{
  "id": "ec685-frother-clean",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Clean the removable milk frother",
  "deviceFamily": "coffee",
  "intent": "Maintenance",
  "summary": "Purge with the normal controls, cool the frother, then check the removable nozzle holes and secure reassembly.",
  "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."
  ],
  "tools": [
    "Soft cloth",
    "Pin for the holes identified in figure19 only"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "Clean water for the removable parts"
  ],
  "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": "Does the original outer frother and removable rubber nozzle match figures17–19?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2; figs17–19",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "Use only the removable parts shown."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "A modified wand or different frother needs its matching cleaning instructions."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "prompt": "Can you carry out the normal short purge safely, then switch off, unplug and wait for full cooling?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2 steps1–2",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Separate the powered purge from all hands-on work."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Provide a stable container and sufficient cooling time before beginning."
        },
        {
          "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": "Purge with the frother attached",
      "text": "With the machine assembled, put an empty container under the frother. Use the steam button and wait for its steady white ready light. Open the dial for a few seconds to clear trapped milk, then close it to ○. Keep hands clear.",
      "observation": "The short purge is finished and the dial is closed before any part is handled.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2 step1, referencing §7 points2,5,6",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Cool before removal",
      "text": "Switch off with the main switch, unplug and wait for the frother to cool. The manual says to wait a few minutes; confirm the part is actually cool before touching it.",
      "observation": "The frother is cool and steam is off. A hot or pressurized part stays attached.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2 step2; p10 §11",
      "requiredFields": [
        "frother-cool"
      ],
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Release the outer frother",
      "text": "Hold the wand still with one hand. Twist the cool outer frother counter-clockwise with the other, then pull it down as in figure17.",
      "observation": "The outer frother releases normally without bending the wand.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2 step2; fig17",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Remove and inspect the nozzle",
      "text": "Pull the rubber nozzle down from the wand. Push the ring up and inspect the holes indicated in figure19. Clear those holes with a pin if needed and remove visible milk residue from the removable pieces.",
      "observation": "The indicated holes are open; no tool is pushed into the internal steam circuit.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2 steps3–4; figs18–19",
      "requiredFields": [
        "nozzle-condition"
      ],
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Refit nozzle, ring and outer frother",
      "text": "Refit the nozzle, move the ring down, then place the outer frother over the nozzle. Turn and push it upward until it clicks into place.",
      "observation": "All removed pieces are present and the outer frother is securely latched.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2 step5",
      "requiredFields": [
        "frother-latched"
      ],
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Keep the after-use routine",
      "text": "Record the cleaning date. Repeat the purge, cooling and removable-part cleaning after every milk use, including hot milk without froth.",
      "observation": "The next milk use begins with a clean and correctly fitted frother.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §§7.1–7.2",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "The documented removable holes are clear and the cooling prerequisite was met.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2; figs17–19; p10 §11"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "The nozzle, ring and outer frother are present and secure before further steam use.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2; figs17–19; p10 §11"
    }
  ],
  "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": "p8 §7.2; figs17–19; p10 §11"
    },
    {
      "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/frother-parts.svg",
      "title": "Cool frother: removable parts and ring",
      "alt": "The outer frother releases counter-clockwise and down after cooling. The rubber nozzle pulls down. Refit the nozzle, lower the ring, then push and turn the outer frother until secure.",
      "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-no-froth",
    "ec685-cool-after-steam",
    "ec685-after-care"
  ],
  "specs": [],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "ec685-milk",
  "locator": "p8 §7.2; figs17–19; p10 §11",
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "frother-cool",
      "label": "Frother cooled with the appliance switched off and unplugged",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "id": "nozzle-condition",
      "label": "Nozzle holes after cleaning",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-4",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "clear",
          "label": "Clear of visible milk residue"
        },
        {
          "value": "blocked",
          "label": "Still blocked; support needed",
          "resultGate": "service"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "frother-latched",
      "label": "Nozzle, ring and outer frother are correctly refitted",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "id": "cleaned-on",
      "label": "Frother cleaning date",
      "type": "date",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [
    {
      "name": "Soft cloth",
      "specification": "Dampen for the exterior; use a clean cloth to dry removable parts.",
      "fit": "External surfaces and removable parts named in the task.",
      "exclude": "Solvents, abrasive cleaners, alcohol, dishwasher cleaning or immersing the appliance.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11 and §11.4"
    },
    {
      "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": "After every milk use.",
    "intervalText": "Clean the frother after each use for hygiene, after the instructed purge and cooling.",
    "basis": "manufacturer",
    "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
    "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2"
  },
  "outcomes": [
    "The documented removable holes are clear and the cooling prerequisite was met.",
    "The nozzle, ring and outer frother are present and secure before further steam use."
  ],
  "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."
    }
  ]
}