How To Descale Your Delonghi Espresso Machine (All Models!) 

Descaling your Delonghi espresso machine is a crucial process toward maximizing its longevity and ensuring your coffee tastes great every single time.

Delonghi recommends you descale the machine every three months. Most models indicate it’s time for a descale when the descale light starts flashing.

The exact descaling process differs between each model but generally involves running the descaling solution through the brewer, leaving it to take effect then performing at least two rinse cycles to get rid of any residue.

If you want to find out how to descale your appliance, carry on reading this post.

[Jump To Descaling Section]

Recommendation: While Delonghi makes their own proprietary descaling product we recommend using our Green Pods Eco Descaler. It comes with 4 sachets (1 year’s supply) which are perfectly portioned. It’s environmentally friendly, and it’s also more cost-effective than the name-brand Delonghi Descaler.

You can get it from Amazon here.

Sale

The Green Pods Eco Descaler – Coffee Machine Descaler Compatible With Nespresso, Keurig, Breville, DeLonghi, And All Others – Descaling Powder

• ✔️ ENJOY BETTER TASTING COFFEE: Infrequent descaling is the #1 reason your coffee is tasting bad. Descale and you’ll taste the difference.
• ✔️ SAFE FOR YOU AND YOUR MACHINE: Our Eco Descaler is safe for all machine parts. It leaves no harmful residues and does not cause corrosion within the coffee machine.
• ✔️ WORKS ON ALL COFFEE MACHINES: Designed and tested on all leading coffee machines including Nespresso, Keurig, Dolce Gusto, Caffitaly, Breville, Delonghi, and more.

Check Price

Why Does Your Delonghi Machine Need Descaling?

Descaling your machine increases its longevity. When you use your appliance frequently, limescale resulting from the salts in your water builds up.

Scale build-up can damage the heating element causing the machine to produce a bland drink, or it stops brewing altogether.

How Often Do You Need To Descale Delonghi Espresso Machine 

As part of the maintenance process,  Delonghi recommends you descale the machine every three months.

What Descaling Solution Do You Need?

Ideally, use the descaler that came with your machine. Alternatively, you can use a solution suited for coffee and espresso machines like the ones below

We’ve reviewed the best descaling products for your coffee machine here, and found this Eco Descaler on Amazon is both the best bang for your buck and best for the environment! You can pick up a 4 serving box for as little as $19 from Amazon.

TIP: This descaler works for all coffee machines (its universal!) so if you want to also clean your chemex or your kitchen kettle then you can use the same stuff 🙂

Best Overall

Runner Up

Nespresso Descaling Solution, Fits all Models, 2 Packets

Durgol Swiss Steamer, Descaler and Decalcifier for All Brands of Steamer Ovens, 16.9 Fluid Ounces

The Green Pods Eco Descaler - Coffee Machine Descaler Compatible With Nespresso, Keurig, Breville, DeLonghi, And All Others - Descaling Powder

De'Longhi EcoDecalk Descaler, Eco-Friendly Universal Descaling Solution for Coffee & Espresso Machines, 16.90 oz (5 uses)

2 Doses

5 Doses

4 Doses

5 Doses

Our Take: Expensive, Plastic sachets are wasteful.

Our Take: More expensive than other options

Our Take: Easiest to use as each dose is pre-measued. Great instructions. Good for the environment too!

Our Take: Good price, size, but knowing how much to use is confusing

Check Price

Check Price

Check Price

Check Price

Nespresso Descaling Solution, Fits all Models, 2 Packets

2 Doses

Our Take: Expensive, Plastic sachets are wasteful.

Check Price

Durgol Swiss Steamer, Descaler and Decalcifier for All Brands of Steamer Ovens, 16.9 Fluid Ounces

5 Doses

Our Take: More expensive than other options

Check Price

Best Overall

The Green Pods Eco Descaler - Coffee Machine Descaler Compatible With Nespresso, Keurig, Breville, DeLonghi, And All Others - Descaling Powder

4 Doses

Our Take: Easiest to use as each dose is pre-measued. Great instructions. Good for the environment too!

Check Price

Runner Up

De'Longhi EcoDecalk Descaler, Eco-Friendly Universal Descaling Solution for Coffee & Espresso Machines, 16.90 oz (5 uses)

5 Doses

Our Take: Good price, size, but knowing how much to use is confusing

Check Price

How To Descale Your Delonghi Espresso Machine (All Models)

Follow the steps below to decalcify your Delonghi machine.

1. How To Descale The Delonghi Magnifica 

You’ll need:

• 2-liter container 
• 100 ml Delonghi liquid descaler (Or, 1 sachet of our preferred Eco Descaler off Amazon)

Preparation 

1. Remove the water filter.
2. Empty and remove the water tank and pour the descaler.
3. Add water to the tank to the point marked “B”.
4. Reinsert the tank into the machine.
5. Place the container under the water spout.
6. Hold the flashing button until it becomes a solid red. The lights on the control panel will flash to indicate that you need to open the steam dial.
7. Turn the steam dial to the left.
8. When the water stops flowing into the container, the first process of descaling is complete. This will be indicated when the water light goes on.
9. Turn the dial to the right.

Rinse cycle 

1. Remove, empty, and rinse the tank and container.
2. Fill the tank with clean water to the max line.
3. Reinsert the tank into the machine. 
4. Place the container under the water spout and then turn the dial to the left.
5. When the water icon illuminates a solid red, descaling is done.
6. To turn off the machine, turn the dial to the right. 

Watch: This video from the Delonghi UK Youtube channel shows exactly how to perform each step.

2. How To Descale The Delonghi Evo 

You’ll need:

• 100 ml Delonghi liquid descaler (Or, 1 sachet of our preferred Eco Descaler off Amazon)
• 2-liter container

Preparation 

1. Remove the water filter.
2. Empty and rinse the water tank.
3. Add the descaler into the tank and add water to level “B”.
4. Place the water tank into the water machine.
5. Put the container under the steam arm and lower the coffee outlet nozzle.

Descale cycle 

1. Press and hold the descaling button for 5 seconds.
2. Press (and release) the button when it flashes.
3. When the light on the steam button flashes, it means you should open the valve (just above the steam arm).
4. When the water tank flashes, it means descaling is done.

Rinse cycle 

1. Empty and rinse the water tank and container.
2. Fill the water tank with clean water to the max. Reattach it to the machine.
3. Place the container under the water outlets.
4. Press the descale button.
5. When the steam light flashes, open the valve.
6. Empty and rinse the drip tray and water tank.
7. Repeat the rinse cycle to ensure all the residue is flushed out.

Download: Get a copy of our descaling cheatsheet below.

Watch: This video from the Delonghi Youtube channel shows exactly how to perform each step

3. How To Descale The Delonghi Dedica 

You’ll need 

• 100 ml Delonghi liquid descaler (Or, 1 sachet of our preferred Eco Descaler off Amazon)
• 2-liter container

Preparation 

1. Turn the machine on.
2. Empty the water tank.
3. Pour the descaler into the water tank and fill ⅔ of the tank with water.
4. Place the tank into the machine.
5. Put the container under the steam wand and boiler outlet.

Descale cycle 

1. Press and hold the steam button for 10 seconds. The buttons on the control panel should blink in succession.
2. Turn the steam dial on, and then press the “steam” button.
3. After 10 seconds, turn the steam dial off.
4. After 10 seconds, turn the steam dial on.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the descaling process is complete.
6. When the “steam” button blinks, the descaling process is complete. 

Rinse cycle 

1. Empty and rinse the water tank and container.
2. Fill the water tank with water.
3. Turn on the steam dial and press the steam button.
4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 under the “descale cycle” section above.
5. When the orange “steam” button blinks, descaling is complete. 

Watch: This video from the Delonghi Youtube channel shows exactly how to perform each step

4. How To Descale The Delonghi La Specialista 

You’ll need:

• 100 ml Delonghi descaler 
• 2-liter container 

Preparation 

1. Remove the filter handle and water filter.
2. Remove and empty the water tank.
3. Pour the descaler into the tank.
4. Fill the tank with water until it reaches the point marked “B”.
5. Close the tank and reattach it to the machine.

Descale cycle 

1. Turn the dial to the far right.
2. Place the container under all three spouts and press “OK.”
3. When the water light turns on, the first process is complete.
4. Remove, empty, and rinse the container and water tank.

Rinse cycle 

1. Fill the water tank with fresh water to the max.
2. Reattach it to the machine.
3. Place the container under the water sprouts and press “RINSE” (icon with the water droplets).
4. When the water light is on, it means the device has completed the rinsing cycle.
5. Remove the container.
6. Remove, empty, and thoroughly rinse the drip tray, container, and water tank.
7. Refill the water tank and reinsert it into the machine.
8. Reattach the drip tray. Your descale cycle is complete.

Watch: This video from the Delonghi Youtube channel shows exactly how to perform each step

5. How To Descale The Delonghi Autentica 

You’ll need:

• 100 ml Delonghi descaling agent  (Or, 1 sachet of our preferred Eco Descaler off Amazon)
• 2-liter container

Preparation 

1. Remove the water filter.
2. Put the machine on standby by pressing the power button.
3. Press and hold the 1-cup button (above the steam button) until the descale light becomes solid.
4. Remove and empty the water tank.
5. Pour the descaling solution into the tank.
6. Fill the tank with water to level “B”.

Descale cycle

1. Reattach the tank to the machine.
2. Place the container under the spout and press the steam button.
3. Turn the steam dial to the right. When the water icon flashes, the descale cycle is done.

Rinse cycle 

1. Turn the steam dial to “0”.
2. Fill the water tank with clean water to the max.
3. Insert the tank into the machine.
4. Place the container under the spout.
5. Turn the steam dial to the right.
6. When the water icon flashes, turn off the steam dial.
7. Empty and rinse the container and water tank.
8. Repeat the rinse cycle two more times.

Watch: This video from the Delonghi Youtube channel shows exactly how to perform each step

6. How To Descale The Delonghi Eletta 

You’ll need:

• 100 ml Delonghi descaler   (Or, 1 sachet of our preferred Eco Descaler off Amazon)
• 2-liter container 

Preparation 

1. Turn the machine on.
2. Press the “MENU/ESC” button to enter the menu.
3. Press the right or left arrow until “Descale” appears on the screen.
4. Press the “OK” button, and confirm by pressing it again.
5. Empty the water tank and remove the water filter.
6. Empty the drip tray and grounds container.
7. Pour the descaler into the water tank, then fill it with water until it reaches level “B.”
8. Reinsert the tank into the machine.
9. Place the container under the water spout.

Descale cycle 

1. Press the “OK” button. After 30 minutes, the first process of descaling will be complete.  This will also be indicated by a “RINSING, INSERT FILTER” text on the screen.

Rinse cycle

1. Empty and rinse the water tank and container.
2. Fill the tank with water to the max.
3. Insert the tank into the machine.
4. Place the container under the water spout, then press “OK.”
5. When the screen reads “RINSING COMPLETE”, press “OK.” The entire descale process is complete.
6. To exit rinse mode, press “OK.”

Watch: This video from the Delonghi Youtube channel shows exactly how to perform each step

7. How To Descale The Delonghi Dinamica 

You’ll need: 

• 100ml Delonghi descaler   (Or, 1 sachet of our preferred Eco Descaler off Amazon)
• 2-liter container 

Preparation 

1. Remove the water filter.
2. Press the power button to turn the machine on standby.
3. Empty and rinse the drip tray and grounds container.
4. Press and hold the coffee bean icon until the descale, steam, and water droplet icons light up.
5. Pour the descaling solution into the water tank.
6. Fill the tank with water to level “B”.
7. Place the container under the frother and spouts.

Descale cycle 

1. Press the water droplet icon.
2. When the steam icon flashes, turn the steam/hot water dial to “I”. This activates the descale cycle.
3. The descale cycle is complete when the water icon flashes.
4. Now it’s time to rinse the machine.

Rinse cycle 

1. Empty and rinse the water tray and container.
2. Place the container under the coffee spouts and frother.
3. Press the water droplets icon. When the steam icon flashes, turn the steam/hot water dial to “0”.
4. When the steam icon flashes, turn the dial to “I”.
5. When the water icon flashes, the rinse cycle is complete.
6. Empty and rinse the water tray and container.
7. Repeat the rinse cycle.

Watch: This video from the Delonghi Youtube channel shows exactly how to perform each step

Next, A Clean – How To Correctly Clean Your Delonghi Machine

After descaling, it’s best to clean the machine’s parts individually. This is just good regular maintenance, but also means your descaler doesn’t need to fight it’s way through grease and grime as well as limescale!

The following parts have to be cleaned:

1. The drip tray 
2. Cup tray/grille
3. Espresso cup grille 
4. Coffee filters 
5. Bean container 
6. Coffee grinder burrs 
7. Coffee grinder outlet 
8. Boiler outlet 
9. Water tank 
10. Cappuccino maker 
11. Infuser

Here’s how to properly clean each of these components.

1. Cleaning the drip tray 

1. Remove the drip tray.
2. Remove, empty, and clean the cup tray and drip tray with a cloth.
3. Reattach the cup tray to the drip tray.
4. Reinsert the drip tray into the machine.

2. Cleaning the espresso cup grille 

1. Gently remove the grille.
2. Clean the support with a clean cloth.
3. Wash the grille with a mild detergent and cloth.
4. Put it back into the support.

3. Cleaning the coffee filters 

1. Rinse the filters under running water until all the coffee residues are removed. 
2. If you need to clean the perforated filter, gently remove it from the filter housing and rinse it under running water.

4. Cleaning the coffee boilers 

Delonghi recommends you clean the boilers after every 200 coffees. Here’s how to clean them.

1. Fill the water tank with 200 ml of water and then press the rinse button (icon with the water droplets).
2. Run the rinse cycle. When the water icon turns on, the rinse cycle is complete.

5. Cleaning the water tank

1. Remove the water filter and rinse it thoroughly under running water.
2. Clean the water tank with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then rinse well.

6. Cleaning the bean container 

1. Empty the bean container and remove it from the machine by turning it anticlockwise.
2. Wash the container and lid with warm water. Dry it properly.
3. Clean the bean container housing with a damp cloth and then dry it. 

7. Cleaning the burrs of the burr grinder 

1. Clean the upper burr with a damp cloth. If it has any coffee beans, remove them by gently gripping and lifting the handles. 
2. Clean the burr with a brush and remove the coffee residue with a vacuum cleaner.
3. Insert it into the machine.

8. Cleaning the cappuccino maker 

Delonghi recommends cleaning the cappuccino maker after every use. Here’s how to clean it.

1. Turn the dial to the steam icon.
2. Wait for the icon to illuminate solid.
3. Place a container under the cappuccino maker and turn on the dial to release any air left in the circuit.
4. Turn off the machine.
5. Gently release the cappuccino maker by turning it clockwise and then pulling it.
6. Detach the rubber nozzle from the spout by pulling it downwards.
7. Wash the cappuccino maker and nozzle with warm water.
8. Reattach the nozzle by gently pressing it onto the steam tube.
9. Reinsert the cappuccino maker by turning it anticlockwise.

9. Cleaning the infuser 

1. Turn off the machine.
2. Open the infuser door on the right side of the device.
3. Press the two red buttons and gently pull out the infuser.
4. Soak the infuser in lukewarm water for 5 minutes.
5. Rinse it under running water.
6. Squeeze the two levers in the infuser then insert the infused into the machine. 
7. Press the push icon until it clicks.
8. Close the infuser door.

In Summary:  

It’s essential to descale your Delognhi Coffee Machine at least every 3 months. This will not only increase the life span of your coffee machine but also keep your coffees tasting great and fresh.

Descaling takes around 30 minutes and consists of a descaling runs and 2 rinse runs.

You can use any brand of descaling product in your Delonghi machine, as long as you dilute it with the correct amount of water to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Recommendation: While Delonghi makes their own proprietary descaling product we recommend using our Green Pods Eco Descaler. It comes with 4 sachets (1 year’s supply) which are perfectly portioned. It’s environmentally friendly, and it’s also more cost-effective than the name-brand Delonghi Descaler.

You can get it from Amazon here.

Sale

The Green Pods Eco Descaler – Coffee Machine Descaler Compatible With Nespresso, Keurig, Breville, DeLonghi, And All Others – Descaling Powder

• ✔️ ENJOY BETTER TASTING COFFEE: Infrequent descaling is the #1 reason your coffee is tasting bad. Descale and you’ll taste the difference.
• ✔️ SAFE FOR YOU AND YOUR MACHINE: Our Eco Descaler is safe for all machine parts. It leaves no harmful residues and does not cause corrosion within the coffee machine.
• ✔️ WORKS ON ALL COFFEE MACHINES: Designed and tested on all leading coffee machines including Nespresso, Keurig, Dolce Gusto, Caffitaly, Breville, Delonghi, and more.

Check Price