How to Clean a De’Longhi Espresso Machine

Semi-automatic espresso machines provide coffee lovers with a bistro level coffee experience at home. The choice of which espresso machine to buy–De’Longhi versus Breville–depends on your specific brewing needs. 

But simply knowing how to use a Breville espresso machine, or how to use a De’Longhi espresso machine isn’t enough to make the perfect espresso. You should also learn how to maintain your espresso machine–cleaning them well is important not only to brew perfect espresso shots consistently, but also to ensure that your machine lasts longer and functions at its best. In this article, let’s look at how to clean a De’Longhi Espresso Machine. 

Step-By-Step Instructions to Clean Your De’Longhi Espresso Machine 

De’Longhi espresso machines use a water tank, hot water, steam nozzles, and a filter to dispense the prepared espresso, and steam to froth the milk for specialty drinks such as a cappuccino. 

These working parts of the machine need regular care and maintenance. To avoid any of these parts getting clogged, we suggest you clean them after each use, while still warm, to help remove the debris and loose coffee grounds before they cool and harden. Here are the steps you can follow to unclog and clean your machine:
 

Step 1: Cleaning the Filter 

Remove the filter once you’ve made your espresso and rinse it with warm water to remove any loose coffee grounds. 

Similarly, rinse the filter baskets and use a cleaning pin to unclog them. Wipe them with a soft cloth and make sure they are completely dry before the next use. 

Step 2: Cleaning the Steam Wand 

Loosen the screw of the steam wand and pull it down to remove the sleeve. Wash the sleeve with warm, soapy water and wipe it with a clean cloth to remove all of the debris. 

Once you’ve removed the sleeve, turn the steam button on and use the wand to froth a cup of water. If the water doesn’t froth, there may be a block in the nozzle. Clean any dried milk blocking the nozzle with a cleaning pin and then continue to froth the cup of water. Once this is done, simply place the sleeve back into its position and secure it. 

Step 3: Cleaning the Brew Unit 

Press the release button gently to pull out the brew unit. Wash the unit with a sponge and warm water–you should avoid using any dishwasher detergent to clean the brewing unit. Then, clean the permanent filter at the funnel using a cleaning pin, sponge and warm water. Make sure all the parts are dry before replacing them. 

Step 4: Descaling the Machine 

To avoid damaging mineral build-ups inside the machine, it should be descaled every one or two months depending on your usage and water quality. 

Hard water leads to limescale build-up in the machine that could severely damage parts of your machine. Descaling can be done easily, thanks to the inbuilt descaling program within De’Longhi espresso machines, and you can either use the descaling tablets or the De’Longhi descaling liquid. Here’s how to descale your De’Longhi espresso machine: 

• Add the descaling tablets or liquid to the water in the water tank. 
• Place a jug that can hold at least 1.5 liters of liquid under the steam nozzle. 
• From the settings menu in the machine, select the descaling program and completely open the steam handle so hot water can flow out. It usually takes around 30 minutes to complete the cycle. 
• When the descaling program has finished, it is time to descale the steam handle by dipping the nozzle in water and switching on the steam button to let the descaling steam run through the handle and the nozzle for about 30 seconds. Repeat three times to descale the steam handle thoroughly. 
• After descaling the entire machine, fill the water tank again with clean water. Empty the container previously used and place it back in position under the steam handle. Switch on the flushing program, and water will flow through the machine until the water tank is empty. 

Conclusion 

As with any kitchen appliance, espresso machines should be cleaned regularly. Cleaning your espresso machine might seem like a tedious task, but it is essential to ensure your machine works effectively and lasts as long as possible.