Guide · Bean-to-cup machines
How to descale a De'Longhi Magnifica: Evo, Start and Magnifica S step by step
De'Longhi Magnifica descaling step by step from De'Longhi's manuals and FAQs, for the Magnifica Evo, Magnifica Start and Magnifica S, with descaler prices checked 3 Oct 2026.
If you need to know how to descale De’Longhi Magnifica machines, the process is similar across the range: descaler and water go in the tank, you hold a button for five seconds to start, and the machine runs a descaling phase followed by rinses. The Magnifica Evo prompts you through it, while the Magnifica Start and Magnifica S use buttons and the steam dial. We haven’t tested this in person. The steps below are based on De’Longhi’s UK FAQ for the Magnifica Evo and the user manuals for the Magnifica Start (ECAM220) and Magnifica S (ECAM22.110), checked 3 Oct 2026. Read how we compare.
What you need
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De’Longhi descaler. De’Longhi’s instructions use its own descaler. 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 make up the solution, and fresh water for the rinses.
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A large container. For the Magnifica Evo, De’Longhi says it should hold at least 2 litres.
Who it isn’t for: anyone thinking of using vinegar. Use the descaler De’Longhi recommends, and check your manual.
How to descale De’Longhi Magnifica Evo: step by step
These steps follow De’Longhi’s UK FAQ. It says the whole process takes about 30 minutes and can’t be interrupted once started.
- Remove the water filter, if you use one.
- Start descaling mode. Press and hold the descale button for 5 seconds. The machine then prompts you through the next steps.
- Empty the drip tray and grounds container, then refit them.
- Add descaler and water. Pour descaler into the tank up to level A (one 100ml pack), then add water up to level B (about 1 litre).
- Place your container, holding at least 2 litres, under the coffee spouts and hot water outlet.
- Start the cycle. Press to confirm. The descaling phase takes about 15 minutes.
- First rinse. When prompted, empty the container, rinse the tank and fill it to MAX with fresh water. Press to start rinse 1.
- Second rinse. Refit the water filter if you use one, fill the tank to MAX again and run rinse 2.
- Done. Empty the drip tray and container. The machine is ready.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who needs a coffee soon. Allow about 30 minutes from start to finish.
How to descale De’Longhi Magnifica Start: step by step
These steps follow the Magnifica Start (ECAM220) manual.
- Start descaling mode. Press and hold the descale button (marked B4 in the manual) for 5 seconds.
- Add descaler and water. Pour descaler to level A in the tank, then water to level B.
- Place a container under the outlets.
- Turn the steam dial to the “I” position. The descaling phase runs for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse. When prompted, refill the tank with fresh water and follow the prompts, turning the dial between the “0” and “I” positions as the manual describes.
- Done. When the rinse finishes, the machine returns to normal.
How to descale De’Longhi Magnifica S: step by step
These steps follow the Magnifica S (ECAM22.110) manual and De’Longhi’s FAQ.
- Start descaling mode. Press and hold the descale button for 5 seconds.
- Add descaler and water to the tank, as marked in the manual.
- Place a container under the outlets and turn the steam dial to the “I” position. The descaling solution runs through in stages.
- When prompted, turn the dial to the “0” position.
- Rinse twice. Refill the tank with fresh water and run the rinse with the dial at “I”, then “0”, as the manual describes. Repeat for the second rinse.
De’Longhi’s FAQ puts the whole process at about 45 minutes, with the descaling phase itself taking around 25 minutes according to the manual.
Who it isn’t for: owners of the Magnifica Evo or Start. Their steps are different, so use the sections above.
How often to descale, and water hardness
Your Magnifica tells you when it needs descaling, based on its water hardness setting. De’Longhi’s machines come with a test strip, and the Evo’s default setting is 4, the hardest, on a scale of 1 to 4. Setting it correctly can mean fewer alerts in soft-water areas. On the Magnifica S, the manual says you set water hardness by holding the B5 button for 5 seconds with the machine switched off.
If your model takes a water filter, check your manual for the right filter and how often to change it.
Where to go next
Read our De’Longhi Magnifica Start review and Magnifica Evo review, or compare the De’Longhi Rivelia vs Magnifica Evo. For other machines, see how to descale a coffee machine and our bean-to-cup machines guide.
FAQ
How long does it take to descale a De’Longhi Magnifica? De’Longhi says about 30 minutes for the Magnifica Evo and about 45 minutes for the Magnifica S.
How much descaler does a Magnifica Evo need? De’Longhi’s FAQ says to fill to level A (one 100ml pack), then add water to level B.
Can you stop a Magnifica Evo descale halfway? De’Longhi says the cycle can’t be interrupted once started, so allow enough time.
Do you need to remove the water filter? Yes, for the Magnifica Evo. De’Longhi says to remove it before descaling and refit it for the second rinse.