How Often to Descale a De'Longhi Coffee Machine

If you’ve noticed your De’Longhi coffee machine isn’t brewing as strongly—or the steam function seems weaker—it might be time for descaling. Mineral buildup from water, especially calcium and lime, gradually clogs the internal pipes and heating elements, reducing performance and lifespan. This is a common issue for any machine used regularly, not just De’Longhi models.

For best results, descale your De'Longhi machine after every 200 cups of coffee. If you don't have a commercial descaler on hand, a DIY method using lemon acid works effectively—just follow the steps below.

Why Descaling Matters for Your Coffee Machine

Over time, minerals in your tap water build up inside the machine. This scale restricts water flow, reduces heating efficiency, and can even alter the taste of your espresso. Left unchecked, it may damage pumps, valves, and heating elements. Regular descaling keeps your machine running efficiently and preserves brew quality.

When to Descale Your De'Longhi Machine

The general guideline is to descale your De'Longhi coffee machine after brewing approximately 200 cups. Depending on usage—such as making mostly espresso versus milk drinks, or how hard your local water is—that interval might vary slightly, but 200 cups is the official maintenance recommendation.

What You’ll Need for a DIY Descaling (No Commercial Product)

If you don’t have a dedicated descaling solution, you can use food-grade lemon acid (also called citric acid). This is widely available at pharmacies and some supermarkets. For De'Longhi machines, the required amount is precise:

• 1 litre of clean water
• 2 level scoops (approximately 30 grams) of lemon acid

Step-by-Step: How to Descale a De'Longhi Coffee Machine Without a Descaler

Follow these instructions carefully to safely and effectively descale your machine using lemon acid:

1. Prepare the Solution: Fill the water tank with 1 litre of fresh water. Add 2 scoops (about 30 grams) of lemon acid and stir until fully dissolved. (Image placeholder:

   

   )
2. Set the Machine to Descaling Mode: Turn the machine’s control knob from the “Off” position to the third symbol from the top (counting clockwise), as shown in Figure 14. Wait until the “OK” light illuminates.
3. Position the Drip Tray: Do not attach the filter handle. Place a container under the coffee outlet to catch the liquid. This will collect the descaling solution as it flushes through the system.
4. Run Half the Solution: Rotate the control knob to the position indicated in Figure 8. Let about half (500 ml) of the solution flow out through the coffee spout. Then turn the knob back to the “Off” (O) position (Figure 14).
5. Soak the Internal Components: Allow the remaining solution to sit in the machine for 15 minutes. This soaking period helps dissolve built-up scale inside the pipes and heating chamber. After 15 minutes, empty the water tank completely.
6. Rinse the Tank: Remove the water tank and rinse it thoroughly under tap water to remove any residual lemon acid. Refill it with 1 litre of clean, fresh water—no lemon acid this time.
7. Rinse Cycle 1: Repeat Step 4 (set to Figure 8 position), letting about half the clean water run through the machine. Then return the knob to “Off” (O).
8. Flush the Remaining Water: Rotate the control knob to the fourth symbol (Figure 14) and let all the remaining water drain out completely.
9. Rinse Cycle 2: Set the knob back to the third symbol (descale mode, Figure 14) and repeat Steps 6 and 7: rinse with fresh water, run half through, then flush the rest. This ensures no lemon acid remains inside the machine.

Image Reference for Control Knobs

Refer to

to identify the correct knob positions during the descaling process. These visuals correspond to Figures 8, 14, and the numbered symbols discussed in the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I descale my De'Longhi coffee machine?

Descaling is recommended after every 200 cups of coffee brewed. Depending on water hardness and usage (e.g. frequent milk drinks), you may need to descale more often.

Can I use lemon acid instead of a commercial descaler?

Yes, 30 grams (about 2 scoops) of food-grade lemon acid dissolved in 1 litre of water is an effective substitute for a commercial descaling solution.

What does the third and fourth symbol on the De'Longhi knob mean?

The third symbol (from Figure 14, clockwise) activates the descaling mode. The fourth symbol is used to fully flush the remaining water from the machine after descaling.

Do I need to rinse the machine after descaling?

Yes. After the descaling solution sits for 15 minutes, you must rinse the system twice using clean water to remove any residual lemon acid.

How long should the solution sit inside the machine?

The descaling solution should remain inside the machine for 15 minutes to effectively break down mineral deposits before rinsing.

What if I don’t have a descaling symbol on my De'Longhi machine?

If your model lacks the exact figure-numbered symbols described, consult your user manual for the descaling mode setting. The key steps—dissolving acid, running solution, and flushing—remain similar.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Home Espresso

For home espresso machines like your De'Longhi, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for balanced crema and chocolatey tones, or Specialty Blend for brighter berry and caramel notes. Both are freshly roasted for espresso extraction and work well with home machines. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.