Cleaning a printer is a cheaper alternative to replacing it. Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the printer and ensures quality prints. Knowing how to clean a printer may seem difficult, but the process is actually very simple and only takes a few minutes.
Steps
Step 1. Different types of printers need different cleaning methods
So if you can find specific guidelines for the make and model of the printer you use, be sure to follow them strictly. Unfortunately, some manufacturers make this information accessible only to specialized technicians.
Step 2. Disconnect the device
Since you will be working inside the equipment, it is advisable to unplug the printer first. This eliminates the risk of electric shock. Wait a few minutes to allow the printer to cool down before you start working on it.
Method 1 of 3: General Steps to Clean Inkjet Models
Step 1. Remove the dust
Purchase a can of compressed air from an office supply supplier or supermarket. Spray regularly in and around the printer to remove dust and prevent it from settling.
Step 2. Clean the delicate inside
Use a soft cloth with alcohol or a specific detergent to clean the inside. Other cleaners may scratch various parts or leave smudges. An equal parts vinegar and water solution is another cleanser you can use. For safety reasons, do not apply the liquid directly to the device. Put it on the cloth. Also use a soft cloth to clean the rubber flaps on the ink cartridges.
Step 3. Clean the outside of the printer
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the outside of the printer.
Step 4. Clean the printer head
The printer head applies ink to the paper. The cleaning operation is performed through a program on your computer. Go to the Control Panel, then select Preferences. Once the printer is selected, the computer will guide you through the printer head cleaning process. The printer will print a test page to compare with the image on the screen. It may be necessary to repeat the operation several times if the printer head is very dirty.
Step 5. If your printer has an automatic cleaning option in its menu, select it and let it complete the task
In most cases this will be sufficient to clean the printer. Consider a cleaning inkjet cartridge if the nozzles are clogged. You can use cleaning sheets to clean the print rollers.
Method 2 of 3: Clean the Rollers
Step 1. It is vital that you clean the rollers of the printer if you want the printer to perform optimally at all times
This will help eliminate paper jam problems. Follow the instructions below:
Step 2. Unplug the power cord
Step 3. Open the printer case so you can see the rollers
Step 4. Remove any paper in the tray
Step 5. With one hand hold a wet cloth over the roller and use the other hand to physically rotate the roller in contact with the rag
Repeat this several times until you are sure that the roller is clean.
Step 6. Put the paper back into the tray
Replace the printer case and plug in the power cord. Before resuming your normal print job, try printing a few documents to make sure the rollers have been thoroughly cleaned. If the rollers are unable to pull the paper, they are not yet clean.
Method 3 of 3: General steps for cleaning laser printers
Step 1. Remove all paper
Step 2. Take the toner cartridge out of the printer, and lay it on a sheet of paper to avoid getting dirty
Step 3. Clean the inside of the printer, where the cartridge was, with a soft cloth
Step 4. Remove any loose scraps of paper or toner
Step 5. Clean all rollers except the transfer roller, which is the spongy one
Step 6. If you have a brush to clean the printer, you can use it for the interior mirror
If not, forget about the mirror. Reinsert the toner cartridge into its slot.
Advice
- Make sure the printer has been turned off and the power cord has been removed before starting the procedure.
- First, there are some basic tips to keep in mind when working with electrical devices that you should know before cleaning a printer.
- Do not spray any liquid, whether it is water or cleaning liquid, on the printer. Rather wet the cloth and use it to clean the printer.
