To achieve high levels of printing, no matter the model or age of the machine, it is important to demonstrate printer maintenance. If you don't take proper care of it, any machine can break - especially when it comes to inkjet.
No matter if you use branded, compatible or reused Printer cartridges, there is a chance for the ink to dry and close the nozzle. This can lead to further problems if not addressed properly and may even cause a breakdown of your printer. However, this can be solved by cleaning the printhead.
Here are some ways by which you can clean the printhead manually from a PC or Mac and through a programmed system.
1) How to check nozzle
You can check the nozzle from your printer's control panel on the machine or through your computer utility settings.
Via Printer Control Panel:
- You will need to locate the maintenance screen - this is usually via the setup page via the printer's home button.
- Select the print head nozzle check and make sure you have paper in the loading tray.
- The printer will print a CMYK color chart composed of lines. If these lines are blurred, then with the gap, you will need to clean the printhead.
Through Computer Utility Settings:
- Locate and open the printer feature. This can usually be found through the System Preferences or Settings via the Tasks menu.
- Once you open the printer and scanner, select your printer and open the printer utility.
- Select the nozzle check and see if the printout is clean without any gaps or blotches in the lined color chart. If the printout is not accurate, you will need to clean the printhead.
How to clean the printhead from computer
You can clean a printhead from a computer, which is quick and easy. You only need to make sure that the paper tray is full. These instructions may vary slightly depending on your printer make.
Windows:
1) Open the Start menu search, or select Control Panel.
2) Select the device and printer and right-click your printer model.
3) From the next drop down menu, you have to select properties.
4) Click on the Maintenance tab. Here you will be able to find tools where you can choose, clean ink cartridges, clean heads, or something similar.
5) Follow the on-screen prompt and leave until the cleaning process is over.
Mac:
1) Open the Apple menu in the top left corner and click System Preferences from the drop down menu.
2) Find printers and scanners and click on your model.
3) Select Options and Supplies and click on the Utilities tab.
4) Open the Printer Utility and select the Deep Cleaning function.
5) Leave the printer to complete the cleaning process before printing the test.
