delonghi Coffee Machine care guides

Water hardness isn't simply a setting to forget about. On compatible machines it determines how quickly the machine calculates that descaling is required. Use the supplied water-hardness test strip when setting up the machine and enter the corresponding hardness level in the settings menu. If the setting is too low for your actual water, the machine can allow considerably more scale to accumulate before requesting a descale.

On models fitted with a removable infuser, switch the machine off using its normal power button and wait until the complete shutdown sequence has finished before attempting removal. Remove the infuser using its release buttons and rinse it thoroughly under running water. For a deeper clean, soak it in lukewarm water for around five minutes before rinsing. Do not use detergent on the infuser and do not put it in the dishwasher. Remove remaining coffee deposits with a soft cleaning brush before refitting the unit until it clicks securely into position.

LatteCrema-equipped machines have a dedicated cleaning routine for the milk circuit. After preparing milk drinks, leave the carafe connected, place a container beneath the milk outlet and activate the CLEAN function when prompted. Hot water and steam are passed through the milk outlet to rinse the internal pathway. This quick clean should be performed after milk use; it does not replace periodically dismantling the carafe for a thorough clean.

Poor milk foam is often caused by residue in the smaller components rather than the container itself. During a thorough clean, dismantle the carafe components, including the milk outlet, intake tube and removable froth-control parts fitted to your particular carafe. Pay particular attention to small holes, channels and connection points because dried milk here can interfere with the mixture of milk, steam and air required for consistent foam.

Where a water-softener filter is fitted, replace it when the machine requests replacement or at the specified interval for the model. A general interval used across the range is approximately two months, although machine prompts and usage conditions should take priority. A filter helps reduce scale formation but does not eliminate the need to descale. If water flow deteriorates after installing a filter, check that the cartridge has been correctly prepared and seated before assuming the pump has developed a fault.

Automatic bean-to-cup models use rinse cycles during normal operation, including startup and shutdown routines on many machines. Avoid routinely disconnecting the mains power before the normal shutdown sequence has completed. This is particularly important on machines with a removable infuser because the shutdown process returns the brewing mechanism to its correct resting position. Interrupting it can leave the infuser positioned incorrectly and make it difficult to remove or reinstall.