It is not uncommon for printers to get dirty over time. Dust and toner particles may accumulate on some parts. This will affect the overall performance of your printer.
This guide takes you through 9 steps to cleaning it as one of the routine maintenance practices.
The Supplies Needed
1. Latex Gloves
Cleaning your printer and cartridges could get messy. You will need latex gloves to protect your hands from toner stains.
2. Toner Vacuum
Using regular vacuums could blow the toner into the air. Vacuum toner has been made with that precaution in mind. They have filters that trap toner and prevent it from escaping. They are expensive, but you need them for the best cleaning experience. Whereas it’s essential equipment, you can still clean without it.
3. ;The Activated Toner Cloth
This is a special cloth designed to attract toner particles. It will trap toner that remains after blowing with the toner vacuum. Since it traps toner, the activated toner cloth will leave your printer pretty clean. It’s for one-time use, and you will have to dispose it after a round of clean-up.
4. ;Isopropyl Alcohol and Aerosol Spray Duster
Liquids affect equipment such as a printer and toner cartridge. Using those that evaporate faster is undoubtedly the best option. One such liquid is Isopropyl Alcohol. You will not find any fluid soon after cleaning using it. Aerosol Spray Duster is an accompanying tool to make the process more manageable. It will make it easier to access those problematic compartments on your printer. It will help blow away the toner particles. ;
5. ;Face Mask
Cleaning a printer could get the toner particles into the air. Toner could end up irritating your eyes and lungs. Working with a face mask will help protect your face from exposure with the toner. There are no known adverse health implications from toner inhalation. Nonetheless, you’d need to protect yourself at all costs. A simple painting mask would get the job done.
6. ;Paintbrush
You need a brush that is soft and wide. Those used in painting will work. Avoid using a toothbrush. Stiff brushes can damage your printer parts. They are also short and will not offer the best cleaning experience.
7. Cotton Swabs
Having cotton swabs will also help. You can get the regular ones
Let’s now get to the crucial part of the guide. Here are the steps to cleaning your printer and toner cartridges:
Steps to Follow in Cleaning Your Printer Cartridges
1. Turn Off Your Printer
You need to turn off your machine and pull the cable out of the wall socket. This ensures that you don’t electrocute yourself while cleaning the printer. It would be best to wait for your printer to cool down. Laser printers heat the toner to melting points. Some of its parts could get pretty hot in the process. Leave it for some 30 minutes.
2. ;Preparation
It would be best if your first assemble your tools for the exercise. Wear your mask and gloves. Keep your supplies and equipment closer. Get your printer’s manual as well, should there be a need for reference. You might need it to check where to open in your printer if you are not familiar with it.
It’s also better to open the windows to increase ventilation. Toner might get airborne during the process. Opening the windows will allow the toner to escape into the atmosphere quickly. Work in an environment free from congestion. That will prevent potential toner stains.
3. Open Your Printer Compartments
Open all printer doors to access the inner compartments. Remove the toner cartridge and put it aside. Take out the drum unit and keep it safely in the dark. Be careful not to touch the drum. It is sensitive to water and oil. It is also sensitive to light.
4. Clean the Toner Cartridge
Get the activated toner cloth and use it to wipe toner from your cartridge. Be gentle while wiping the toner. Do not shake it vigorously as it could leak the toner. Remove excess toner and rest the cartridge on another activated toner cloth. You’d need to do the same for other cartridges where applicable.
5. Clean the Printer Parts – Using the Toner Vacuum
Use the toner vacuum to clean the printer parts. Blow it gently as you monitor the impact. Be careful not to touch the printer’s internal components with the toner vacuum. Blow it till all the loose toner gets off the printer parts.
6. ;Use the Paintbrush to Clean Sticking Toner
You might find that the toner is sticking to some sections of your printer. Use the paintbrush to rub them. Blow it with the toner vacuum again once done with the paintbrush. It will blow away the remaining dust that was not removed by the paintbrush.
7. ;Cleaning the Corona Wires
Dirty corona wires negatively impact the print quality. It would help if you extended the clean-up to these delicate wires. Getting a replacement is expensive, and you need to be particularly careful cautious.
You will use the cotton swab. Dip it in the Isopropyl alcohol and use it to clean the wires. Remember to clean the underside. You might have to change the cotton swab regularly if the cables are terribly dirty.
8. Cleaning the Paper Rollers
You will use the cotton swab again here. Dip it in the Isopropyl alcohol and use it to clean the rollers. You might want to change the swab as necessary.
9. ;Finishing up
You are almost done. Reinsert the toner cartridge, unité de tambour, and close the printer doors. Remember that cleaning the printer also extends to its outer surface.
Most people often focus on the inner parts and only dust the outer surface. First, blow it to remove the dust. Afterwards, clean it using a cotton swab dipped inside the Isopropyl alcohol. Remember to clean the doors and the backside.
TIP: ;Keep covering your printers while not in use. You can get a piece of close that can absorb dust. Dust tends to land and accumulate on printer surfaces. It could even end up on the inner part, affecting printer performance. It could get serious when dust accumulates on the moving parts.
YouTube video demonstrating how to clean your printer:
Things to Remember While Cleaning Your Printer
- Always protect yourself by wearing a mask and gloves. Your health is paramount.
- Gently rub the surfaces. Inserting pressure on delicate parts such as corona wires will cause damage.
- Do not clean your printer right after printing. The fuser could be hot, and you might sustain burns.
- Liquids can damage your printer. Avoid spraying liquids to any inner parts
- Use your toner vacuum correctly. Avoid getting it in contact with the internal printer parts.
- Do not extend your operations to maintenance that could void your printers’ warranty. This is especially true when your printer is less than 12 months old.
- Only clean your printer if you trust your skills. You’d rather contract a local technician if you are not familiar with your printer’s anatomy.
Final Word
Cleaning your printer is never a complicated ordeal. You can easily clean it if you have some basic knowledge of its anatomy.
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