De'Longhi coffee machines deal with the same problem as any machine that heats water: scale. Minerals from water collect inside the system, and over time that buildup can affect flow, temperature, and taste.
Many De'Longhi machines have a descaling light or menu reminder. When that alert appears, follow the instructions for your exact model. Pump espresso machines, automatic espresso machines, and drip-style coffee machines do not all use the same sequence.
The descaler does the internal work. It moves through the water tank, boiler or heating system, internal tubing, and coffee outlet. Wiping the outside of the machine will not solve internal scale.
A purpose-made coffee machine descaler is better than random household cleaners. De'Longhi's own support points owners to its brand-specific descaling solution, so check your manual if warranty language matters.
Cleaner tablets are useful for regular coffee-machine care because they are simple and pre-measured. You dissolve the tablet in water, run the cleaning cycle or brew path without coffee, then rinse with clean water.
Pay attention to the rinse. Espresso machines have smaller internal paths than basic drip machines, so leftover cleaning solution can affect taste quickly. Run enough clean water through the machine before making coffee.
If your machine starts taking longer to brew, makes unusual noises, shows a descaling alert, or produces coffee that tastes flat, it is time to clean the water path.
For the broader product path, see our coffee maker cleaners and natural descalers, or read why coffee makers need cleaning and descaling.
