How to Clean Printer Head

What You'll Need

• Distilled water
• Isopropyl alcohol (90%+)
• Lint-free cloth or coffee filters
• Shallow dish
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Run the built-in cleaning cycle

   Go to your printer settings and run the automatic head cleaning utility. Run it 2-3 times if print quality is still poor.

2. 2

   Remove the print head

   If automatic cleaning fails, power off and unplug the printer. Remove the ink cartridges, then remove the print head according to your printer manual.

3. 3

   Soak in distilled water

   Place the print head nozzle-side down in a shallow dish with half an inch of warm distilled water. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.

4. 4

   Clean with alcohol

   Dampen a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the nozzle plate. Do not scrub aggressively.

5. 5

   Dry and reinstall

   Blot dry with a clean lint-free cloth. Let air dry for 15 minutes. Reinstall the print head and cartridges. Run a test page.

Pro Tips

• TIPPrint a test page at least once a week even if you do not need to -- inactivity is the main cause of clogged heads.
• TIPUse manufacturer-recommended ink cartridges to prevent buildup from incompatible formulations.
• TIPKeep your printer in a room with stable temperature and humidity to prevent ink from drying in the nozzles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing tap water instead of distilled, which contains minerals that clog nozzles further.
• XTouching the nozzle plate with fingers, which deposits oils that block the tiny ink openings.
• XForcing a dried print head with excessive pressure, which can break the delicate nozzle mechanism.

Frequently Asked Questions