Descaling the De'Longhi Magnifica and Dinamica: the steps and a light that stays on

De'Longhi itself says the procedure differs by model. So first check which type number is on the underside of your machine. Below are the models we were able to check. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

What do you need?

EcoDecalk Mini (2 x 100 ml) One 100 ml bottle per descale: up to level A in the tank, then water up to level B. €6,95 View EcoDecalk Mini EcoDecalk 500 ml The same product in a larger bottle: for each descale, also use it up to level A. €11,45 View EcoDecalk 500 ml

Also have an empty container of at least 2 litres ready. De'Longhi advises against vinegar and citric acid, and an unsuitable product may not be covered by the warranty.

Magnifica S (ECAM22.110)

The red flashing light on the descale button means descaling is needed.

1. Switch the machine on. Empty the drip tray and the coffee grounds container and put them back.
2. Empty the water tank and remove the filter. Add descaler up to level A and water up to level B and put the tank back.
3. Place the container under the milk spout and the coffee spout. Wait until the coffee lights are on continuously.
4. Hold the descale button for at least 5 seconds. If the rotary dial light flashes, turn the dial to I.
5. The programme runs by itself. If it stops and the lights flash, turn the rotary dial back to 0.
6. Empty the container. Rinse the tank, fill it with fresh water up to MAX and put it back.
7. Hold the button again for at least 5 seconds until the light flashes, and turn the rotary dial to I to rinse.
8. Put the filter back and fill the tank up to MAX. Some water in the coffee grounds container is normal.

Magnifica Evo (ECAM29X.6Y and .8Y)

The red light on the control panel comes on. Allow about 30 minutes. Once started, the cycle cannot be interrupted.

1. Check that the water spout is fitted and hold the descale button for at least 5 seconds until the light flashes rapidly.
2. Empty the drip tray and the coffee grounds container. Empty the tank and remove the filter.
3. Add descaler up to level A and water up to level B. Place the container under the spouts and press the button to start.
4. First rinse: empty the container, rinse the tank, fill it with fresh drinking water up to MAX and press the button.
5. Second rinse: empty the container, fill the tank up to MAX, put your filter back and press the button.
6. Finished when the pre-ground function light is on. Empty all containers and put them back.

Dinamica with display (ECAM35X.55 and .75)

The light stays on

1. According to De'Longhi, descaling was then probably skipped, done too quickly or not finished.
2. Repeat the procedure with water only: the descaler has already done its work in the pipes. For the last two rinses, fill the tank up to MAX.
3. Check that the float is in the tank: the black, movable part that detects the water.
4. If the light stays on, contact De'Longhi.

This advice does not name specific models. Does the light flash often instead? Then check whether the water hardness setting suits your water. We did not find a way to reset the light per model without descaling.