How to Manually Clean an Inkjet Cartridge

Many inkjet printers do not have the ability to automatically clean ink cartridges. By manually cleaning the cartridges on a regular basis, you'll improve your print quality and get consistently better results.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Distilled water
• Inkjet cartridge
• Lint-free cloth or paper towels

1. Turn off the printer and remove the power cord.
2. Lift the top cover of the unit to expose the inside of the printer. Grip the cartridge case and move it to the center.
3. Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the outside of the cartridge. Make sure the paper towel is damp but not wet.
4. Lift the caps that cover the ink cartridge. In some cases you will draw the cartridge out.
5. Remove the ink cartridge. Use a clean, slightly damp cloth to gently clean the contacts on the ink cartridge.
6. Re-insert the ink cartridge into the correct printer slot. Take your time and do this gently to prevent damaging the printer.
7. Close the printer's lid. Attach the power cord and turn the power on.
8. Print a test page to make sure your printer is working correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your printer's manual and look at the Web site of the printer's manufacturer for cleaning instructions.
• Use a high-quality lint free cloth for wiping the cartridge.
• If possible, use distilled water to clean the cartridges.
• If you don't plan to print for a while, remove the ink cartridges, clean them and store them. This will prevent drying and clogging.
• Avoid using abrasive materials on any part of your printer.

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