How To Keep your printer clean

Printers are more mechanical than other peripherals and therefore require more attention. Because they use paper, ink, or carbon, printers generate pollutants that can build up and cause problems. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations fro cleaning. Following are a few steps for cleaning the most type of printers:

Cleaning Dot-Matrix Printers

• Adjust the print-head spacing
• Check the tension on the print-head positioning belt. Use a nonfibrous swab dipped in alcohol to clean the print head.
• Clean the printer’s roller surfaces.
• Clean the surface of the platen.
• Clean the gear train of the paper-handling motor.
• Apply light oil to the gears using a foam swab.
• Turn the platen to distribute the oil.
• Apply a light coating of oil to the rails.
• Move the carriage assembly to distribute the oil.

Cleaning Ink-Jet Printers

• Adjust the print-head spacing
• Check the tension on the print-head positioning belt.
• Clean the printer and its mechanism.
• Clean the printer’s roller surface.
• Clean the surface of the platen.
• Clean the surface of the ink-jet print head.
• Clean the gear train of the paper-handling motor.
• Apply light oil to the gears using a foam swab.
• Turn the platen to distribute oil.
• Apply a light coating of oil to the rails.
• Move the carriage assembly to distribute the oil.

Cleaning Laser Printers:

• Vacuum to remove dust buildup and excess toner from the interior. Remove the toner cartridge before vacuuming.
• Clean the laser printer’s rollers using a damp cloth or denatured alcohol.
• Clean the gear train of the paper-handling motor using a foam swab.
• Apply light oil to the gears using a foam swab.
• Distribute the oil throughout the gear train.
• Clean the writing mechanism thoroughly using compressed air. If possible, wipe the laser lens with lint-free wipes to remove fingerprints and stains.
• Clean the corona wires using a foam swab dipped in alcohol. Be careful not to break any of the stands because, if it is done printer will be rendered useless until they are repaired.