De'Longhi EXAM440.55 how to clean the brewing unit

At least once a month, and when "Can you insert the brewing unit?" appears.

Steps

1. Switch the machine off with the ON/Standby button and let it finish its shutdown. The brewing unit cannot be removed while the machine is on.
2. Remove the water tank and open the brewing unit flap on the right by releasing its upper catch.
3. Press the two coloured release buttons inwards and pull the brewing unit out.
4. Soak it in cold drinking water for about 5 minutes, then rinse it under the tap. No detergent and no dishwasher.
5. Brush coffee residue out of the brewing unit housing.
6. Slide the unit back and press until it clicks. Check both coloured buttons have sprung out.
7. Close the flap firmly and refit the water tank.

If the unit is hard to fit, press its two levers to set it to size before inserting it.

Source: Cleaning the machine: Removable brewing unit Source: Cleaning the machine: Removable brewing unit, p. 44

Used for

• Can you insert the brewing unit?: The brewing unit was not refitted after cleaning.
• Something's not right: can you refer to the user manual please?: The inside of the machine is very dirty.

Other EXAM440.55 procedures

• How to descale the RiveliaWhen the machine shows "It’s time to descale the machine" or the descale symbol is lit. Takes about 30 minutes. Start from the message with Yes, or from Descale in the settings menu.
• How to install or replace the water filterWhen "It’s time to replace the water filter" appears or the filter symbol is lit, every 2 months, or after 3 weeks unused with a filter fitted.
• How to set the water hardnessAt first use and whenever your water supply changes. A correct setting means descaling is requested less often.
• How to clean the milk carafe after useAfter each milk drink, when the machine prompts for the Clean function. For several drinks in a row, press Cancel at the prompt and clean after the last one.
• How to clean the milk carafe thoroughlyAfter 1 day for the LatteCrema Cool carafe and after 2 days for the LatteCrema Hot carafe; the machine reminds you.

Sources

1. Instructions for use, Rivelia EXAM44X.5Y (English). De'Longhi Appliances S.r.l. Document 57132C8962, revision 03, 2026-05, 65 pages, en. library.delonghigroup.com. Listed on the manufacturer's support page. Retrieved 13 November 2026.
2. Instructions for use, Coffee maker EXAM44X5Y, 120 V edition (English, French, Spanish). De'Longhi Appliances S.r.l. Document 57132C9620, revision 02 (file A1-57132C9620_02_0426), 2026-04, 86 pages, en-US. library.delonghigroup.com. Retrieved 13 November 2026.

Page numbers are the numbers printed in the manual. Where this page and the manual differ, follow the manual.

Applies to

EXAM440.55 (variants EXAM440.55.B; EXAM440.55.W). United States, UK and international.

Source

Instructions for use, Rivelia EXAM44X.5Y (English), 57132C8962 revision 03, 2026-05; Instructions for use, Coffee maker EXAM44X5Y, 120 V edition (English, French, Spanish), 57132C9620 revision 02 (file A1-57132C9620_02_0426), 2026-04

Last verified

13 November 2026

Handbook

De'Longhi Rivelia EXAM440.55 in Coffee and espresso machines; all De'Longhi handbooks