When “It’s time to descale” appears on the Magnifica Duo display, select OK to begin the guided procedure. The machine will then take you through the required preparation and descaling stages on screen. If you don't start it immediately when the reminder appears, the descaling function can be accessed later through the machine's Settings/Maintenance menu

Follow the instructions displayed on screen. Empty the drip tray and coffee grounds container when requested and reinstall them correctly. Remove the water tank and deal with the water filter as instructed by the machine before preparing the descaling solution.

This preparation is important because the Duo monitors several removable components and will not simply continue if something required for the procedure is missing or incorrectly positioned.

Empty the water tank before adding the descaler. Prepare the descaling solution in the tank using the quantities and level markings indicated by the machine and descaler instructions.

If you're using the standard 100 ml descaler dose supplied for these machines, pour the descaler into the tank first and then add fresh water to the indicated level. Don't estimate by filling the tank completely—the correct dilution is important for the programmed cycle.

Return the prepared tank to the Magnifica Duo and make sure it is pushed fully into position. The machine detects the water tank and can display a message if it isn't correctly installed.

Confirm the next instruction on the display when you're ready to continue.

Place a sufficiently large empty container beneath the outlets identified on the screen. Position it carefully because a substantial amount of liquid will be dispensed during the complete descale and rinse process.

Don't use a normal coffee cup—the programme handles much more water than a normal drink cycle.

Confirm the instruction on the display.

The Magnifica Duo will now automatically circulate the descaling solution through its internal hydraulic circuits. Water will be dispensed in stages, with pauses between some dispensing periods.

The pauses are normal. They allow the descaling solution time to work against deposits inside the water circuit.

Don't switch the machine off, remove the tank or attempt to make a drink while this stage is running.

Allow the Magnifica Duo to continue until it stops and gives you the next instruction on its display.

The machine controls this part of the process automatically, so there is no need to manually start and stop water dispensing.

When instructed, remove the water tank and discard any remaining solution.

Rinse the tank thoroughly with fresh drinking water. Make sure no descaling solution remains before preparing for the rinse stage.

Fill the tank with fresh water to the level requested on the display and reinstall it securely.

The container beneath the machine will now contain used descaling solution.

Empty it carefully and return it beneath the outlets before continuing. Confirm the next instruction on the display.

The Magnifica Duo will now circulate clean water through the circuits that have just been descaled.

Allow the rinse to run completely. Don't stop it because the water coming from the outlet already looks clear—the programmed rinse is required to remove residual descaling solution from inside the machine.

The Magnifica Duo may request further fresh water during the procedure. If the display asks you to refill the tank or perform another rinse, do so.

This is particularly important because an incomplete descale is recognised by the machine. The Magnifica Duo documentation specifically includes an alert for descaling that has been interrupted or not completed correctly.

Continue following the display until the Magnifica Duo confirms that descaling has been completed.

Empty the drip tray and grounds container again if requested, refill the water tank with fresh drinking water and reinstall the water filter when instructed if you're continuing to use one.