose effectiveness.
- 📅 Keep a maintenance calendar so you don’t rely on memory or a cup counter.
Can I use citric acid instead of a special remedy?
Citric acid can be used in concentrations of no more than 20-30 grams per 1 liter of water, but manufacturers do not recommend this. The acid can aggressively affect rubber seals and plastic parts of the inner highway, as well as create a difficult to wash sludge with the wrong dosage. Specialized products contain corrosion inhibitors and surfactants that are safe for coffee machines.
What to do if the coffee tastes sour after washing?
A sour taste may indicate that the residues of the decalcinator have not been completely washed away. It is necessary to carry out an additional cycle of washing with clean water (without funds), driving 1-2 full tanks of water through the system. Also check the freshness of the coffee beans, as the old grain also gives sourness.
How often should the filter softener be changed?
The standard life of a cartridge filter is about 50 liters of water or 2 months of use, whichever comes first. If you use the coffee machine intensively, the filter can exhaust the resource faster, which will lead to more frequent blinking of the scale indicator.
Why doesn't the machine see the means for decalcination?
Some models DeLonghi They don't have a chemistry sensor, they work on the timer and the volume of water spilled. If you have poured the remedy but the machine behaves like a water wash, make sure you activate the mode correctly through a menu or button combination. It is important that the concentration of the solution corresponds to the instructions, otherwise the conductivity sensor may not count the signal of the beginning of the chemical reaction.