How to Clean and Maintain a De'Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine

If you own a De'Longhi EC155 and notice your espresso shots tasting off, your machine taking longer to brew, or just want to avoid costly repairs, regular cleaning is essential. Most issues arise not from the machine itself, but from built-up old coffee oils, milk residue, and mineral deposits that clog filters, group heads, and water lines over time.

To keep your De'Longhi EC155 running well, clean the coffee filter every 200 shots and the water outlet every 300 shots. Both tasks involve disassembly, soaking, brushing, and careful reassembly using only manual methods—no dishwasher.

Why Cleaning Your De’Longhi EC155 Matters

Your espresso machine works hard to push hot water through finely-ground coffee. Over time, oils from the coffee grounds and minerals in your water build up inside the filter holder, group head, and water outlet. This buildup not only affects taste but can also clog your machine, shorten its lifespan, and lead to inconsistent extractions. Routine cleaning removes these residues so your shots stay flavorful and your machine performs reliably.

How Often Should You Clean the EC155?

De’Longhi recommends cleaning specific parts of the EC155 after a set number of shots:

• Coffee filter and filter holder: every 200 shots
• Water outlet and filter screen: every 300 shots

These numbers assume standard home usage. If you brew more frequently, consider cleaning more often. Skipping these intervals leads to faster buildup, affecting both taste and function.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning the Coffee Filter on the De’Longhi EC155

The coffee filter is where ground coffee sits before brewing. Residual oils and coffee fines quickly build up here, impacting flavor and flow. Here’s how to clean it properly after every 200 shots:

• Remove the coffee powder filter holder from the machine.
• Clean the interior of the filter handle manually—do not use a dishwasher.
• Turn the bottom of the coffee filter counterclockwise (as shown in

  

  ) to detach the filter basket.
• Press down and remove the frother (also called the shower screen), then take out the rubber gasket underneath.
• Use hot water and a brush to scrub all parts—the filter basket, the gasket, and the metal filter screen. Clear any clogs using a needle or pin (refer to

  

  for reference).
• Reassemble in this order: place the filter and gasket onto the plastic disc (ensure the disc’s pin aligns with the hole in the gasket as shown in and ), then secure the top cap (as shown in ).

How to Clean the Water Outlet and Filter Screen on the EC155

The water outlet can accumulate mineral deposits and old coffee residue, especially if you use hard tap water. Cleaning it every 300 shots ensures proper water flow and prevents blockages.

• Before starting, make sure the machine is cool and unplugged.
• Use a screwdriver to remove the screw on the water outlet.
• Take out the filter screen located inside the outlet.
• Clean both the outlet and the filter screen thoroughly using hot water and a brush. Ensure no holes are blocked—if they are, use a needle to clear them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Never put any part of the coffee filter (especially the handle or filter basket) in the dishwasher. High heat and detergent can warp or damage components.
• Don’t skip cleaning even if the machine seems to work fine. Oils and minerals build up invisibly and degrade taste and performance over time.
• Avoid using sharp tools to pry parts open. Always follow the turning directions specified (e.g., counterclockwise for the filter base) to prevent breakage.
• Don’t reassemble parts out of order or misalign the filter basket pin with the gasket hole. Proper alignment is critical for sealing and function.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my De’Longhi EC155 coffee filter?

Clean the coffee filter every 200 shots. This prevents coffee oil and particle buildup that affects taste and extraction. After removing the filter holder, clean the handle manually, unscrew the base, and remove the frother and gasket. Scrub all parts with hot water and a brush, unclog any blocked holes with a needle, then reassemble carefully in the correct order.

What’s the safest way to clean the coffee filter basket?

Manually clean the coffee filter basket with hot water and a brush. Remove it by turning the base counterclockwise, then gently scrub all components including the metal mesh. Do not use a dishwasher or harsh detergents, which can damage plastic and rubber parts.

How do I clean the water outlet on the De’Longhi EC155?

Turn off and unplug the machine, then remove the water outlet screw. Take out the internal filter screen and clean both the outlet and the screen with hot water and a brush. Clear any clogs using a needle. Do this every 300 shots to maintain proper water flow.

Can I use a dishwasher to clean the EC155 filter parts?

No. The De’Longhi EC155 manual explicitly warns against using a dishwasher for any part of the coffee filter or handle. Dishwasher heat and detergent can damage plastic, rubber, and metal components, leading to leaks or breakage.

What happens if I don’t clean my EC155 regularly?

Over time, coffee oils and mineral deposits will clog the filter, group head, and water lines. This reduces espresso quality, slows brewing, increases the chance of blockages, and can shorten the machine’s lifespan. Regular cleaning preserves both performance and taste.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Home Espresso

For your De’Longhi EC155, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a balanced espresso with notes of dark chocolate and nutty undertones—or the Specialty Blend, which highlights red fruit and caramel tones ideal for single-origin lovers. Both roast profiles are optimized for home machines, producing rich crema and smooth extraction. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.