How Clean the DeLonghi Espresso Machine – The Only Guide You Need

Learning How to Clean the DeLonghi Espresso Machine is not a nightmare if you follow the simple guidelines. Apart from getting yourself a fantastic DeLonghi espresso machine, it would be best if you also were prepared well for taking its care and maintenance into consideration. To get the best results and that too for a good long time, you should care for it. Its care includes:

• Regular and timely cleaning.
• Descaling it every 2 to 3 months.
• Not subjecting the machine to overuse.
• Keeping it safe from falling over/switching it off when not in use.

You must know the idea of preheating a machine to get best-in-class coffee every time. This step, if excessively done, might damage the internal parts beyond repair sometimes. We suggest preheating 15 to 20 mins before you want to have a brewed coffee. Avoid keeping it near water or any potentially damaging entity.

This article will talk about how you can clean and keep your DeLonghi machine in good shape. A critical point to do this procedure is to switch off the appliance and unplug it from the switch beforehand to avoid any accidents caused. Make sure to stick around for some fantastic tips and tricks and some FAQs at the end.

Tips on How to Clean the DeLonghi Espresso Machine

Following simple steps and tips can make you an expert on How to Clean the DeLonghi Espresso Machine.

Begin by wiping the external parts:

You can make use of a washcloth or a wet wipe if you want. Clean the housing of your espresso machine and get all the dirt sitting on top wiped off. You can make use of any cleaning solution as well do so. We suggest you use a spray method to distribute the solution on a larger area and effectively. Please do not use soap or detergent solution because it is hard to get rid of the soap, and you do not want to leave the machine wet as it is risky. The best possible way to get all the dirt off, if there is no hard build-up of spilled coffee, is to use a washcloth.

Cleaning the drip tray:

It is easy to leave it like that after every shot is pulled, but it will not be a good idea in the long run. All you need to do is take the drip tray out, rinse it underwater(slowly), and then dry it off or wipe it. To remove any coffee grounds being stuck or build-up present, We suggest you keep it in a solution of vinegar and water or baking soda and water. Keep it there for a while for better results. In a DeLonghi machine, the drip tray comes with a level indicator telling how much water it contains. You need to empty the water collected before it overflows and perhaps causes internal/mechanical damage.

The coffee filter is the next:

Change the filters regularly. For a cleaner approach, use disposable ones instead of reusable ones. Although they are much more affordable and cleaner, the reusable ones are good for the environment. There is a difference of opinion, and you should choose from both choices at your convenience. Using an old filter might not give you good results. To have a smooth and less textured coffee every time, try replacing your coffee filters. Also, using old filters might give your drink a not-so-pleasant taste, thus leaving a weird after-taste in your mouth.

Wash the portafilter:

Cleansing the portafilter is necessary as it might have coffee grounds in the crevices and corners stuck. This might restrict the flow of espresso shots. Rinse it under tap water to wash off any dirt and coffee grounds. Also, wipe the outsides with care using a wet cloth. We, however, suggest you wash the entire thing underwater, including the handle. The step mentioned will save you time.

Make sure the holes are not blocked. If so, you can clean with a pointed object or a pin. Boiler outlet cleaning. Delonghi itself suggests cleaning the boiler outlet after every 200 coffee shots pulled. You can do this by delivering 0.5 l of water from it. For outside, use a cloth to clean it.

Water reservoir cleaning process:

Remove it and empty the water tank to wash it with mild washing agents. after a long time of use, it can develop a whitish crusty build-up which is not something we want. The build-up will perhaps also change the taste of your coffee. Please leave it to dry off for a while before using. It would be best to clean the water reservoir only once a month with a mild washing solution.

The insides need your attention too.

Here we are talking about pulling a blank shot to clean the water and shot outlet. Let the hot water run through the places where coffee has been. This will help you to remove any build-up that forms due to regular usage. You will not have to call someone to help you get in there. 

Also, this will further clean the filter and filter holder of any left-out build-up. Make sure to place a cup to catch the hot water to avoid any spilling. Since you cannot reach such small places yourself, we suggest adding vinegar into the water and pulling a shot. The hot water and vinegar will get rid of any microbes and substances not liked in your beverage.

Descaling the espresso machine:

Provided that you are an avid espresso machine user and make use of it daily, a deep cleaning session becomes necessary. An excellent deep cleaning session will increase the lifetime of your espresso machine. Generally speaking, these machines last for about 2 to 3 years, considering that you use them generally with a deep clean every 3 to 4 months. Let us take you through the steps for doing so.

Here is how you should correctly descale:

1. Fill the tank with a descaler solution or use the black vinegar solution as one for convenience.
2. Press the on/off button for the process to begin.
3. Look for the filter and the holder to be not attached
4. Let the solution be brewed as a coffee would generally do.
5. Pull the shot.
6. After the machine has done making the shot, dry it for some time and cool it down before making the subsequent use.

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Final words:

Make sure that your espresso machine is cleaned as we stated after the end of each day. This is important for the purpose of maintaining hygiene and increasing the life of your machine as well. Leftover milk and coffee grounds/beans might restrict the flow of coffee shot into your mug and give it a bad after-taste. Perhaps this is due to the dirt and bacterial growth.

We want to share a parting tip to not descale your machine regularly instead of cleaning it as we started to save time. This will do the opposite of increasing your machines’ lifetime, and you surely would not want that. We are sure that you can make your machine last longer and perform better if you do the steps and tricks religiously.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

How to make a descaling solution?

Being a fundamental solution, it has to be in controlled proportions. Especially the vinegar needs to be either equal to or less than the amount of water. The right amount that we suggest is one universally accepted, which is 50:50. Mix 50 % water with 50% vinegar and make a concoction. Pour it into the water reservoir and pull a shot.

What cleaning agent is suitable for the best results?

Any cleaning agent will do. You can also use regular water with a washcloth to clean it. It is better to transfer the water in a spray bottle to use less water firstly and in a controlled manner. Secondly, to avoid the water from entering into the intricacies of the machine, which is the electrical parts. Avoid making the plug wet, and instead, we would ask you to unplug the unit first for your safety.

Can I use my espresso machine after deep cleaning?

Yes, you can use your Breville espresso machine after a deep cleaning session. Once you have dried it completely, you can begin using it usually. If you begin using it without drying, the vinegar might alter the taste of your coffee, which is not something one would prefer.

How often should a descaler solution be used?

Choosing a descaling solution depends on the hardness of the water and the frequency of machine usage. However, DeLonghi suggests using a descaler solution after 300 coffee shots or when you see the machine not performing like before. We suggest you use DeLonghi’s descaling solution, as it has been specially made for the purpose.