# How to descale a De'Longhi Magnifica

Source: https://beanandcrema.co.uk/blog/how-to-descale-delonghi-magnifica
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Bean and Crema

**In short:** When the descale warning shows, remove the water filter, pour De'Longhi EcoDecalk into the tank and top up with water to the level the manual gives. Start the descale programme from the button or menu, put a large container under the spouts and let it run. Rinse and refill the tank, run the rinse cycle, then refit the filter and set the hardness.

Every De'Longhi Magnifica has a descaling programme that runs descaler through the heater and pipes, then rinses them with fresh water. The machine counts how much water you use and warns you when it is time, based on the water hardness you set. The steps are similar across the Magnifica S, Start and Evo, but the buttons differ: older models use a combination of buttons, while newer ones have a menu or touch icon. This guide covers the general routine. Follow the manual for your exact model.

## Before you start

De'Longhi recommends its own EcoDecalk, a lactic acid based descaler. Avoid vinegar: makers advise against it, and the warranty can be affected if you use an unsuitable product. Our guide on [descaling with vinegar](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/blog/descaling-coffee-machine-with-vinegar) explains why.

- De'Longhi EcoDecalk descaler, or a descaler the manual approves.
- A container of at least 2 litres.
- Fresh cold water for rinsing.
- Around 30 to 45 minutes.

## Running the descale programme

The outline below applies broadly to the Magnifica family. The way you start the programme differs by model, so check the descaling section of your manual.

1. Empty the drip tray and the grounds container, and refit them.
2. Remove the water filter from the tank if one is fitted.
3. Pour the descaler into the tank and add water up to the level stated in the manual, often marked on the tank.
4. Place a large container under the coffee spouts and the hot water or milk outlet.
5. Start descaling using the button combination or menu option for your model.
6. Let the machine dispense the solution in stages. It pauses between stages.
7. When prompted, rinse the tank and fill it with fresh water to the max line.
8. Empty the container and run the rinse cycle until the machine says it is complete.
9. Refit the water filter if you use one, or fit a new one.

Note: Descaling solution and rinse water come out hot. Keep hands clear of the spouts, use a container big enough not to overflow, and do not stop the programme partway unless the manual says you can. Unplug the machine before cleaning around the spouts.

## Setting water hardness

Magnifica machines come with a Total Hardness test strip. Dip it in tap water for a second, wait as the instructions say and count the red squares. Then set the matching hardness level in the machine, using the button sequence or menu in the manual. This tells the machine how often to prompt you to descale.

Your water company also publishes hardness by postcode, and our [water hardness converter](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/tools/water-hardness-converter) converts it to the units most strips use. Our [hard water guide](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/blog/hard-water-and-coffee-machines) covers what each level means.

| Red squares on strip | Water | Descale prompts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Soft | Least often |
| 2 | Moderate | Less often |
| 3 | Hard | More often |
| 4 | Very hard | Most often |

Typical test strip result and setting

## Water filter and reset

Some Magnifica models take a De'Longhi water filter, which reduces scale and can lengthen the time between descales. After fitting a new filter, activate it in the machine as the manual describes so the descale counter allows for it. Replace it when the machine prompts or after the period stated, usually a couple of months.

If the descale warning stays on after the programme, the cycle may not have finished. Repeat the rinse or check the manual. Our guide to [De'Longhi bean-to-cup problems](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/blog/delonghi-bean-to-cup-problems) covers persistent warning lights.

## Keeping on top of scale

Descale when the machine asks, not just when coffee tastes off. Scale builds up out of sight and can block the heater or valves before you notice. Weekly brew unit rinsing and a fresh filter help the machine last. If you are choosing between Magnifica models or a newer De'Longhi, see our [De'Longhi models compared guide](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/delonghi-bean-to-cup-models-compared) and our [bean-to-cup guide](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine).

[De'Longhi models compared](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/delonghi-bean-to-cup-models-compared)

## Frequently asked questions

**How much EcoDecalk do I use in a Magnifica?** Use the amount the manual or the bottle states for your model, then top up with water to the marked level.

**Can I stop the descale programme halfway?** Avoid it. Stopping can leave descaler in the system. If the power is interrupted, follow the manual's restart advice and rinse thoroughly.

**Why does my Magnifica ask to descale so often?** The hardness may be set high, or your water is hard. Test your water and reset the level, and fit a filter if your model takes one.

**Does the Magnifica Evo descale differently?** The principle is the same, but you start it from the display menu. Check the Evo manual for the steps.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/delonghi-bean-to-cup-models-compared
- https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine
- https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/best-bean-to-cup-under-400

## Sources

- [De'Longhi UK](https://www.delonghi.com/en-gb)