We all don’t have control over all the events happening to us. But at least we have a chance to decide on how to respond. When it comes to issues with toner leaks, consumers tend to approach it the way they want.
Well, this guide highlights the conventional best practices for handling leaking toner cartridges.
What Is the End Goal?
At the end of the day, you should:
- Know when the cartridge is leaking
- Clean the toner spill
- Clean the toner cartridges and
- Decide whether to use the cartridge further or get a replacement
How Can You Tell When Your Toner Is Leaking?
Most printers are not equipped to raise the alarm when the toner is leaking. You need to observe some signals and assess the printer.
Here are some of the signals to look at:
- Colored Sections on White Prints
You might find some color spots even while printing in black and white. It means that one of the colored cartridges is leaking. You can open your printer casing and assess the problem.
- Frequent Paper Jam Error Message
Printers experience frequent paper jams at extreme cases of toner leakage. Toner may accumulate on paths and block the smooth movement of papers. Inspect your printer if you are experiencing repeated paper jams.
- Printer In Error State
Some printers will stop working and display an error alert when the cartridge leaks. You can refer to the user manual for specific error codes. You can also open the printer and assess the toner cartridges.
Have you confirmed that your cartridge is indeed leaking? Don’t panic. The rest of this guide outlines the steps to handling the issue.
What You Need to Clear the Mess:
- Latex or rubber gloves
- Some paper towels
- Face masks
- Two plastic trash bags
- A toner vacuum
- Activated toner cloth
- Some old newspapers
Cleaning A Toner Spill
- Shut down your printer and remove the power cable from the wall outlet
- Scoop as much toner as you can and put it on the toner trash. It could get messy, and you need to harm yourself with a face mask.
- Wipe the toner remnants from the printer using an activated toner cloth. Do not use a damp cloth. Liquids will make the toner stick to the printer components, which is risky. No problem with the outer surface; you can use a damp cloth. You only need to be careful and avoid liquids from getting inside the printer.
- Be careful not to wet the tone powder. It will dissolve toner, making it leave a permanent stain.
Cleaning the Toner Cartridge
- Get a piece of paper towel and lay it on the floor next to the printer’s cover. This would collect the loose toner that will spill out when you open the printer covers.
- Gently open the printer cover.
- Remove the leaking toner cartridge and lay it flat on some old newspapers. Balance it properly to prevent further leakage.
- Use an activated toner cloth to wipe the toner on the surfaces of the cartridge. Do not use anything wet as it can damage the cartridge and its components.
- Assess the cartridge to find out the causes of toner leaks.
Things to Avoid While Correcting the Mess:
- Avoid Using the Regular Vacuum Cleaner
Keep in mind that you are dealing with toner powder. With a slight provocation, the toner powder could get blown away. It will be in the form of dust particles in the air, and you will risk inhaling it in the process. It might also get into your eyes and cause irritations.
- Do Not Open the Printer Compartments Right After Printing Is Complete
Leaks could occur while in the middle of a printing job. Do not try fixing the problem immediately. The principle of laser printing is different from an inkjet. Whereas inkjets cannot get hot while printing, laser printers do. You will risk sustaining burns when you open the printer immediately. Learn to wait for some minutes before opening the compartments. That is when the printer has considerably cooled down.
- Keep Off Water
Printers, like other electronic devices, are sensitive to water. Avoid water throughout the cleaning process.
Assess the Cartridge and Reinsert Back into the Printer
Cartridges have gotten more complicated in the last few years. Still, it is a container that encloses the toner and supplies the drum unit.
A lot can go wrong, as the container has many parts. The toner inside could easily get out if you miss the installation process. Be careful not to force the cartridge inside the printer. Your cartridges should be getting in flawlessly into the printer.
Insert the cartridge back into the printer after cleaning it. Be sure to insert it as needed. Follow the arrows and directions as outlined in your printer. Forcing it would likely cause physical damage to the cartridge or even the printer. Well-aligned cartridges will hardly leak unless the issue is way complex.
Close the case and command a test print.
Is the Cartridge Still leaking?
If your cartridge is still leaking, the problem could be beyond the installation. Persistent leaks could be due to other complex issues, and you need to get a replacement.
Let’s explore some of the common reasons why your cartridge is leaking.
Common Reasons Why Your Toner Cartridge Is Leaking
Learning why your cartridge is leaking is a step to fixing the issue. It also forms a basis for avoiding further leaks in the future.
Here are the common causes of toner leaks:
- Cracked Toner Cartridges
Your cartridge might be broken or cracked, and toner will spill through those cracks. The cracks may arise if you have refilled the cartridges. It may also occur following rough handling at installation and on transit.
There is nothing much that you can do with cracked cartridges. You will have to dispose it and get a replacement.
- Compatibility Issues with Your Printer
Toner leaks could also occur when you use a cartridge that is not compatible with your printer. These cartridges will not fit in perfectly well. Excessive pressure could be inserted on the cartridges in the process.
- Low-Quality Cartridges from the Black-Hat Market
Some manufacturers are not serious about their work. Some make cartridges only to make money. They produce cartridges that are substandard and end up leaking. Consumers tend to fall for these cartridges because of their irresistible pricing. You need to be careful and buy compatible cartridges from reputable suppliers.
- Issues Arising from the Printer
From a different perspective, issues within the printer can also lead to toner leaks. There are issues such as:
- Dirty Transfer Rollers
- The type of Paper being printed
- Overfilled Waste Bottle and
- Faulty Fuser
All these are internal issues not related to the cartridge itself.
Where Are You Sourcing Your Toner Cartridges?
We cannot rule out the influence of a manufacturer on toner leaks. Some rush through the process and eventually disappoint their customers.
We do things way differently at Ikalor.com. We confirm the functionality of our products before we supply. Our defect rate is tiny, something below 0.2%. And if any of the cartridges you receive from us leak, we will compensate you on your next order.
You can always talk to us and let us supply your next order. You only place your order, and we will organize for shipping.