Guide · Espresso machines
How to descale a De'Longhi Dedica: EC685 step by step
De'Longhi Dedica descaling step by step from the EC685 manual: the orange light, the 10-second button hold, the steam dial, the rinse, and descaler prices checked 3 Oct 2026.
If you’re wondering how to descale De’Longhi Dedica machines, the key is a single button and the steam dial. When the orange light on the steam button comes on, you fill the tank with descaler solution, hold the steam button for 10 seconds, and the machine runs a series of rinses and pauses until the tank is empty. Then you rinse with fresh water. We haven’t tested this in person. The steps below are based on De’Longhi’s EC685 Dedica user manual and De’Longhi’s UK FAQ, checked 3 Oct 2026. Check your own manual if you have a different Dedica model. Read how we compare.
When your Dedica needs descaling
The EC685 manual says to descale when the orange light on the steam button comes on. You can also set the machine to your local water hardness in its settings, so it reminds you at the right interval. The manual warns that repairs for limescale damage aren’t covered by the guarantee unless you descale regularly.
What you need
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De’Longhi descaler. The manual says to use De’Longhi descaler only, and to read the instructions on the pack first. At Currys on 3 Oct 2026: De’Longhi EcoDecalk DLSC500 (500ml) was £9.49 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026, prices can change; EcoDecalk Mini DLSC200 (200ml) was £7.99 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026; and EcoDecalk Mini DLSC101 (100ml) was £4.99 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026.
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Water to dilute the descaler, as the pack directs.
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A container to go under the hot water spout and boiler outlet.
Who it isn’t for: anyone tempted by vinegar or a generic descaler. De’Longhi says unsuitable descaler may cause faults not covered by the guarantee.
How to descale De’Longhi Dedica EC685: step by step
These steps follow the EC685 manual.
- Prepare the tank. Remove the water softener filter, if fitted. Fill the tank up to MAX with descaler solution, made by diluting De’Longhi descaler with water.
- Switch on. Press the ON/OFF button.
- Prepare the machine. Make sure the filter holder isn’t attached. Put a container under the hot water spout and boiler outlet.
- Wait for the ready lights. The 1-cup and 2-cup lights come on steadily when the machine is ready.
- Enter descaling mode. Press and hold the steam button for 10 seconds, until the three buttons flash in sequence.
- Open the steam dial. Turn it to the steam/hot water position.
- Start descaling. Press the steam button. The descaler solution comes out of the hot water spout, and the machine runs a series of rinses and pauses until the tank is empty.
- Clean the boiler outlet. The manual says to close the steam dial from time to time during descaling, so small amounts of descaler come from the boiler outlet.
- Wait for it to stop. The machine stops, and the orange light keeps flashing to show descaling isn’t finished yet.
Who it isn’t for: anyone in a rush. De’Longhi’s UK FAQ suggests allowing about 25 to 30 minutes for the whole process.
How to rinse your Dedica after descaling
- Refill with fresh water. Take out the tank, empty it, rinse it under the tap and fill it with fresh water to MAX. Refit the water softener filter if you use one, then put the tank back.
- Empty the container and put it back under the hot water spout.
- Start the rinse. Make sure the steam dial is in the steam/hot water position, then press the steam button.
- Clean the boiler outlet again. Close the steam dial from time to time during the rinse.
- Finish. When the tank is empty, the orange light goes out and descaling is complete. Turn the steam dial back to the closed position (○). The machine is ready.
The manual notes that if you didn’t fill the tank to MAX, the machine may ask for a further rinse, to make sure all the descaler is flushed out. If descaling is interrupted, for example by a power cut, De’Longhi recommends repeating the cycle.
Other Dedica models
De’Longhi’s UK FAQ covers the Dedica Arte with the same general method. We couldn’t confirm the exact steps for the Dedica Duo, so check its manual before you start.
Keeping your Dedica in good shape
- Set the water hardness in the settings so descale reminders match your area.
- Keep the steam wand clean after milk drinks. See how to clean a steam wand.
- Use the water softener filter, if your machine came with one, and replace it as the manual advises.
Where to go next
Read our De’Longhi Dedica EC685 review and browse espresso machines. For other machines, see how to descale a coffee machine and how to descale a De’Longhi Magnifica.
FAQ
What does the orange light on a Dedica mean? On the EC685, the orange light on the steam button means the machine needs descaling.
How long does it take to descale a De’Longhi Dedica? De’Longhi’s UK FAQ suggests about 25 to 30 minutes, including the rinse.
Which button do you hold to descale a Dedica? On the EC685, hold the steam button for 10 seconds, until the three buttons flash in sequence.
Do you need to remove the water filter to descale a Dedica? Yes. The manual says to remove the water softener filter first and refit it for the rinse.