How to Manually Clean Printer Heads
You know there's a problem with your printer when you purchase a brand new printer cartridge and still don't get any type of output. If you see that the printer is working and moving as if printing, yet there is still not print out, then the problem most likely lies with your printer head. The printer head is the part of the printer that transfers ink to paper, so if ink dries around the opening over time, it could prevent the ink droplets from getting through.
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Instructions
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Take the ink cartridges out of your printer. Wipe them down with a soft cloth to remove any excess ink, being careful not to touch the metal part that connects into the print head. Put a lamp on the table and shine it towards the inside of your printer so that you can see what is going on.
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Dab your cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol or lukewarm water and then use it to gently wipe at the print head, which is most likely at the bottom of where the cartridge was sitting. You are trying to clear the area of any excess ink that may be dried into the printer head.
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Drip a few drops of the isopropyl alcohol or water into the tiny hole at the bottom of the tray where the ink cartridge normally sits. Then reattach the cartridge, lock everything, close the printer door and run the machine through a few cleanings (could take up to 10 or more cleanings to completely clear the printer head). Allow the printer to sit overnight before using.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan to waste an entire set of ink cartridges to completely clean your printer heads. Whenever you do a cleaning, a certain amount of ink is used.
It is risky to clean your printer head manually, which is why most printer manufacturers suggest that you don't. This should be a last case scenario after trying to clean the printer heads using your printer software. Never use acetone or other harsh chemicals to clean your printer head. Avoid using paper towels to clean the head because the fibers can make the problem worse. Be careful not to drip alcohol into other parts of your printer, as it could cause other problems.
