How to Clean a Printer

When a printer isn't working or prints in a poor quality, it often isn't the result of an irreparable damage. Over time dirt and dust accumulate inside the printer, which affects it's functionality. Cleaning a printer regularly can prevent a low print quality or damage to the device. But how can you clean your printer and what is important to be aware of?

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How do Printers get dirty?

While laser printers are relatively unaffected by dirt such as dust, gunk, toner and other particles, even small amounts of dust can lead to total failure in inkjet printers. If foreign particles get into the interior via the paper feeder or other openings, they usually accumulate at the print head. The dirt can block the fine nozzles of the print head and subsequently no ink can be transferred to the paper. When the inkjet printer isn't used for a longer period of time, it can happen that the ink begins to dry out which also results in clogged print head nozzles. Dirt within the printer can also impair the function of the rollers. Another weak point are the ink drainage channels directly under the print heads. If ink particles are deposited in this area, the channels are blocked and damage can occur.

Cleaning a Printer: What to consider?

When you want to clean your printer, the first step should be to check what type of print head the device has. There are two different versions of inkjet technology print heads - disposable and permanent print heads.

• Disposable Print Heads are also known as cartridges. The ink tank and print head are combined in one component. When the ink runs out, the print heads are disposed of with the tank.


• Permanent Print Heads remain in the cartridge carriage and only the ink tanks are exchanged when the cartridge is empty.

Under no circumstances should acids or harsh detergents be used when cleaning a printer. Water is also unsuitable for most printer parts because it can lead to corrosion on electronic components. Cleaning alcohol is best suited in combination with a lint-free cloth.

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Printer Cleaning Utilities

One of the easiest ways to clean a printer is to use the in-system cleaning software. The program is usually part of the printer driver and can be run with just a few clicks. The software forces a large amount of ink through the print head nozzles as an attempt to flush out any clogs and accumulations of dirt. Despite the great convenience, cleaning a printer via a program can be inefficient because it only works for minor clogs. When there are stubborn incrustations, software-based cleaning does not bring about much improvement in print quality.

How to clean a Printer with Disposable Print Heads

Disposable print heads can be easily removed from the printer, which makes cleaning much more convenient. After removing the cartridge from the printer, the nozzle should be cleaned with a cleaning liquid. In addition to special print head cleaners, medical alcohol from a pharmacy can also be used.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Place the print head in a plastic container.


2. Put a little cleaning alcohol on a small spoon and carefully drip it onto the nozzle.


3. The next step is to carefully tilt the print head in all directions so that the cleaning alcohol can flows into each tiny nozzle. Ideally diluted ink should drip into the plastic container.


4. Repeat this process until only reasonably clear liquid flows into the plastic container.


5. Place the print head into the liquid in the plastic container for a few hours. Dried ink residues are loosened during this process. Make sure that the liquid only covers the nozzles and not the compleat print head.


6. Carefully shake off the liquid after soaking the nozzles of the print head.


7. Dab moist spots carefully with a lint-free cloth.


8. Let the print head dry for several hours.


9. When the print head has dried completely it can be reinstalled into the printer.

When the print result is still unsatisfactory after printing a test page, the printer cleaning software should be used.

How to clean a Printer with Permanent Print Heads

Compared to disposable print heads which can be taken out of the printer with the ink cartridges, cleaning permanent print heads is a little more difficult because the component has to be removed from the printer first.

Step by Step Instructions

1. The first step is to remove the ink cartridges, which are usually located under an access flap.


2. After the cartridges have been removed, the print head underneath them is accesable. The print head is usually released with a handle or clip and then removed. Depending on the manufacturer and printer model, there may be deviations on how to remove the print head. Exact instructions can be found in the printer operating instructions and manual.


3. Cleaning instructions for permanent print heads are the same as for disposable print heads (read above).


4. It is recommended that you clean any dirt from the inside of the printer while the print head is soaking or drying. In addition to cleaning agents containing alcohol, compressed air is ideal for removing dust from inkjet printers.

Quick Help

If you need to clean your printer at short notice and have no cleaning agents or lint-free cloths on hand, you can also resort to household remedies. Distilled water can be used instead of cleaning alcohol. It is important that water residues are removed as quickly as possible after the cleaning process. Coffee filters, cloths for cleaning glasses or cotton swabs can be used to carefully dry the print head.

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