"Unleash the Ultimate Coffee Experience with De'Longhi"

Congratulations on upgrading to a professional espresso coffee machine from De’Longhi for your home. You can now enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee every day, made from the comfort of your own home, thanks to your new appliance.

However, to ensure consistent, high-quality results and prolong the lifespan of your espresso machine or automatic drip coffee maker, you need to keep your machine clean and well maintained regularly.

Fortunately, you don't need to spend a lot of money on cleaning accessories, especially if you have a De'Longhi machine, which is designed for easy cleaning. By understanding the essentials of coffee machine maintenance, you can save money on cleaning products, and avoid any replacement costs that may arise if you don't take care of your machine.

1. Familiarize yourself with your espresso machine’s components

Whilst you may not be an expert in rewiring or dismantling your machine, it is still essential to know your machine's parts, including the portafilter, group head, steam wand, and drip tray. Coffee grounds are placed in the portafilter, which is then attached to the group head, where hot water is dispensed, before the excess water falls into the drip tray. Milk is aerated through the steam wand.

Becoming familiar with these parts will enable you to identify the areas needing cleaning or descaling when your coffee doesn't deliver the results you expected. You will be able to diagnose and promptly address any issues, ensuring your machine is properly cleaned, fixed, and maintained.

2. Clean your machine after use

Cleaning your machine after every use is essential to maintaining it in the long run. This makes the cleaning process more manageable and less time-consuming.

For instance, clean the portafilter after every shot by removing the espresso grounds and rinsing it with hot water from the group head. Finish off by wiping the basket with a dry cloth. It is also good practice to purge the steam wand before and after aerating milk, making sure to wipe the wand with a wet cloth. These simple steps can prevent the build-up of grime and milk residue on your machine.

3. Deep Clean Your Espresso Machine Occasionally

Occasionally, your coffee machine will require a deep cleanse. This involves cleaning individual parts of the machine with care and thoroughness. Although it is not necessary to clean everything on the list below, >cleaning and maintaining your machine well will improve its optimal operation.

Remember, good maintenance is key to keeping your coffee machine in good condition and producing high-quality coffee consistently. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your daily cup of coffee made using your professional espresso machine for years to come.

Maintaining Your Home Coffee Machine

Cleaning Your Machine

To keep your home coffee machine in top condition, it's important to regularly clean its various components. Here are the essential steps:

• Scrub the group head with a nylon brush to remove any residual coffee grounds and oils.
• Place a blind basket into the portafilter and backflush your machine with water to clean the insides.
• Flush your steam wand with hot water and wipe down thoroughly.
• Remove your drip tray and clean it meticulously.
• For best results, aim to perform a thorough cleanse at least once per week.

• Descaling Your Machine

Over time, mineral deposits in your tap water can build up within your coffee machine and affect the taste of your coffee. In severe cases, limescale buildup can cause damage and obstruct the machine. To prevent this, you need to descale your machine to remove foodstuff inside.

To do this, you'll need a descaler. Be sure to use a product that's supplied or recommended by your machine's manufacturer, like De'Longhi EcoDecalk descaler for De'Longhi machine owners.

Here are the general steps for descaling your machine:

1. Place the descaling solution in the water tank as indicated and add water until the required level.

2. Put a 2L container below the coffee spouts and turn on the espresso machine to allow the machine to dispense the descaling solution out through the brewing unit and the steam wand.

3. Once the descaling cycle is complete, fill the water tank with fresh water and allow the machine to flush it through the system.

4. Your coffee machine will notify you when descaling is required.

Caring for Your Machine: A Little Goes a Long Way

Regular maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan and performance of your home coffee machine. By taking good care of it, you'll be able to continue savoring delicious, high-quality home-brewed coffee for a long time to come.

If you're interested in purchasing a new coffee machine, check out De'Longhi's fully-automatic range. Alternatively, sign up for the De'Longhi Coffee Home Trial to try out the full coffee experience with a complimentary pack of fresh coffee beans. Sign up today!