How to Stop a Laser Printer From Smearing

Laser printers provide impeccable copies, quickly and direct from your home printer. However, problems with your laser printer can be frustrating to diagnose and fix. Streaks, splotches, or smears can ruin your documents and are tricky to resolve.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Check your paper type. Use paper products that are laser-printable according to the product's package or instructions.
2. Review the print settings on your computer. Look at both the standard print dialogue box as well as advanced settings. Ensure that the paper type and print weight selected in the print settings are suitable.
3. Seek out information about your specific printer model and problems with smearing. Review the printer manual or manufacturer's website or call the manufacturer's assistance phone line.
4. Consider cleaning the printer. Instructions for cleaning are available in your printer manual or on the manufacturer's website. Print a test page to see if the problem has been solved.
5. Try printing with a new or different toner cartridge. Defects or other problems with the toner cartridge could possibly cause some smearing.
6. Feel inside the paper path in the printer. Make sure that a bit of paper or other material isn't obstructing the path causing the toner to smear before it's dried onto the page.
7. Take your printer to a repair shop. Ask for a quote before having the printer worked on to make sure that it's cost effective to have the printer repaired, versus purchasing a new one.

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