How to Clean an Ink-Jet Printer?

[michael]

Introduction
Cleaning an ink-jet printer can solve minor problems, maintain print quality, and prolong periods between professional cleanings. Thin white lines across printouts indicate that the ink nozzles need to be cleaned.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Cleaning the Outer Case
Things You'll Need
• Cleaning Solution For Plastic
• Cleaning Cloths
Steps1
Step One
Collect the supplies you need: a soft cloth and cleaning fluid made for plastic. (Water is fine in most cases.) 2
Step Two
Check the printer manual. If the manufacturer has provided specific instructions, follow them.3
Step Three
Turn off the printer. 4
Step Four
Dampen the cloth with water or cleaning fluid. 5
Step Five
Wipe the outside of the printer, making sure that no fluid gets inside.
Tips & Warnings
• Scraps of old cotton clothing make good rags for this purpose.
• Don't spray fluids anywhere near the ventilation holes on the printer.
• Don't use ammonia-based cleaner.
Cleaning Cartridges or Ink Nozzles
Steps1
Step One
Use the cleaning buttons on your printer if it has them. 2
Step Two
Initiate cleaning through the printer software. 3
Step Three
Open the printer software by double-clicking on a printer icon or opening a document and then selecting Print from the File menu. 4
Step Four
Click a button labeled Options, Troubleshooting, Clean Print Cartridges, Toolbox, Printer Utilities or something similar. (This varies by manufacturer.) 5
Step Five
Click a button labeled Head Cleaning, Run Nozzle Check, Clean Print Cartridges or something similar to begin the process. 6
Step Six
Follow the instructions on your screen. 7
Step Seven
Repeat the cleaning process if the results aren't satisfactory. 8
Step Eight
Go to your printer manufacturer's Web site for detailed instructions on manual cartridge cleaning and interior cleaning.
Tips & Warnings
• Have your printer professionally cleaned about once a year, depending on use.
• If you go long periods between printing, print a test page occasionally to keep the cartridges from drying out.