De’Longhi explains that a descale warning can stay on when a required stage was skipped or completed too quickly, so the machine did not register the end of the process. This diagnosis applies only after a proper descale has already been performed. For La Specialista models, repeat the programme with water only and fill the tank to MAX for the last two rinses; selected EC9335, EC9355, EC9155 and EC9255 machines also require moving the drink selector one position after the final rinse. Confirm the exact model before using that final action and do not substitute a reset sequence from a different De’Longhi range.
Safety first
- Use a heat-safe container and keep hands away from the coffee, hot-water and steam outlets; the recovery rinse can discharge hot water without warning.
What the symptom may indicate
Checks in the right order
- Confirm the exact La Specialista model
Read the EC number on the rating label and open its manual. Check that the first descale was completed with the specified product before using this water-only recovery procedure.
- Repeat the descale programme with water
Use fresh water instead of another dose of descaler and let each automatic stage finish. Do not press buttons, remove the tank or interrupt power while the programme is running.
- Complete both full rinses
For each of the last two rinses, fill the rinsed tank to MAX with fresh water and allow it to run to completion. An underfilled tank can prevent the alert from clearing.
- Perform the model-specific final action
If the official manual for EC9335, EC9355, EC9155 or EC9255 instructs it, move the drink selector one position after the final rinse. Otherwise follow only the ending shown for your model.
Stop and get qualified help when
- Stop for a leak, uncontrolled steam, damaged tank, cable fault or a light that remains on after the complete water-only sequence; De’Longhi directs the user to an authorised service centre.
Next step
Repair, replace a part, or arrange a diagnosis?
Use the checks and stop conditions above to choose the least costly safe next step. A symptom alone never proves that the appliance has failed.
Resolve it without buying anything
Complete the 4 safe checks in order. If normal operation returns and no warning sign remains, no replacement is indicated.
Replace only the confirmed part
If the checks isolate a worn or blocked component, match its complete reference to the exact appliance model before ordering.
This guide does not identify a replacement part. Do not order a generic component from the symptom alone.
Arrange a diagnosis before replacing the appliance
Stop at any warning sign listed above. A qualified diagnosis should confirm that repair is unsafe, unavailable or uneconomical before an appliance replacement is considered.
Stop and get qualified help when : 1
Compare replacement appliances on AmazonPaid Amazon search. Results are suggestions, not a diagnosis or a recommendation to discard the appliance.Sources used
- De’Longhi — De’Longhi La Specialista support says the process may not have been registered correctly and instructs a water-only repeat with MAX-level water for the last two rinses.
- De’Longhi — De’Longhi specifies the final selector action for La Specialista EC9335, EC9355, EC9155 and EC9255 after the last rinse.
Last checked: 29 August 2026