How to Properly Maintain a Laser Printer

A laser printer gives you great images and great text. Crisp, clear printing is facilitated by electronically charging the paper and the toner in a complex but effective way. The laser printer is a complex machine, but properly maintaining one is much simpler.

Things You'll Need

• Lint-free rag
• Toner cartridges

Instructions

1. Perform a self-test when your laser printer is working well. This will give you an idea later on (if your printer malfunctions) of how it should print.

2. Most printers will automatically update you on software updates from their manufacturers. If this is not the case, check the Web site regularly (once a month or so) for software updates.

3. When toner runs low or runs out, replace the cartridges. There are many places that will refill toner cartridges allowing for a cheaper, less wasteful way to recharge your printer's ink supply.

4. Regularly clean the outside of the printer. Take care not to use abrasive solvents (like ammonia), but regularly dust or wipe down the outside of the printer.

5. Regularly clean the inside of the printer. Follow manufacturer's guidelines, but for most printers, you can remove the toner cartridge and use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the inside and the toner cavity.

Tips & Warnings

• Regularly cleaning and keeping up your printer will make it more effective, and provide higher quality text and images.

• If possible, reuse and refill toner cartridges as it is less expensive and less wasteful.

• Don't use any sprays or cleaning solvents on the inside of the printer.