{
  "id": "ec685-return-to-use",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Rinse before use after more than a week idle",
  "deviceFamily": "coffee",
  "intent": "Maintenance",
  "summary": "Follow the manual’s setup rinse after a longer idle period: five two-cup deliveries followed by the hot-water outlet stage.",
  "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": [
    "Heat-resistant collection container with at least 0.5 litre capacity"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "Fresh clean water"
  ],
  "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": "Has the appliance been unused for more than a week and is it undamaged with normal controls?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "The manual recommends the setup rinse before making drinks again."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "For ordinary routine cleaning choose the relevant task; a fault or damaged appliance needs support."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "prompt": "Are the tank and removable coffee parts clean, and is no incomplete descaling cycle pending?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11; p11 §12",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Rinse using fresh water and an empty holder."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Finish tank/filter cleaning or the exact interrupted-descale recovery first."
        },
        {
          "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": "Record the idle period",
      "text": "Record when the machine was last used, or state that the date is unknown but the break exceeded a week. Inspect the cool unplugged machine and original removable parts before reconnecting.",
      "observation": "This task is for a longer idle period; it does not cover a damaged or modified machine.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11; p6 §1",
      "requiredFields": [
        "idle-period"
      ],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Prepare fresh water and an empty holder",
      "text": "Fill the clean tank with fresh water up to MAX and seat it lightly. Fit the clean original filter and holder without coffee, aligning INSERT and rotating right to CLOSE.",
      "observation": "The tank is seated and the empty holder is securely attached.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §§2–3; p10 §11",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Place the container and wait for readiness",
      "text": "Place a container of at least 0.5 litre under the coffee spouts and hot-water/steam dispenser. Power on; let the sequential self-check and flashing heat-up finish until the coffee lights stay on.",
      "observation": "The container covers both discharge paths before the rinse starts.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §3 steps1–5",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Complete five two-cup rinse deliveries",
      "text": "Press the two-cup button B3 for the setup rinse. Carry out this coffee-button rinse procedure five times as §3 directs. Keep the holder fitted, keep water in the tank and safely empty the container between stopped deliveries if necessary.",
      "observation": "Five water-only two-cup rinse deliveries are completed and recorded.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §3 step6; p6 §2",
      "requiredFields": [
        "five-deliveries"
      ],
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Rinse through the hot-water outlet",
      "text": "With the container still under the dispenser, turn the steam dial to the steam/hot-water symbol. Let the setup delivery reach its automatic stop and the flashing coffee-light indication, then turn the dial back to ○. If flow or indications differ from §3, stop and consult the manual or support.",
      "observation": "The hot-water stage has stopped and the dial is closed; no part was removed while hot.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §3 step7",
      "requiredFields": [
        "water-stage-complete"
      ],
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Refill and record the return date",
      "text": "Restore fresh water as needed without exceeding MAX. Record the date and confirm normal ready lights before making a drink. Clean water beneath the tank can occur normally; dry that space regularly with a clean sponge while the appliance is cool and unplugged.",
      "observation": "Both outlet stages are complete and the machine is prepared for normal use.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §§2–3; p10 §11",
      "requiredFields": [
        "returned-on"
      ],
      "id": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "Five two-cup rinse deliveries and the separate hot-water stage are confirmed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11: more than a week unused; p6 §3 steps1–7; p6 §2"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "The dial is at ○, fresh water is available and the return date is saved.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11: more than a week unused; p6 §3 steps1–7; p6 §2"
    }
  ],
  "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": "p10 §11: more than a week unused; p6 §3 steps1–7; p6 §2"
    },
    {
      "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/brew-path-check.svg",
      "title": "Coffee outlet rinse and observation",
      "alt": "An empty coffee filter and holder deliver water into a measuring container. Record water delivered and stop for body leaks or absent flow.",
      "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."
    },
    {
      "path": "/assets/coffee/tank-seat.svg",
      "title": "Tank and optional filter care",
      "alt": "Remove the tank by its handle, rinse the tank separately, then press it gently into its normal seat; the optional softener changes the final water-delivery step.",
      "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-water-tank",
    "ec685-coffee-filters",
    "ec685-after-care"
  ],
  "specs": [
    {
      "name": "Setup rinse container minimum",
      "value": 0.5,
      "unit": "litres",
      "condition": "Container under coffee spouts and hot-water/steam dispenser.",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §3 step5",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual"
    }
  ],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "ec685-descale",
  "locator": "p10 §11: more than a week unused; p6 §3 steps1–7; p6 §2",
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "idle-period",
      "label": "When last used / length of idle period",
      "type": "text",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "id": "five-deliveries",
      "label": "Five water-only two-cup rinse deliveries completed",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "id": "water-stage-complete",
      "label": "Hot-water setup stage stopped and dial returned to ○",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "id": "returned-on",
      "label": "Return-to-use rinse date",
      "type": "date",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [
    {
      "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"
    },
    {
      "name": "Clean sponge",
      "specification": "Use for the space beneath the tank when the machine is cool and unplugged.",
      "fit": "Normal residual water beneath the tank described in §3.",
      "exclude": "Treating a casing leak as normal tank-space water.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §3 final note; p10 §11"
    }
  ],
  "maintenance": {
    "trigger": "The appliance has not been used for more than a week.",
    "intervalText": "Before using it again after more than a week idle, perform the setup rinse in §3. This is an inactivity trigger, not a weekly descaling schedule.",
    "basis": "manufacturer",
    "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
    "sourceLocator": "p10 §11; p6 §3"
  },
  "outcomes": [
    "Five two-cup rinse deliveries and the separate hot-water stage are confirmed.",
    "The dial is at ○, fresh water is available and the return date is saved."
  ],
  "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."
    }
  ]
}