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I've had this machine for about 3 years and I just noticed a Menu entry called "Wash"
That when selected prompt you to "ADD DETERGENT":
This option is not documented anywhere in the manual, I tried searching the net without finding any concrete answer or even vague references to this option.
I'd like know:
I just ran the WASH cycle (without detergent).
A couple of notes and observations for the record:
Given the lack of a rinse cycle I suspect that whatever detergent it wants, it probably has to be poured using the pre-ground opening on the top unless you like detergent-flavored coffee.
I STRONGLY ADVICE AGAINST ADDING DETERGENTS TO THE TANK when using this function, at least until we find out how to correctly using this function.
I found this fixya link
Long story short, the wash programs does a high tech cleaning of the machine. You should use coffee machine cleaners like Cafiza, Puro Caff or Joe Glo. The detergent should be poured using the pre-ground hole at the top.
I bought a bottle of Cafiza and poured about a spoonful through the pre-ground chute and ran the WASH cycle, photo below shows what was coming out (I had already emptied the glass jar once, what initially came out was plainly gross I should have taken pictures). It's surprising considering that I had disassembled and cleaned the entire brew unit 2 days ago in order to replace an aging o-ring.
Once it was done, I took out the brew unit, rinsed it with water just in case and brewed and discarded one coffee. After that I brewed a new coffee and it definitely tastes better now, less acidic and more "round" around the edges. I'm using a custom blend of 78% Brasil Santos + 22% Colombia beans made by my friend.
The only cleaning option I can think of (after going through the manual) where you would add some cleaning mixture and let the machine process it is the descaling procedure (described on page 34 of manual, page 17 in the linked PDF).
Another option might be that it's a generic menu option which is used for some machines using the same menu, but not your machine. An easy way to find out would be to start the program without adding any detergent. If nothing happens or you receive an error message, then it's probably just a function that doesn't do anything on your machine. If it starts some cleaning procedure, you might be able to figure out what it does by observing which parts of the machine start working.
As a general note on detergents, the manual for the ESAM4 contains the following warning on cleaning:
Do not use solvents, abrasive detergents or alcohol to clean the coffee maker. With De’Longhi superautomatic coffee makers, you need not use chemical products to clean the machine. The descaler recommended by De’Longhi is made from natural and completely biodegradable substances.
