A DeLonghi espresso machine is one of the best espresso brewing machines on the market. But, to maintain the functionality of the machine, you need to clean it every once in a while. If you are a new DeLonghi espresso machine user, there could be a high chance that you do not know how to clean a Delonghi espresso machine. So, here is a quick guide:
- Make a solution of vinegar and water with one-third vinegar and two-thirds water.
- Put the solution in the machine’s water reservoir.
- Put the machine on descale/clean mode.
- Let the cycle run.
- Repeat the cycle two to three times.
- Take out the solution from the machine.
- Rinse the machine by adding fresh warm water to the reservoir.
- Unplug the machine and then plug it back in.
Further in this article, you will get to know more about the cleaning procedure of the DeLonghi espresso machine. So, make sure to read till the end and take it all away.
Things Required to Clean A Delonghi Espresso Machine
The first thing to do before carrying on with any process, you need to equip yourself with the things required. For the cleaning process of the DeLonghi espresso machine, you will need the following things at the ready;
- Vinegar.
- Fresh Water.
- Nylon Brush.
- Small Fabric.
- Descaling Agent.
How To Clean Your DeLonghi Espresso Machine? Step-by-Step
Ready The Machine Parts
1. Reservoir
The water storage part of the machine is known as the reservoir. You will need to detach this part first to clean it. This is also the part from where the water is taken to brew the coffee while in the cycle.
2. Filter
A Filter is the part of the machine where the coffee passes from last and where the impurities and solids from the brewed coffee are collected. Take this part out after detaching the reservoir. You need to thoroughly clean this part because it has the most residue and remains of the coffee.
3. Frother
If you are a coffee consumer who likes milk in their coffee, then you would most probably use the frother. In this case, you will need to detach the frother from the machine as well. Then, before cleaning pass some fresh warm water through it.
4. Brew Head
The brew head is the part where the coffee is brewed with the coffee beans and water from the reservoir. You will not have to disassemble this part, this is where the descaling agent will go.
5. Outer Machine Area
The outside of the espresso machine needs to be cleaned as well. There is not much preparation for this, you just have to wipe it before applying the solution. And also use nylon and a soft brush to rub the surface if you want to. Preferably, you should use cloth or a small fabric instead of a brush.
Watch This Video: How To Clean Your DeLonghi Espresso Machine?
The process to Clean a Delonghi Espresso Machine
- Step-1: The first step in the process is to mix the vinegar and water with a one-third and two-thirds ratio. This will turn into a descaling agent.
- Step 2: Now, you will need to put the solution in the reservoir and start the brew cycle.
- Step 3: Clean the reservoir using a brush while the solution is still in there.
- Step 4: Repeat the process two or three times.
- Step 5: Take the used solution out of the machine.
- Step 6: Rinse the machine using warm fresh water. You can put it in a reservoir and then start the brew cycle.
- Step-7: To clean the outsides, you can use the cloth and dip it in the solution to wipe off the dirt. After that, rinse it with fresh water and use the brush.
- Step 8: Unplug the machine and after that, plug it back in to restart it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Should You Clean Your DeLonghi Espresso Machine?
When you use an espresso machine frequently times, the oil from the coffee beans and its residue gets stuck in the machine. This residue could even reach the heating system of your machine and other vital parts as well.
To counter this, the descaling process is used through which the residue is gotten out of the machine. If this residue is left unattended, it could damage the machine long-term or it could even make it dysfunctional.
This mainly happens because the residue hinders the functioning units of the machine. You can take the example of the filter which could get clogged by this residue. Another example could be the heating system which could get covered by residue. This could render it dysfunctional.
How Often Should You Clean The Machine?
Cleaning the machine is very important if you want to keep your espresso brewing machine efficient and long-lasting. This is considered important because when constant coffee brewing is carried out with such a machine, the oil residues get stuck in the machine and could prove to be a hindrance in the future for you.
It would be safe to say that cleaning your machine after every 20 to 35 usages is optimal, but if you somehow go over these usages, make sure that you don’t use it more than 40 times before cleaning. That would make your machine’s life long and efficient.
Should I unscrew the brew head?
While cleaning the espresso machine many people think that they have to take everything apart, especially while cleaning the brewing part.
So, disregard the misunderstanding and keep in mind that you do not have to unscrew the brew head to clean that part because the oil residues do not go into the brew head itself.
Can I use Sodium Bicarbonate instead of detergent?
Can I use Sodium Bicarbonate instead of detergent?
Is a discolored head gasket a problem?
If you observe the head gasket of your coffee machine discoloring, it means that your gasket is getting old and is starting to wear out. So, you should get it fixed as soon as possible because it could ruin your future with coffee. After all, the machine could become dysfunctional.
Does vinegar damage espresso machines?
Vinegar can damage your espresso machine, but it depends on the type. If you are using white vinegar, you can rest free, this does not damage the machine.
But, other types of vinegar could damage your machine’s rubber parts to some extent because of their intensity. So, refrain from using vinegar any other than white one.
Conclusion
DeLonghi espresso machines are reputed and popular in the market because of their effective functioning and also due to their good manufacturing. If the machine is not cleaned thoroughly and regularly, it is bound to create problems in the future.
To tackle this, you can make a schedule or a routine to clean or descale your machine after some adequate amount of usage.
For most of the users, that certain amount of usage is 35 to 40. It could vary depending on the workload your machine can handle, but descaling or cleaning is very important. So, make sure you do not leave the cleaning o the machine unattended.
