True coffee connoisseurs enjoy their favorite drink thanks to a coffee machine. The taste and aroma are affected not only by the quality of the grains, but also by proper care of the device. Descaling a delonghi coffee machine, one of the most famous Italian manufacturers, is a mandatory procedure in servicing the device.
Descaling is the key to a long life for your coffee machine.
How does scale occur?
The main reason for the appearance of scale is the hardness of running water. It includes chlorine, mineral salts and other elements that contribute to the formation of sediment. During operation of the equipment, high pressure is generated. As a result, sediment appears on mechanical parts of equipment.
The process of preparing the drink becomes longer, and the taste also deteriorates. The device needs cleaning. It is advisable to use purified water.
Limescale in the coffee machine.
Cleaning your Delonghi Magnifica coffee machine
To remove scale without harming the car, you should avoid other methods, such as citric acid or Coca-Cola. A professional product and strict adherence to the instructions can ensure the highest quality cleaning without damage.
Coffee machine pills
The coffee machine with automatic cleaning gets rid of scale using a decalcifier. The product is poured into the tank, diluted with warm liquid and then the production of the drink is started. The first two cups are poured into the sink. Then the device cleaning program starts. After the procedure, the removable parts are washed under running water. Certain types of pills and powders, together with plaque, additionally remove coffee oils from the walls of the machine.
A coffee machine without automatic cleaning is filled with a diluted decalcifier. By analogy, two cups of conventional coffee are passed. Depending on the condition of the device, another 3-4 cups of water are passed through the supply system. Then the device is washed with clean water until a clear mixture of water without aroma or foreign taste is obtained.
How often should you clean
A special automated system allows you to determine when the delonghi coffee machine needs to be cleaned. The program tracks the amount of plaque inside the equipment. The manufacturer programs the device for a certain period of time, after which the descaling of the delonghi coffee machine is mandatory. In this case, a message appears on the display indicating the need for rinsing.
On average, cleaning is done once every 2 months . When using bottled water, the period increases to 4 months. The system determines the quality of water and the degree of pollution. For flushing, 60–120 liters of water are required.
How to know when it's time to descale
The following signs indicate the appearance of scale:
- formation of flakes in the drink;
- noisy operation of the device;
- weak water pressure;
- interruption of the stream;
- change in the taste of coffee.
Is decalcification necessary?
Over time, almost a crust of limescale forms on the walls, and lime quickly corrodes everything: metal parts, and even more so, fragile plastic. But this will take a long time, but the water will quickly become tasteless, and moreover, harmful, since microorganisms and bacteria actively multiply in the porous structure of the plaque, and boiling does not kill them.
Signs that it's time to descale:
- Steam pressure has decreased;
- The coffee seems under-brewed;
- The drink has a musty smell and taste;
- The stream of pouring coffee became thinner;
- The sound of the coffee machine running became louder.
Some coffee machines are equipped with an automatic reminder that it is time to descale. This could be a message or just a flashing red light.
What happens if you don’t remove plaque?
Cleaning a delonghi coffee machine is a mandatory maintenance process. Ignoring can lead to negative consequences:
- failure of the device;
Cleaning is a must. - a clogged system does not allow water to pass through well, resulting in the taste of coffee deteriorating;
- the device cannot cool completely due to scale;
- salt deposits form 2 times faster;
- overheating and clogging of pipes.
By spending half an hour once every 2 months on cleaning, you can avoid equipment breakdowns.
What to use?
The care procedure is always described in detail in the instructions for the device. To remove contaminants, only specialized Delonghi products are used, which effectively remove scale and do not affect the taste of the finished drink.
The preparations can be used both for home units and devices intended for professional use. As a result, internal parts do not wear out and retain their original qualities.
All Delonghi cleaning products are sold in concentrated form and must be diluted with water. The exact proportions are indicated in the instructions. Usually 500 ml of product is enough for four applications.
The use of folk recipes and household chemicals is unacceptable due to the constant contact of internal elements with food products and the danger of destruction of parts due to aggressive influence.
Metal graters and scrapers are also prohibited. They scratch the surface and limescale deposits on it at a faster rate.
On our website you can also read about how to clean a Nespresso coffee maker, more details here.
How to use the self-cleaning function
The automatic self-cleaning mode greatly simplifies the cleaning process. For start:
- Turn on the device.
- Go to the menu, press the P button.
- Switch the knob until the message “Descaling” appears.
- Click "OK".
- Empty the water container and add anti-scale agent. Pre-dilute to a certain concentration.
- Install a bowl with a capacity of 1.5 liters or more.
- Wait until the item “The appliance is descaling” appears.
- After 30 minutes, the entry “Fill the tank” appears.
- Remove the container, drain the residue, and rinse.
- Fill with water and install.
- Start the rinsing function.
- After the message about the completion of the cycle appears, click “OK”.
Different models have their own characteristics of this mode. You must first carefully study the instructions. After completion, be sure to rinse with water to remove any remaining detergent.
The self-cleaning function is simple and convenient.
How much does decalcification and refusal cost?
The most painful issue is financial. Many people think that decalcification is too expensive. Let's do the math.
- 800-1200 rubles for a bottle of branded cleaning liquid. It is enough for 1-2 uses.
- 150 to 500 rubles per bottle of a universal product.
- 200-450 rubles per pack of tablets, one tablet – one cleaning cycle.
We find that the cost of a cleaning “session” ranges from 50 to 600 rubles.
How much does it cost to not descale your coffee machine?
A burnt heating element will lead to replacement of the boiler, and this costs from 8-10 thousand without transportation costs.
Descaling products
Delonghi coffee machines use special cleaners to descale descaling. It is recommended to use only branded detergents. However, many people clean plaque with folk remedies.
Folk remedies
Using the usual means that every housewife has, you can easily get rid of saline solution. The simplest and cheapest option is citric acid. Cleaning algorithm:
- 30 grams of acid are diluted in 1 liter of water.
Cleaning with citric acid. - The prepared solution is poured into a water container.
- Turn on the device and start the self-cleaning mode.
This method is very effective in the fight against scale. Does not corrode internal parts of the device.
You can also use salt and water:
- Warm water is poured into the container.
- Mix a teaspoon of salt and soda.
- Leave for 4 hours. The device is not turned on.
- Pour out the solution and rinse the device.
Many people clean with vinegar:
- Vinegar is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3.
Consequences of lack of cleaning. - Fill the reservoir.
- Enable auto-cleaning.
- After completion, drain the water.
- To remove a specific odor in the normal coffee preparation mode, the water is run 5 times.
- Rinse.
Experts do not recommend this method, since acetic acid corrodes rubber parts.
Special cleaners for delonghi devices
Branded cleaners:
- “Eco Calc” - components promote gentle cleansing;
- “Delonghi DLSC500” - suitable for both coffee machines and coffee makers;
- "Delonghi DLS200" - 1 package is intended for one cycle.
Cleaning tablets.
Anti-scale liquid - main types
Delonghi coffee machine cleaner – what do you need to know? This is a branded cleaner that will definitely not harm your unit. Unknown compounds may cause damage to the system. If you need a product for universal use, the popular Melitta brand is suitable, which is suitable for many machines. You need to focus on the hardness of the water. If you are confused about this, just clean more often to prevent the scale from becoming too hard.
If you need a product for universal use, the popular Melitta brand is suitable, which is suitable for many machines.
Cost is not a serious indicator, since an inexpensive universal product can cope with the problem no worse than a professional one. But price is not the last factor in the choice. Manufacturer Delonghi offers its consumers two types of environmentally friendly cleaning products:
- Delonghi EcoDecalk;
- Delonghi SER 3018.
How to clean individual elements
Separately clean the elements of the coffee machine:
- holder – a dark precipitate usually forms. To remove the holder, place it in hot water for up to 20 minutes. Clean with a foam sponge;
- cappuccino maker – steam is removed before cleaning. The cappuccino maker is soaked in hot water diluted with soda. After 20 minutes, rub with a sponge, rinse and wipe dry with a towel;
- brewing unit – wash with clean water once every 2 weeks. If the block is not removable, then a tablet is placed in the coffee tank, and a large bowl is placed under the horn. The device is turned on in the coffee preparation mode until the tablet is completely dissolved.
Brief instructions for coffee machines with a display - Saeco, Gaggia, Spidem
SELECT PRODUCT READY FOR USE - The coffee machine is ready for use.
FILL WATERTANK - Add water to the water container (even if there is water in the container!).
COFFEE BEANS EMPTY - Add more coffee. If, after you have added coffee and pressed the button to make coffee, this message appears again, try making coffee again. If there are no changes, you should stop using the coffee machine and seek technical support.
ENERGY SAVING - The coffee machine has entered energy saving mode. Press any button to turn on normal mode.
