{
  "id": "ec685-descale",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Run the specified descaling cycle",
  "deviceFamily": "coffee",
  "intent": "Maintenance",
  "summary": "Use the orange-light program, complete two separate fresh-water rinses, and record each rinse before returning to coffee.",
  "modelApplicability": [
    "ec685-international"
  ],
  "modelDetails": [
    {
      "id": "ec685-international",
      "family": "coffee",
      "brand": "De’Longhi",
      "series": "Dedica",
      "label": "Dedica EC685 / EC685 EX:4 · International manual",
      "region": "English International manual 57132C8997_01_0626; regional nameplate must match",
      "componentVersion": "Three buttons, steam dial, removable frother and tabbed perforated filter as pictured in this manual",
      "manual": "dedica-manual",
      "help": "With the machine cool, empty and unplugged, check the underside nameplate for EC685 or EC685 EX:4. Compare the frother and tabbed filter with the linked manual. The support page is on a US domain but its download is English International. Use the manual supplied for your regional appliance; no US voltage or electrical compatibility is inferred.",
      "exclusions": [
        "EC680",
        "Dedica Arte EC885",
        "Maestro EC950",
        "Modified steam wand",
        "Different filter design",
        "Regional instructions that differ from this manual"
      ],
      "recognitionSource": "dedica-support"
    }
  ],
  "exclusions": [
    "EC680",
    "Dedica Arte EC885",
    "Maestro EC950",
    "Modified steam wand",
    "Different filter design",
    "Regional instructions that differ from this manual"
  ],
  "prerequisites": [
    "Confirm the nameplate and your regional manual before connecting the appliance. The English International download on a US support page does not establish US electrical compatibility.",
    "For handling or external cleaning: stop delivery, switch off, unplug and wait until the appliance and removable parts are cool. Follow the separate powered steps only after reassembly.",
    "Allow time to finish the descaler phase and both fresh-water rinses without interruption. Read the descaler label before handling it.",
    "For a cycle already interrupted by power loss, use the recovery note for your exact nameplate version at the end of §12; do not declare it rinsed or ready from the lights alone."
  ],
  "tools": [
    "Heat-resistant collection container with at least 1 litre capacity",
    "Protection for delicate work surfaces"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "De’Longhi descaler with its original dilution and safety instructions",
    "Fresh clean water for two full rinses and the final refill"
  ],
  "checks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "prompt": "Is the appliance undamaged, with delivery stopped and parts cool and unplugged for any hands-on work?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11; p14 §14",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "manual-match",
          "advice": "Keep hands clear of outlets during the specific powered water or steam steps below."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "service",
          "advice": "Stop for a damaged cord, burning smell, liquid leaking from the appliance body, all lights flashing while the machine does not work, or a holder that remains hot or pressurized. Disconnect when safe and contact De’Longhi Customer Services. Keep the casing, boiler and internal steam circuit closed."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "manual-match",
      "prompt": "Does your EC685 or EC685 EX:4 match English International manual 57132C8997_01_0626, including the three buttons, original frother and tabbed filter?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-support",
      "sourceLocator": "Support center: English (International) Instructions for use; manual pp3,6 §1",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-1",
          "advice": "Continue only with the controls and parts pictured in this manual."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Find the manual supplied for your region and component version. This guide cannot confirm a different version."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-1",
      "prompt": "Is the orange steam-button light flashing to request descaling, with the machine otherwise functioning normally?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §12; p12 §13",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "Use the full procedure, including both rinse cycles."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Identify a different indication in §13. For an interrupted cycle, follow the exact-version recovery note in §12 before resuming."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "prompt": "Do you have the De’Longhi descaler label, enough fresh rinse water and a collection container of at least 1 litre?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §12",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Protect the surface and keep the machine attended during hot discharge."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Gather the specified supplies first; the site does not provide a substitute acid or vinegar ratio."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "branches": [
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "manual-match"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "service"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-1"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-2"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "steps"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    }
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "title": "Prepare the outlets and optional filter",
      "text": "With delivery stopped and removable parts cool, detach the filter holder. If the optional tank softener was fitted, remove it and set it aside for the second rinse. Record whether it was present. Put the collection container under both the steam/hot-water dispenser and the coffee outlet.",
      "observation": "Both discharge paths reach the container, the holder is off, and the optional softener status is known.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §12 step1; p11 §12 step10",
      "requiredFields": [
        "softener-before"
      ],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Mix only as the descaler label directs",
      "text": "Read the De’Longhi descaler packaging. Prepare its solution with the instructed product quantity and water up to the tank MAX mark shown in figure25. Wipe any spill from delicate surfaces immediately.",
      "observation": "The product label and the manual’s MAX fill have both been followed; no concentration is guessed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp10–11 §12 warnings, step2 and fig25",
      "requiredFields": [
        "descaler-label-followed"
      ],
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Enter the descale controls",
      "text": "Reassemble the tank and use the normal power controls. Hold the steam button B5 for 10 seconds, until all three buttons flash in sequence.",
      "observation": "Sequential flashing identifies entry to the menu; the brew buttons are not the program start control.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 step3; p6 §1.2",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Open the dial and start",
      "text": "Turn the steam dial to the steam/hot-water symbol, then press the steam button to start descaling. Keep hands and face away from the outlets.",
      "observation": "Descaler begins discharging through the steam/hot-water dispenser in the automatic program.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 steps4–6",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Let the descaler phase finish",
      "text": "Let the automatic intermittent program run until the tank empties. From time to time close the dial briefly so a small amount of descaler passes through the coffee outlet, then reopen it. Watch the container without reaching into the hot flow.",
      "observation": "Delivery stops while the orange light continues flashing; this means fresh-water rinsing is still required.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 step6 and following note",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Prepare fresh water for rinse one",
      "text": "Safely empty the collection container and return it under both outlets. Remove the tank, empty remaining solution and rinse the tank under running water. Fill it to MAX with fresh clean water and reseat it. Keep the optional softener out for this first rinse.",
      "observation": "The first rinse uses a fresh tank of clean water and an emptied collection container.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 steps7–8; fig26; step10",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-6"
    },
    {
      "title": "Run and record rinse one",
      "text": "With the dial at the steam/hot-water symbol, press the steam button to start the first rinse. Periodically close and reopen the dial to send small amounts through the coffee outlet as instructed. Let the cycle finish before proceeding.",
      "observation": "The first fresh-water rinse has finished; one more fresh-water rinse is required.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 step9",
      "requiredFields": [
        "rinse-one-complete"
      ],
      "id": "step-7"
    },
    {
      "title": "Prepare the second fresh-water tank",
      "text": "Empty and replace the collection container. Empty and rinse the water tank again, then fill it to MAX with fresh water. If the optional softener was fitted before descaling, reinsert it for this second rinse, then seat the tank.",
      "observation": "This is a second fresh refill; a previously fitted softener is back in the tank.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 step10 repeating steps7–9; fig26",
      "requiredFields": [
        "second-rinse-filter"
      ],
      "id": "step-8"
    },
    {
      "title": "Run and record rinse two",
      "text": "Keep the dial at the steam/hot-water symbol and press the steam button to run the second rinse. Again route small quantities through the coffee outlet by briefly closing and reopening the dial. Allow this rinse to finish.",
      "observation": "Both separate fresh-water rinse cycles are complete.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 steps9–10",
      "requiredFields": [
        "rinse-two-complete"
      ],
      "id": "step-9"
    },
    {
      "title": "Check the completion indication",
      "text": "At the end, when the tank is empty, verify that the orange light has gone out and the one-cup and two-cup lights flash. Record the orange-light completion separately from the rinse confirmations.",
      "observation": "A persistent orange light or interrupted rinse means the process is not complete.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 step11",
      "requiredFields": [
        "orange-light-off"
      ],
      "id": "step-10"
    },
    {
      "title": "Close the dial and refill",
      "text": "Close the steam dial to ○. Fill the tank with fresh clean water up to MAX and seat it normally before making a drink.",
      "observation": "The dial is closed, fresh water is restored and no descaler remains awaiting a rinse.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 steps12–13; p6 §2",
      "requiredFields": [
        "final-refill"
      ],
      "id": "step-11"
    },
    {
      "title": "Save the result and any interruption",
      "text": "Record the date. If the sequence did not finish, keep normal drink preparation paused and use §12’s exact-version recovery instructions or Customer Services. The base EC685 note recommends repeating an incomplete cycle; EX:4 resumes descaling after power returns and must finish.",
      "observation": "Two rinse records and the final indication support a completed process; an interrupted process remains unresolved.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 recovery notes",
      "requiredFields": [
        "descaled-on"
      ],
      "id": "step-12"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "Two fresh-water rinse cycles are individually confirmed; a previously fitted softener returned for the second rinse.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp10–11 §12 steps1–13; figs25–26; p12 §13"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "The orange light went out, the steam dial is closed and the tank holds fresh water.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp10–11 §12 steps1–13; figs25–26; p12 §13"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-3",
      "text": "An interrupted or incomplete sequence remains a preparation or service record until the manual’s recovery process is complete.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp10–11 §12 steps1–13; figs25–26; p12 §13"
    }
  ],
  "stopConditions": [
    "Stop for a damaged cord, burning smell, liquid leaking from the appliance body, all lights flashing while the machine does not work, or a holder that remains hot or pressurized. Disconnect when safe and contact De’Longhi Customer Services. Keep the casing, boiler and internal steam circuit closed."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "dedica-manual",
      "title": "De’Longhi EC685 / EC685 EX:4 instructions (57132C8997_01_0626)",
      "url": "https://library.delonghigroup.com/assetbank-delonghi/action/directLinkImage?assetId=296204&download=true",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Sections 2–4, 7–8, 11–14: exact-version archived manual reviewed for setup, cleaning, descaling, rinses and troubleshooting",
      "license": "Manufacturer copyright. Original workflow based on manual facts; PDF not redistributed.",
      "region": "English International",
      "locator": "pp10–11 §12 steps1–13; figs25–26; p12 §13"
    },
    {
      "id": "dedica-support",
      "title": "Dedica Style EC685.TB EX:4 support center",
      "url": "https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/s/EC685.TB%20EX%3A4",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Official entry to the English International manual, not proof of US electrical specifications",
      "license": "Linked only.",
      "region": "English International",
      "locator": "EC685.TB EX:4 → English (International) → Instructions for use, 57132C8997_01_0626"
    }
  ],
  "assets": [
    {
      "path": "/assets/coffee/descale-rinses.svg",
      "title": "Descale, first rinse, second rinse",
      "alt": "Descaler phase followed by two separate tanks of fresh rinse water. A previously fitted softener returns for the second rinse. The orange light goes out before the dial is closed and the tank refilled.",
      "kind": "Original schematic of user-accessible parts or control sequence; not to scale",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "See the individual task steps for the corresponding manual figures and sections."
    }
  ],
  "relatedIds": [
    "ec685-after-care",
    "ec685-water-tank",
    "ec685-no-coffee"
  ],
  "specs": [
    {
      "name": "Collection-container minimum",
      "value": 1,
      "unit": "litres",
      "condition": "Collect discharge from both outlets.",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §12 table and step1",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual"
    },
    {
      "name": "Steam-button hold to enter menu",
      "value": 10,
      "unit": "seconds",
      "condition": "Until all three buttons flash in sequence.",
      "sourceLocator": "p11 §12 step3",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual"
    }
  ],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "ec685-descale",
  "locator": "pp10–11 §12 steps1–13; figs25–26; p12 §13",
  "recordRules": [
    {
      "when": {
        "field": "softener-before",
        "value": "present"
      },
      "require": {
        "field": "second-rinse-filter",
        "value": "reinserted"
      },
      "message": "A softener was fitted before descaling: reinsert it for the second fresh-water rinse and record that step.",
      "resultGate": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "when": {
        "field": "softener-before",
        "value": "absent"
      },
      "require": {
        "field": "second-rinse-filter",
        "value": "not-fitted"
      },
      "message": "No softener was fitted before descaling: record that no previous softener required reinsertion for the second rinse.",
      "resultGate": "prepared"
    }
  ],
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "softener-before",
      "label": "Optional softener before descaling",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "present",
          "label": "Fitted and removed for descaling"
        },
        {
          "value": "absent",
          "label": "Not fitted"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "descaler-label-followed",
      "label": "De’Longhi descaler label and MAX fill followed",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "id": "rinse-one-complete",
      "label": "First separate fresh-water rinse finished",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-7"
    },
    {
      "id": "second-rinse-filter",
      "label": "Softener for the second rinse",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-8",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "reinserted",
          "label": "Previously fitted softener reinserted"
        },
        {
          "value": "not-fitted",
          "label": "No softener was previously fitted"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "rinse-two-complete",
      "label": "Second separate fresh-water rinse finished",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-9"
    },
    {
      "id": "orange-light-off",
      "label": "Orange light went out at completion",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-10"
    },
    {
      "id": "final-refill",
      "label": "Dial closed to ○ and tank refilled with fresh water",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-11"
    },
    {
      "id": "descaled-on",
      "label": "Descaling date",
      "type": "date",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-12"
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [
    {
      "name": "De’Longhi descaler",
      "specification": "Use the product packaging for dose and dilution; the manual shows solution filled to MAX.",
      "fit": "The §12 program for this exact English International EC685 / EC685 EX:4 manual.",
      "exclude": "Vinegar, guessed acid ratios, other descalers or another model’s rinse program.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp10–11 §12 warnings and step2"
    },
    {
      "name": "Fresh clean water",
      "specification": "Fill the tank no higher than MAX.",
      "fit": "EC685 / EC685 EX:4 matching this manual.",
      "exclude": "Do not operate with an empty tank or with the tank removed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §2"
    }
  ],
  "maintenance": {
    "trigger": "The orange steam-button light flashes for descaling.",
    "intervalText": "Descale when the orange indicator requests it; the manual does not assign a fixed number of weeks. Complete two fresh-water rinse cycles each time.",
    "basis": "manufacturer",
    "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
    "sourceLocator": "pp10–11 §12; p12 §13"
  },
  "outcomes": [
    "Two fresh-water rinse cycles are individually confirmed; a previously fitted softener returned for the second rinse.",
    "The orange light went out, the steam dial is closed and the tank holds fresh water.",
    "An interrupted or incomplete sequence remains a preparation or service record until the manual’s recovery process is complete."
  ],
  "fitChecks": [
    {
      "id": "manual",
      "label": "Manual and region",
      "accepted": "international-57132",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "international-57132",
          "label": "EC685 / EX:4: English International 57132C8997_01_0626 matches my appliance"
        },
        {
          "value": "different",
          "label": "My manual revision, region or model differs"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "The US support-domain link serves an English International manual. It does not establish US electrical compatibility."
    },
    {
      "id": "parts",
      "label": "Controls and removable parts",
      "accepted": "original",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "original",
          "label": "Original three buttons, steam dial, removable frother and tabbed filter insert"
        },
        {
          "value": "modified",
          "label": "Modified steam wand or different filter"
        },
        {
          "value": "other",
          "label": "EC680, EC885, EC950 or other controls"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "Compare the removable parts and control illustrations before following a cleaning sequence."
    }
  ]
}