How to Clean Printheads

Did you ever think that print head cleaningOnce you are through with your print head
methods are all the same for all printer brands?cleaning, you may now place the printhead on
Well, they have their similarities but there arepaper towel. See to it that the nozzles are not
some unique tips to consider for each of thesedirectly in contact with that of the paper. Then
brands as well. So whether you own a HP, ayou can now proceed to cleaning the printhead
Lexmark or a Dell printer, this article will help youcontact points found inside the printer. Wait for
get an idea on how to clean printheads for thesethese ones to dry before you turn the printer on
printer brands.again. Repeat all these steps if you have more
Cleaning an HP printheadthan one HP printhead.
There are various methods you may use whenCleaning a Lexmark printhead
cleaning an HP printhead.You can start cleaning your Lexmark printhead by
1. Cleaning the printhead using the control panel.inserting a paper inside the paper tray. Then using
Start by pressing the power button first. Usingyour Windows-based computer, click on the 'Start'
the 'Resume' button, you can select your ownmenu. Then simply select 'All Programs' to choose
levels for cleaning printheads. Press this button 6the folder made for Lexmark. There may be
times for level 1 cleaning; five times for level 2;instances when 'Lexmark Solution Center' will
and seven times for level 3.appear on the options. You can use that one to
2. Cleaning an HP printhead using the EWS orclean your printheads.
Embedded Web Server. Start by launching theFrom there, you may use the 'Maintenance' option.
EWS using your web browser or the printerThis will lead you to click on the cleaning settings
toolbox's 'Information Tab'. When you use thefor your printer. Then after that, you will be given
web browser, you will be required to type the IPthe print test page option.
address assigned to your HP printer. AfterCleaning your Dell printhead
choosing the right method, you can now click onThe first thing you should do when cleaning your
"Settings", "Maintenance" then the "Printhead" tabs.Dell printhead is to use the 'print and align'
Under the "Printhead" tab simply choose cleanfunctions. When this does not work, you should
printheads then click "Apply".clean the head manually. Dip a Q-tip in rubbing
3. Cleaning printheads manually. Start by turningalcohol then clean the area where Dell printer ink
your printer on and opening your HP printer's topbuild-up is most prominent. Allow the area to dry
cover. After which, you should wait around twobefore placing the cartridge back into the printer.
or three seconds before you unplug the printer'sIn all these three printer brands, the print head
power cord. Now, you may lift the printhead'scleaning process should be tested by printing a
latch and handle. Then you are now prepared totest page. This is your way of knowing that the
remove any HP printer ink left on the contactprinter still prints. If not, then you might as well
pads of the printhead. Make sure you use dry andrepeat the cleaning process or replace your ink
soft cloth.cartridges instead.