How to Clean an Ink-Jet Printer

By eHow Computers Editor

Rate: (12 Ratings)

Cleaning an ink-jet printer can solve minor problems, maintain print quality, and prolong periods between professional cleanings. Thin white lines across printouts indicate that the ink nozzles need to be cleaned.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Cleaning Solution For Plastic
Cleaning Cloths

Cleaning the Outer Case

Step1

Collect the supplies you need: a soft cloth and cleaning fluid made for plastic. (Water is fine in most cases.)

Step2

Check the printer manual. If the manufacturer has provided specific instructions, follow them.

Step3

Turn off the printer.

Step4

Dampen the cloth with water or cleaning fluid.

Step5

Wipe the outside of the printer, making sure that no fluid gets inside.

Cleaning Cartridges or Ink Nozzles

Step1

Use the cleaning buttons on your printer if it has them.

Step2

Initiate cleaning through the printer software.

Step3

Open the printer software by double-clicking on a printer icon or opening a document and then selecting Print from the File menu.

Step4

Click a button labeled Options, Troubleshooting, Clean Print Cartridges, Toolbox, Printer Utilities or something similar. (This varies by manufacturer.)

Step5

Click a button labeled Head Cleaning, Run Nozzle Check, Clean Print Cartridges or something similar to begin the process.

Step6

Follow the instructions on your screen.

Step7

Repeat the cleaning process if the results aren't satisfactory.

Step8

Go to your printer manufacturer's Web site for detailed instructions on manual cartridge cleaning and interior cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

Scraps of old cotton clothing make good rags for this purpose.
Don't spray fluids anywhere near the ventilation holes on the printer.
Don't use ammonia-based cleaner.
Have your printer professionally cleaned about once a year, depending on use.
If you go long periods between printing, print a test page occasionally to keep the cartridges from drying out.