The Comprehensive Printer Maintenance Guide: Inkjet, Laser, and Dot Matrix
A printer is an essential peripheral, often available at a low price, but it does require consistent maintenance. Therefore, we must review what this maintenance entails for different technologies.
Overall, you must ensure your device remains clean of dust and debris. This is easy, as it requires only a brush, a rag, and a little time and patience. If too much dirt has built up, you can use some alcohol (always applied to the cloth, never directly) after removing all dust, drying the surface thoroughly afterward.
General Cleaning and Safety Checklist
- Materials Needed: A brush (or flat brush), cotton rags, cleaning alcohol (or burning alcohol), graphite-based grease (found in electronics stores), and a can of compressed air.
- Safety Warning: You must always ensure the printer is unplugged and cool before beginning maintenance.
| Action | DO (Best Practice) | DON’T (Critical Warning) |
| Cleaning | Apply alcohol or degreaser ONLY to the cloth; wipe dry immediately. | Never apply cleaning products or oils/sprays directly to the printer. |
| Greasing | ONLY apply graphite-based grease to guide rods if they are parched (dry). | Never apply oils or Vaseline to guide rods, as they tend to dry and damage movement. |
| Toner/Dirt | Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth and a brush. | Avoid using excessive force or water temperature (for cleaning supplies). |
1. Dot Matrix Printers (For Continuous Forms)
Dot matrix printers are not common in homes but are still used in offices because they are the only type of printer that lets you print on copy paper, whether continuous or leaflets. Because of this specialized use, they require unique care:
- Carriage Area: It is very convenient to occasionally apply pressurized air through the carriage area, as continuous paper webs tend to leave a lot of waste that must be eliminated.
- Roller Cleaning: This printer accumulates ink with the passage of time. Furthermore, the roller usually “satinizes” due to paper friction, causing it to lose adhesion.
- You must clean this roller from time to time using alcohol without additives (not glass cleaner). Soak a cloth in alcohol and clean the roller energetically, drying it very well afterward.
- Head Guide: The print head moves on a metallic guide. You must ensure this guide does not dry out. If it is parched, you can apply a very small quantity of graphite-based grease (avoid oils).
- Tape Replacement: You must monitor the printer ribbon (tape) and change it often, as broken or dry ribbons (especially cotton fabric types) give off a lot of dirt and can cause more serious problems.
2. Inkjet Printers (For Domestic and Office Use)
Inkjet printers are the most used in domestic settings. Except for specialized use, they do not need special maintenance if used regularly.
- The Problem: Problems arise when you only print from time to time. Subsequently, these printers are often spoiled by a lack of use, as the injectors are extremely thin and the ink tends to dry in them.
- Prevention: To avoid this, you should print a color pattern (Black, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow) at least once a week.
- Head Cleaning Tool: All printers include a “Head Cleaning” tool. This tool applies ink at a pressure higher than normal, which can clean somewhat blocked injectors. However, the ink cost for doing so is quite high, so you should avoid abusing this system.
- Heads: For printers where the user cannot replace the heads (e.g., some Epson models), special cleaning cartridges containing a special product for cleaning the heads are available on the market. This is a good remedy to try before seeking Copier Repair service.
3. Laser Printers (Low but Complex Maintenance)
Laser printers usually require less maintenance than other types of printers, but this maintenance is often more difficult to perform. Therefore, it is preferable to carry serious failures to service.
- Basic Cleaning: All printers must be cleaned off, but for laser, you must ensure they are unplugged and cool.
- Toner Lever: Many toner cartridges have a cleaning lever—it is good to use it occasionally.
- Professional Cleaning: For the rest of the components (toner placement, DUM unit), I always recommend going to the official service for internal cleaning, depending on usage (perhaps every two or three years).
Conclusion: When to Call the Pros
Printers do not require excessive care, but you cannot leave them thinking they will always be there. Otherwise, they will likely fail you just when you need them most.
- Rule of Thumb: Generally, you should avoid having to use anything other than a soft dry cloth and a brush for cleaning.
- Avoid Liquids: NEVER apply any cleaning product or spray oils, as these can seriously damage your printer.
- Grease: ONLY apply graphite-based greases to guide rods if they are parched. After applying this, you must remove any excess grease that accumulates at the ends of the rod.
If you plan to get copiers for your Chicago office, you can opt to buy copiers or rent copiers in Chicago. We can give you options for getting the copy machine that you want. You can contact our local copier rental services department in your location.
For all services in Chicago, call Clear Choice Technical Services:
- Phone: (312) 216-0722
- Our personnel for copier rental in Chicago will assist you.
- Additionally, if you look for copier repair services in Chicago, you may contact our copier repair personnel at the same number.