If you want to keep your office printer running smoothly and avoid expensive servicing and repairs costs, it’s important to make sure that you clean it regularly. Printer and photocopier specialists Copyform have compiled these useful tips to make sure that you clean your machine safely and effectively, to ensure it provides you with years of service.
Stay safe
Before you carry out any maintenance on your printer, make sure that you have switched the machine off at the mains and that you keep your hands away from any moving or hot parts, such as the fuser. Make sure the machine is not operational and has cooled down before touching it.
Clean the print head
Cleaning the printer’s print head should be completed every month. After you have removed the print cartridge, clean the head with warm water – do not use tissues or alcohol, as this may damage the head. When you’ve cleaned the print head, allow it to dry completely before replacing it in the machine.
Clean the insides of the machine
Like the print head, the interior of the printer must also be regularly cleaned. You can safely use slightly moist lint-free clothes to clean the insides and wipe away any dust. Make sure that you do not use too much force, or you may damage the printer. If you encounter stubborn pieces of grime, use soft bristles or Q-tips to remove it. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow out the dust – using a vacuum cleaner however is not a good idea, unless you use a pressure-controlled vacuum that sucks out dust gently.
Look under the hood
Lift the printer’s hood and check for any parts that are broken or jammed. Many printers have built in diagnostics which can help you to identify any issues, and paying attention to these maintenance lights and taking effective action can often save you a lot of time and expense. Should you need to buy a replacement part for your printer, always buy authentic, original parts other than cheap copies, as these can sometimes cause further damage.
Make sure you choose the correct refill
As with printer spare parts, ensure that you purchase an original refill and do not try to save money by purchasing a cheap generic cartridge. Whilst refills are expensive and you may be tempted to opt for a cheaper copy, choosing an original branded cartridge will help to maintain the working condition of your printer. You can also save on ink or toner cartridges if you buy them in bulk from Supply Link USA.
Don’t forget to turn it off!
If you’re not going to be using your printer for some time, don’t forget to switch it off! Printers can generate a lot of heat, and when it’s switched on, the print head can dry out the cartridge which can in turn clog the printer. Speaking of which, the best AirPrint Printers can be found on this page.
We hope you found these tips useful and that your office machine gives you many more years of trouble free printing!
