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How to clean a De'Longhi coffee machine

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In short

On De'Longhi bean-to-cup machines, empty the grounds container and drip tray daily, run the LatteCrema Clean function after every milk drink, and rinse the removable brew unit under lukewarm water once a week. Descale with De'Longhi EcoDecalk when the light comes on. On manual De'Longhi espresso machines, rinse the filter holder and baskets daily, purge the steam wand and descale regularly.

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De'Longhi makes both bean-to-cup machines, such as the Magnifica, Dinamica and Rivelia, and manual espresso machines, such as the Dedica and La Specialista. The cleaning routine is similar in spirit but differs in detail. This guide covers both, with the steps De'Longhi's manuals generally describe. Your own manual is the final word, especially on which parts can go in the dishwasher.

Daily cleaning for bean-to-cup models

  1. 1

    Switch the machine on so it rinses, with a cup under the spout.

  2. 2

    Remove and empty the grounds container and drip tray, even before the warning shows.

  3. 3

    Rinse both in warm water, dry and refit.

  4. 4

    Empty and refill the water tank with fresh water.

  5. 5

    After each milk drink, turn the LatteCrema knob to Clean, or run the clean option shown on screen.

  6. 6

    Wipe the coffee spout and the front of the machine with a damp cloth.

Weekly: rinse the brew unit

Most De'Longhi bean-to-cup machines have a removable brew unit behind a service door on the right side. Turn the machine off with the power button and wait for it to finish, then unplug. Open the door, press the two red release buttons and pull the unit out. Rinse it under lukewarm water only, with no detergent. Let it dry, then slide it back in until it clicks, making sure it is in the correct position as shown in the manual.

While it is out, brush or vacuum loose coffee from inside the compartment. Old grounds there can go mouldy and cause blockages.

If the brew unit is stiff to remove or refit, do not force it. Make sure the machine was switched off with the power button, not at the wall, so the unit parked in its rest position. If it still will not go back in, the manual shows how to reset the lever position by hand. A brew unit that is covered in old grounds or feels sticky after rinsing may need a soak in lukewarm water before drying.

Note:Always switch off and unplug before opening the service door. Do not put the brew unit in the dishwasher, and never use detergent on it.

LatteCrema and milk frothers

The LatteCrema carafe should be cleaned after every use with the Clean function, and fully washed regularly. Take off the lid, remove the milk tube and frothing parts, and wash them in warm water or on the top rack of the dishwasher if your manual allows. Check the small holes and channels in the lid are clear. Leftover milk can be kept in the fridge in the carafe for a short time.

On machines with a manual frother, wipe the wand straight after use and briefly open the steam to purge milk from the tip. Pull off the outer sleeve and wash it regularly. If the frother stops making foam, see our milk frother not working guide.

Cleaning products

De'Longhi sells its own range of care products, including EcoDecalk descaler, milk circuit cleaner, water softener filters and cleaning kits. Using the brand's products, or ones stated as compatible, avoids voiding warranties and matches the dosing the machine expects. Bean-to-cup De'Longhi models generally do not use coffee cleaning tablets in the brew unit, because the unit is removable and rinsed by hand. Check your manual before using any tablet.

For descaling, follow the on-screen programme. Our Magnifica descaling guide has the step-by-step, and our vinegar explainer explains why vinegar is not recommended.

Manual De'Longhi espresso machines

  • After each use: knock out the puck, rinse the filter holder and basket, and run water through the group.
  • After steaming: wipe and purge the wand.
  • Weekly: soak baskets in hot water, clean the shower screen with a brush.
  • When prompted: descale with EcoDecalk following the manual's steps.
  • La Specialista models: brush the grinder chute and tamping area, and clean the grinder burrs as the manual describes.

When cleaning does not fix a problem

If coffee still tastes bitter or the machine shows errors after a full clean, check our De'Longhi problems guide. Persistent leaks or electrical faults need De'Longhi's service centre or an authorised repairer, particularly if the machine is under warranty.

Compare De'Longhi bean-to-cup models →

Frequently asked questions

Can I put De'Longhi parts in the dishwasher? Some parts, such as the drip tray and some milk carafe parts, are listed as dishwasher safe on many models. The brew unit is not. Check your manual.

Do De'Longhi bean-to-cup machines need cleaning tablets? Most models with a removable brew unit are rinsed by hand instead. Some newer models may include a cleaning cycle; follow the manual.

How often should I descale a De'Longhi? When the descale light comes on. Setting water hardness correctly makes this prompt accurate.

Why does my De'Longhi smell? Usually old grounds in the brew compartment or milk residue in the carafe. A full clean of both normally fixes it.

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