How to Clean a Printer

Nothing can be more annoying than black lines, fadedwipe this area again so that there is no remaining
regions or faded text when printing a document youmoisture.
have worked long and hard on. Doing a printerA clean printer cartridge is also a must clean area.
cleaning is the best way to always have a clean andRemove each cartridge and gently wipe excess ink
readable document.away. Be sure not to leave any fibrous material
Two type of printersaround exit ports. The paper receiver basket may
Whether the printer is an Epson printer, HP printer, orneed to be removed and check underneath for dust
a Canon printer the general procedure for cleaning isand paper shards around the legs. A proper printer
the same. If the printer happens to be a biggercleaning also means wiping down the basket with a
printer, for items such as advertising on larger formatmild detergent. You can also use a cleaning cartridge,
materials, the process is a bit more exaggerated butwhich helps to clean inaccessible points of printer by
essentially the same.hand.
Every day printersIf the printer has not been used for some time a
Cleaning an every day office type printer usually justhead cleaning will be needed. For a complete printer
entails a good solid wipe down. The real trick is tocleaning in this instance go to the control panel and
not damage the printer by using cleaning items thatprinters. Here the unit will be able to run diagnostic
are meant for other cleaning activities. Cleaningprograms and get the printer heads up.
chemicals to avoid include alcohol or more harshLarger specialized printers
cleaning agents. These chemicals can damageWith larger printers designed for more specialized
electrical areas and do more harm than good. Try anduses, including large format blue prints or advertising
stay with light cleaning supplies like baby wipes or amock-ups printer cleaning requires a differing
damp non shedding towel. In either case, do not letapproach. An approved vacuum system is the most
water get into contact with the inside of the printerimportant tool to have on-site. This vacuum should be
whether it is an Epson printer, canon printer or anystatic free, so as not to damage interior components
other.through static shock, and have a separate motor unit
Cleaning the printerto be kept away from the printer unit.
The very first thing to do is unplug the printer. MakeCleaning the printer is particularly needed in the winter
sure that all lights are out and that the plug is awayand spring. In the winter the air is dry and dust is
from the unit.attracted. Be careful so as not to set off a static
Open the front of the printer, with a dampcharge. In spring pollen can get anywhere no matter
non-shedding cloth give a light wipe down looking forhow you try. A printer cleaning makes all involved
dust build up or paper shards. If the paper has beenhappier and healthier with less dust and pollen
appearing with black marks on the back, look insideinvolved.
the printer and wipe excess ink away. Make sure to