Any printer needs cleaning; over time, everything gets dirty. You will see what is necessary as you will see signs of blurring and skipped lines on the printout. What is happening is the printer is getting a layer of toner and dirt. If you are using a laser, this reduces the beam reaching the drum, making it weaker and diffused. Also what you will see is the number of paper jams increase. This can cause printhead damage and replacement.
Soon the printer will be unusable.
So cleaning your printer is required.
Note:
- If it works well now, do not touch it.
- If it ain't broken, do not fix it.
- Remember, what you are about to do can break your warranty.
What you will need
- I recommend you make a solution of white vinegar and water. I have not found the prepared cleaning solutions any better.
- Microfibers clothes work well.
- A small vacuum cleaner you can get in most electrical shops helps.
- Some small brushes help.
- Some mechanical attribute
Steps to do:-
- Turn off the printer, and take all wires off it before attempting to clean. Wait a while; some printers store electricity, which can spark.
- Now open the printer up.
- Now, with a dry cloth, clean as usual. Avoid any electrical items and all electronics. Do not touch anything electrical. You can damage it.
Don't wipe back and forth because it will be wiped on the cloth and smeared when you go the other way. Get out of that habit.
- Look for dirt and gently lift it. The brushes and vacuum cleaners can help here. The spilled toner, dust, hair, and built-up old paper fragments can gum up your printer and sometimes need some elbow grease to remove.
- Only open what you can. If you take something out, take note of how it is designed and where everything goes while you pull things apart. You are going to have to put it together soon. Clean those items with a dry cloth. Gently wipe. If you need a moist cloth, be careful if it is electrical. This damp cloth must not be wet. Take care to prevent moisture from entering inside the printer.
If toner scatters on you, immediately wash it with cold water and dry yourself.
- Do not worry if you have only done, say, 70%. It should be enough. Better too little than too much.
- Above all, dry everything.
- Now, put it back together again.
- Now clean with a dry cloth outside. In some places, you will need a moist cloth. Careful you do not get any moisture in the gaps around the control panel or panels. For hard-to-remove stains, AJAX is good.
- Now dry the outside.
- Wait a few minutes to let any residual water dry off, and only then turn on the printer.
Besides being less of an eyesore in the shop, a clean printer will print better and last longer.
I hope this helps.
