How to Clean & Replace Inkjet Print Heads
In order to deliver ink to paper, the printer forces drops of ink through tiny holes in the print heads. Sometimes ink will dry and build up on the nozzles, and as the holes become clogged the quality of your prints will suffer. Eventually the print heads in your inkjet printer will need cleaning. Printers come with software that will run an automated print head cleaning cycle, but occasionally you may need to clean the print heads manually.
The location of the print heads varies depending on what printer you own. Some printers, including many Canon and HP models, feature removable print heads which make cleaning a bit easier. Other printers use ink cartridges that have the print heads attached. Still others have permanent print heads built into the printer under the cartridge carrier.
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Instructions
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Automated Cleaning
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Click on the Windows “Start” button at the bottom of your desktop screen.
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Go to “Devices and Printers” in Windows 7. For earlier versions of Windows, go to the “Control Panel” and click on “Printers and Other Hardware” or “Printers and Faxes.”
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Locate the icon or list item for your printer and right-click on it. From the fly out menu, select “Printing Preferences” or “Properties,” depending on your printer software.
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Click on the “Maintenance” tab, and you will see a variety of cleaning and test print options. Most software offers two cleaning options: regular and deep cleaning. Run the regular cleaning cycle first, and if it doesn’t solve your printer problems, then try the deep cleaning cycle.
Manual Cleaning
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Open the cover of your printer and the cartridge carrier will move to the middle of the printer.
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Unplug your printer to prevent the carrier from moving back out of your reach while you work.
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Remove all the ink cartridges. If your printer uses cartridges with print heads attached, or has permanent print heads built into it, skip to Step 5.
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Lift the print head lock lever on the side of the carriage assembly if your printer features removable print heads. Lift the print head assembly out of its cradle.
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Clean the print nozzles using cotton swabs dipped in distilled water or rubbing alcohol. If your printer has fixed print heads, take care not to get any rubbing alcohol on any rubber gaskets near the print heads. Change to clean cotton swabs often until you no longer pick up ink or debris.
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Dry the print heads with a clean, lint-free cloth, and then reassemble the printer.
Replacing Removable Print Heads
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Open the printer cover so the carriage assembly will move to the center.
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Unplug the printer.
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Remove all ink cartridges.
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Raise the print head lock lever located on the side of the of the cartridge carriage.
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Lift the print head out of its cradle.
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Remove any packaging from the replacement print head. Don’t touch the nozzles.
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Place the new print head into the cradle.
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Lower the lock lever until you hear a click.
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Replace the ink cartridges.
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Close the printer cover and plug in the printer.
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Tips & Warnings
Although these instructions will work for most printers, you should consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for information specific to your printer.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit printer cartridge image by hugy from Fotolia.com
