De’Longhi descaling: how-to and top tips for maintaining your bean-to-cup coffee machine
HOW-TO
De'Longhi descaling: how-to and top tips for maintaining your bean-to-cup coffee machine
Written by Alice
Keeping your DeLonghi bean-to-cup coffee machine in top condition is the secret to enjoying delicious coffee every day and ensuring the machine lasts for years to come. Limescale build-up is the biggest enemy of any coffee machine, but descaling your DeLonghi is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll explain why descaling is so important, how often you should do it, and how to descale each DeLonghi series step by step.
Descale De’Longhi: why cleaning & descaling your DeLonghi coffee machine is important
DeLonghi machines are renowned for their quality, durability, and great-tasting coffee. That is if you maintain them properly. Descaling your De’Longhi isn’t just a routine chore – it’s essential for both the taste of your coffee and the health of your machine. Over time, minerals from water (such as calcium) build up inside the pipes and heating elements. This can:
Lower the brewing temperature, leaving you with lukewarm coffee.
Alter the taste of your coffee, often making it bitter.
Slow down the water flow or cause pressure issues.
Lead to blockages and even internal leaks – which are not covered by your warranty.
Regular descaling prevents all of this, ensuring your coffee stays hot, aromatic, and consistent.
Signs that your coffee machine needs descaling
#1
Your coffee isn’t as hot as it used to be
In all probability, this is due to the internal circuit being covered in limescale, preventing the water from coming into contact with the thermoblock responsible for heating the water.
#2
Your coffee tastes off
The build-up of coffee oils and limescale can alter the taste of your coffee (and increase its bitterness).
#3
You hear unusual noises during brewing
This could be a sign that your espresso grinder is malfunctioning. Now is the time to descale your De’Longhi bean-to-cup coffee machine!
When to use a descaling solution for your DeLonghi coffee maker ?
The ideal time to descale your machine is every two months on average, but this can vary depending on the hardness of your water.
If your water is hard, you should descale your machine more frequently, around every one to two months, depending on how often you use it.
If your water is soft, you can descale your machine less often, every three to six months.
Now that you know when and why to descale, let’s look at how to do it step by step.
MaxiCoffee top tip
Use a pH test strip to check your water hardness and adapt your schedule accordingly.
How to descale a DeLonghi coffee machine: Instructions to follow
Ingredients
DeLonghi-compatible descaling solution
Fresh water
Material
De’Longhi bean-to-cup coffee machine
A 2 litre container
Preparation
Step 1Start by activating the descaling mode, either via the menu by pressing the button, or by consulting the manual for the necessary key combination.
Step 2Carefully remove the filter cartridge.
Step 3Empty all containers, including the drip tray and coffee grounds container then put them back in place.
Step 4Empty the water tank completely.
Step 5Fill it with 100 ml of descaling solution or up to the specified level on the tray, then top up with 1 litre of water. Put it back in place.
Step 6Place the 2-litre container under the coffee and steam/hot water spouts.
Step 7Proceed to the next step in the descaling process and turn the steam knob.
Step 8The flow will begin, alternating between the coffee spout and the hot water spout.
Step 9Once finished, empty the container.
Step 10Remove the water tank and rinse it.
Step 11Refill the water tank before replacing it.
Step 12The machine will then perform an initial rinse.
Step 13Replace the 2-litre container under the nozzles.
Step 14Follow the instructions (displayed on the screen or in the manual) to start the rinsing cycle.
Step 15Once rinsing is complete, empty the container and the drip tray.
Step 16Remove the water tank, rinse it and refill it.
Step 17Reinstall the filter cartridge.
Step 18Repeat the rinsing process, following the instructions.
Step 19Once finished, empty all containers, including the drip trays, containers, and coffee grounds container (even if the machine does not contain coffee grounds).
Step 20Fill the water tank one last time, then reinsert it.
Step 21Your machine is now ready to use, and all that’s left to do is enjoy a delicious cup of coffee!
Step 1
Start by activating the descaling mode, either via the menu by pressing the button, or by consulting the manual for the necessary key combination.
Step 2
Carefully remove the filter cartridge.
Step 3
Empty all containers, including the drip tray and coffee grounds container then put them back in place.
Step 4
Empty the water tank completely.
Step 5
Fill it with 100 ml of descaling solution or up to the specified level on the tray, then top up with 1 litre of water.…
Step 6
Place the 2-litre container under the coffee and steam/hot water spouts.
Step 7
Proceed to the next step in the descaling process and turn the steam knob.
Step 8
The flow will begin, alternating between the coffee spout and the hot water spout.
Step 9
Once finished, empty the container.
Step 10
Remove the water tank and rinse it.
Step 11
Refill the water tank before replacing it.
Step 12
The machine will then perform an initial rinse.
Step 13
Replace the 2-litre container under the nozzles.
Step 14
Follow the instructions (displayed on the screen or in the manual) to start the rinsing cycle.
Step 15
Once rinsing is complete, empty the container and the drip tray.
Step 16
Remove the water tank, rinse it and refill it.
Step 17
Reinstall the filter cartridge.
Step 18
Repeat the rinsing process, following the instructions.
Step 19
Once finished, empty all containers, including the drip trays, containers, and coffee grounds container (even if the machine does not contain coffee grounds).
Step 20
Fill the water tank one last time, then reinsert it.
Step 21
Your machine is now ready to use, and all that’s left to do is enjoy a delicious cup of coffee!
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How to Descale your DeLonghi Magnifica coffee maker
While the basic process is the same, each DeLonghi range has its own way of starting the descaling programme. Always check your user manual for model-specific instructions.
When it comes to the Magnifica Smart model for example, it will display the message “Descale the machine” when needed. Simply press OK to start the cycle. Alternatively, you can find the descaling program in the settings.
How to clean your DeLonghi: our top tips for properly maintaining your coffee machine
Descaling your bean-to-cup coffee machine is just one part of the overall maintenance you should be doing. Here are some additional tips to keep your machine running smoothly
Clean the brew group weekly: Take it out, rinse it under lukewarm water, and let it air dry completely before putting it back.
Empty and clean the grounds container daily: This prevents mould from forming.
Rinse the water tank regularly: Use warm water and a soft cloth, and never put it in the dishwasher.
Clean the milk system: If your machine has a milk frother, it’s vital to clean it after every use to prevent residue buildup.
Lubricate moving parts of the brewing group if you hear grinding noises.
With these habits, plus regular descaling, your DeLonghi will reward you with consistently delicious coffee and a longer lifespan.
Mastering the art of descaling is the key to unlocking the full potential of your DeLonghi machine. It’s a simple act of care that protects your investment and, more importantly, ensures every single cup is as rich and flavorful as the first. By making descaling a part of your routine, you’re not just maintaining a machine, you’re preserving the ritual of a perfect coffee. Explore our full range of descaling solutions and accessories to keep your DeLonghi performing at its best, and continue your journey to coffee excellence with our other expert guides.
