Remember Me
forgot your password?

How to Clean a Clogged Printer Head

Clogged printer heads are a definite hassle to all printer owners.  It is not just because clogged printer heads greatly affect the quality of the printing job done on the affected printers, but they can eventually lead to damage to the printer.  It is very important to clean out printer heads when they are clogged, but it would be a lot better if we conduct preventive maintenance on our printers to keep them from developing clogged printer heads.

Clearing Clogs from a Printer Head

Most printers these days have systems built into them that allow them to clean their printer heads.  This is done by initiating the printer’s cleaning cycles.  Ideally, printer cleaning cycles must be started up once a week to prevent the printer head from getting clogged.

The downside to performing the printer cleaning cycles is that it wastes a lot of ink.  We all know how expensive printer ink cartridges can get, and the printer cleaning cycles are not an efficient way to use printer ink.

There are other, ink-efficient ways to be able to clean printer heads that will prevent their clogging just as effectively.  One such way is to brush the printer heads with Q-tips soaked in water.  Sources vary on whether alcohol would be more effective than water, but in the opinion of some printer resources, alcohol can be harmful to printer heads and should thus be avoided.

Another way of preventing clogged printer heads is to buy a cleaning cartridge and use it regularly on your printer.  A typical cleaning kit usually has a tube of ammonia that you can spray on the printer head and remove the dried ink.

Preventing Printer Head Clogging

Cleaning clogged printer heads can be a real hassle, but the condition is very much preventable.  The main method of preventing printer heads from getting clogged is to use the printer.  In fact, a lot of experts are saying that it is better to print one colorful page a week than to run a printer cleaning cycle because doing so uses a lot less ink.  In general, using the printer prevents the ink in the printer cartridges to dry up.

Keeping the printer free from dirt and debris also helps a lot in preventing the printer heads from getting clogged.  However, dirt and debris should never be cleaned from the printer using a vacuum cleaner because it can cause the circuitry of the printer to get fried.  When that happens, you would have a bigger problem than simply dealing with clogged printer heads.

If you need to store your printer away, it would be best to take the printer cartridge out.  Also, never touch the printer head with oily or dirty hands.  Doing thus will leave skin oil on the printer head and add to the possibility of it getting clogged.

John C. Arkin

John C. Arkin, the contributor of Printer Ink Cartridges Articles. More information on the subject is at How to Clean a Clogged Printer Head, and related resources can be found at Canon Cleaning Cartridges.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Hardware Articles
  • More from John C. Arkin

Most Common Dell Printer and Dell Ink Cartridge Problems and Troubleshooting

By: John C Arkin | 06/01/2010
Imagine a scenario wherein, you want to print an important document and your printer gives out on you. This is a common occurrence even in Dell printers and Dell Ink cartridges. As can be imagined, even the most reliable of printers are prone to these problems as is illustrated in the case of common Dell printer and ink cartridges problems. The good news is that you don’t have to be a technical expert to solve these problems. Troubleshooting Dell printer problems is fairly easy.

KVM switch provides all benefits and eliminates the problem of distances

By: john rocks | 06/01/2010
Multiple computers can be controlled using a single Keyboard, Monitor and mouse (KVM) with the help of KVM Switches. KVM Switches are useful in places where there are multiple computers and no need for separate input devices for them. These switches support multiple platforms like SUN, IBM, HP, Dell, Windows Vista/2003/XP/2000, UNIX and also MAC. KVM Switches help in proper utilization of space and managing cables. Control can be switched between computers by pressing just a single button on the

KVM Switches are efficient and saves you money

By: john rocks | 06/01/2010
KVM Switches come in a variety of Range, styles & functionality. Whereas USB version,of KVM Switches which is known as the USB KVM, enables a single user to control multiple USB Computers via a single USB keyboard, mouse & VGA Monitor, the PS2 KVM Switch performs the same function via a PS2 Keyboard, mouse & VGA monitor. The PS2 KVM Switches with Audio performs the same function with the added ability to switch audio from each PC that is connected & transmit the sound to a set of peripheral spe

Upcoming New Printer Technologies and New Printers for 2009

By: John C Arkin | 06/01/2010
We normally assume that the inkjet printers and laser printers have reached a saturation point as far as technology is concerned. Still, the manufacturers never cease to surprise us with innovations. A few interesting developments are anticipated for 2009, benefiting the digital printing media to a great extent.

Top Innovative Printer Technologies to Expect in 2009

By: John C Arkin | 06/01/2010
The year 2009 is almost upon us. In just a handful of days, we would be entering the dawn of a new year, with fresh and exciting things to look forward to. In terms of printer technology, what would this New Year bring to us? Can we expect something great when it comes to new printer technology for 2009?

Examsoon 642-357 training materials

By: Adela1987 | 06/01/2010
Examsoon 642-357 is written to coincide with the real test by the experienced IT experts and specialists. With the complete collection of Questions and Answers, Examsoon 642-357 is high enough to help the candidates to pass this exam easily without any other study materials and no need to attend the expensive training class.

Pass4side 642-357 questions and answers

By: Adela1987 | 06/01/2010
642-357 DCSNS Designing Cisco Storage Network Solutions Exam Number:642-357 Duration: 60 minutes (55 - 65 questions) Available Languages: English and Japanese Click Here to Register: Pearson VUE Exam Policies: Read current policies and requirements Exam Tutorial: Review type of exam questions

Pass4side OG0-9AB exam test

By: Adela1987 | 06/01/2010
It is well known that OG0-9AB exam test is the hot exam of The Open Group certification. Pass4side offer you all the Q&A of the OG0-9AB real test . It is the examination of the perfect combination and it will help you pass OG0-9AB exam at the first time!

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go to for Healthy Living in Atlanta, Georgia

By: John C. Arkin | 25/01/2009 | Health
Health is always considered as an important aspect of living. It is something that could not be achieved by merely sitting down and relaxing. It may best be attained by looking forward to activities that will help you improve totally.

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go to for Healthy Living in Dallas, Texas

By: John C. Arkin | 25/01/2009 | Health
Dallas is probably one of the gifted cities in Texas. It had vastly gained recognition worldwide with its scenic spots. Aside from these things, visiting Dallas would not be complete unless you get a handful of help from their sports and recreation centers. These places will truly aid you in attaining good health.

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go to for Healthy Living in Boston

By: John C. Arkin | 25/01/2009 | Health
People are luckier these days because of the emergence of fitness centers all over the world. In any area, there are a lot of options you could choose from like bowling alleys, golf courses, skating rinks and dance studios.

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go for Healthy Living in Riverside-san Bernardino, Ca

By: John C. Arkin | 25/01/2009 | Health
One of the most historical towns in California is Riverside, San Bernardino. It was the home of the Native Americans thousands of years ago. Today, it features a lot of structures that are of Victorian architecture.

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go for Healthy Living in Phoenix-mesa, Az

By: John C. Arkin | 25/01/2009 | Health
Talk about Mesa-Phoenix, Arizona, and perhaps one of the things you’ll think of is the scorching heat of the sun. Though a good portion of the town is made up of desert, there are still a lot of lakes, parks, and mountains that provide oasis for those who want to maintain good health while in the area.

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go for Healthy Living in Minneapolis-st. Paul, Mn-wi

By: John C. Arkin | 25/01/2009 | Health
Known to be the biggest cities in Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul offers several attractions for both locals and tourists. There are different kinds of restaurants that are scattered all over the streets and avenues. For those who want to be healthy at all times, there are 10 places to go to and things to do.

10 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go for Healthy Living in San Diego, Ca

By: John C. Arkin | 25/01/2009 | Health
San Diego is one of the bustling cities of California. Every year, thousands of tourists flock here to have some vacation and fun. If you want to enjoy yourself while keeping yourself healthy, the following are the ideal places to go to:

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.07, 1, w2)