Essential Printer Maintenance Tips: Caring for Inkjet and Laser Devices
Printer services are broadly classified into two main categories: toner-based (laser printers) and liquid ink-based (inkjet printers). Sometimes, you must change settings and apply specific tricks to ensure optimal performance. Today, we look at a few essential tips for proper maintenance of your company printers.
Printers are devices you use to make copies of business documents, including text, graphics, and images, on paper. Generally, the printer connects to the computer via cable or WiFi and can be shared with other users on your company’s network.
Furthermore, printers usually come equipped with memory card readers, fax, scanner, and copier functions. The longevity of your printer is directly linked to its maintenance and daily use. Keep in mind that a small office with two employees will not need the same level of maintenance as a department with 100 employees.
Maintenance Tips for Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers rely on liquid ink, which requires specific care to prevent drying and clogging.
- Ink Usage: You should try to use the printer regularly to prevent the ink from drying. Making regular use ensures the printer ink stays in better condition. Specifically, use color and black-and-white prints at least a few times a week so the dye does not end up drying.
- Cleaning Heads:Heads must be kept clean to prevent clogging in the nozzles, which reduces ink stains on prints.
- To clean, remove the cartridges and gently clean the heads with a cotton cloth soaked in water.
- Warning: Do not use alcohol to clean the heads, as you can cause serious damage.
- Before replacing the cartridge, you must ensure the print heads dry completely.
- Paper Jams: If a paper jam occurs, you must take precautions. Do not force the paper, or you could damage the printer.
- Consult the Manual: Instead, look at the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for the correct way to remove the jam.
- Access the Jam: Generally, printers come equipped with a removable “box” in the back; when you remove this, you will easily see the jammed paper and can remove it carefully.
- Turning Off Correctly: If you are not going to use the printer, you should turn it off. This prevents ink from drying and helps in the maintenance and operation of the printer. Always use the power button to turn off the printer. Never turn off the printer while it is in the middle of a job, as you can severely damage it.
Maintenance Tips for Laser Printers
Laser printers use toner powder, which requires a different cleaning protocol, often involving cooling time and specific cleaning materials.
Laser Printer Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
| Task | DO (Best Practice) | DON’T (Safety Risk) |
| Cooling | Unplug the printer for about an hour so it cools before starting the cleaning procedure. | Do not start cleaning immediately after use, especially the fuser. |
| Toner Cartridge | Remove the toner cartridge and place it on a piece of disposable paper. | Do not tilt or shake the toner cartridge, as it may cause leakage of toner powder. |
| Interior Cleaning | Clean the inside with a lint-free cloth or a clean, dry brush to remove dirt. | Do not use liquid cleaning agents that can damage sensitive electronics. |
| Roller Cleaning | Clean the rollers with a damp cloth to remove dirt buildup. | Avoid using an ordinary vacuum cleaner, as fine toner dust can ruin the motor. |
For best results, you should consult the documentation for your printer for detailed, model-specific instructions on printer maintenance.
Conclusion
The ink dries if you leave it unused for a long period of time. This deficiency makes your print jobs deficient, resulting in wasted ink and paper. Therefore, it is extremely important to clean the printer head when it is blocked by dried ink. Regular, focused maintenance extends the life of your machine.
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.