How to Descale a De'Longhi: Magnifica, Dinamica, Dedica Steps

How De'Longhi Descaling Works on Every Model

Every De'Longhi manual tells the same story with different buttons. Descale when the machine asks, with De'Longhi descaler only, and let the program run all the way through its rinses. On the bean-to-cup machines, pour the descaler to level A marked on the back of the tank, add water to level B, and put a big container (about 2 litres) under the spouts. Allow 25-45 minutes, depending on the model.

The light usually stays on for one reason: the rinse wasn't finished. If the tank isn't filled to MAX for the rinses, the bean-to-cup machines ask for a third rinse before they'll make coffee again.

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Try This First

• Check which light or message is on. The descale symbol is steady (or a message shows) when descaling is due, and flashes while it runs.
• Take the water softener filter out of the tank before you start, if you use one.
• Have enough descaler. De'Longhi says the program "must be completed with the entire rinse cycle", so don't start with half a bottle.
• Empty the drip tray and grounds container first. Bean-to-cup descaling sends a lot of water into them.

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What You Need

The descaler can damage delicate surfaces such as marble, so wipe up spills straight away.

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Step 1: Prepare the Machine

1. Empty and refit the drip tray and the grounds container.
2. Empty the water tank and remove the softener filter.
3. Bean-to-cup models: pour the descaler up to level A, then add water up to level B. Both marks are on the back of the tank.
4. Dedica and Stilosa: pour in the descaler and top up with water to MAX.
5. Refit the tank and put the container under the coffee spouts and the hot water or steam spout.

Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

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Step 2: Start the Program for Your Model

Danger of burns: hot water containing acid comes out of the spouts. Keep your hands clear.

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Step 3: Let the Descaler Run

The machine runs the solution through in stages, pausing between them. Leave it alone.

1. Magnifica S: when its light flashes, turn the hot water/steam dial to I.
2. Dedica: close the steam dial now and then, to push small amounts of solution through the coffee spouts.
3. When the tank is empty, the machine stops and waits for the rinse. On the Dedica, the orange light keeps flashing.

Time: Most of the program
Difficulty: Easy

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Step 4: Rinse Twice, With the Tank at MAX

The rinse is what clears the light. It also flushes the acid out of the water path.

1. Empty the container and put it back.
2. Rinse the water tank and fill it with fresh water to MAX.
3. Start the first rinse (OK, or the button the machine indicates).
4. When it's done, empty the container, refit the softener filter if you use one, and fill the tank to MAX again.
5. Run the second rinse.
6. Empty the drip tray and grounds container. Water in the grounds container after descaling is normal, according to the Duo manual.

Time: 10-15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

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If the Descale Light Won't Go Off

• The machine asks for a third rinse. The tank wasn't filled to MAX during the two rinses. Empty the drip tray first, then follow the screen (Dinamica, Dinamica Plus, Duo). On the Magnifica Start, restart from "Step 3: Second rinse".
• Descaling was interrupted (by a power cut, for example). The Magnifica S and Dedica manuals recommend repeating the cycle. The Dinamica says it "must be completed before the machine can be used", and the Duo asks for the whole procedure again.
• It asks again very soon. Check the water hardness setting against the test strip in the box. The Dinamica manual also notes it "may request descaling cycles at very short intervals. This is normal."

The cross-brand descale light guide covers other makes.

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When to Call De'Longhi

• The general alarm stays on after descaling and cleaning ("Something's not right" on the Duo; the steady triangle on the Magnifica and Dinamica)
• The Dedica's lights all flash and it does nothing: "Disconnect the appliance immediately and contact authorised Customer Services."
• Water leaks from under the machine rather than into the drip tray

The manuals describe no owner repair inside the machine.

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Make Descaling Less Frequent

• Set the water hardness with the test strip at first use.
• Fit a De'Longhi water softener filter and replace it every two months. See the water filter guide.
• Descale when asked. Ignoring it can cause "faults not covered by the manufacturer's guarantee".
• Use fresh, cold drinking water in the tank.

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FAQ

Can I use vinegar to descale a De'Longhi?

No. Every De'Longhi manual read says to use De'Longhi descaler only, and warns that an unsuitable descaler "may result in faults not covered by the manufacturer's guarantee". None offers vinegar as an alternative.

How long does De'Longhi descaling take?

About 25 minutes on the Dedica and Duo, about 30 on the Magnifica Evo, and about 45 on the Dinamica and Stilosa, plus the rinses. Plan for up to an hour with the tank refills.

Why does my De'Longhi want a third rinse?

The tank wasn't filled to MAX for the two rinses, so the machine can't be sure the descaler is gone. Empty the drip tray, fill to MAX and run the rinse it asks for.

How often should I descale my De'Longhi?

When it asks. The machine works it out from your water hardness setting. The Stilosa has no indicator, so its manual says every 200 coffees.

Do I take the water filter out before descaling?

Yes. Remove the softener filter before starting, and put it back for the last rinse. That's the order the Duo and Evo manuals give.

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Related De'Longhi Guides

• De'Longhi Dedica Descaling Guide: the Dedica step by step
• Magnifica Evo Descaling: the Evo in detail
• De'Longhi Error Codes and Lights: every light pattern
• De'Longhi Water Filter Replacement

Sources: De'Longhi instructions for the Magnifica S (ECAM22.11X), Magnifica Start (ECAM22X.2Y), Dinamica (ECAM35X.50), Dinamica Plus (ECAM37X.95), Magnifica Duo (ECAM330.80), Dedica (EC685), Stilosa (EC230/EC260) and La Specialista Arte (EC9155); De'Longhi US FAQ, Magnifica Evo descaling.