This article teaches you how to fix a clogged printer head. A clogged printer head is caused by the ink drying up due to lack of usage and this can lead to uneven and poor printouts. You can usually fix a stuck printer head using the printer's built-in software, but you may have to clean it manually if software cleaning doesn't work.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Self-Cleaning Software on Windows Operating System
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Type control panel into Start
By doing this, you search for the Control Panel application on your computer.
Step 3. Click Control Panel
The blue icon in the shape of a circuit board should be at the top of the Start window
Step 4. Click Devices and Printers
This is a printer-shaped option at the far right of the page.
If your Control Panel window uses the Categories view instead of icons, click View devices and printers under the Hardware and Sound heading
Step 5. Open the printer menu
Right-click on the name of the printer you want to clean. You'll find it under the Printer heading at the bottom of the page. A menu option will appear.
- If your mouse doesn't have a right-click button, click the right side of the mouse, or use two fingers to click the mouse.
- If your computer uses a trackpad instead of a mouse, use two fingers to tap the trackpad or press the lower-right corner of the trackpad.
Step 6. Click Properties
You'll find it at the bottom of the menu. A window will appear.
Step 7. Click Hardware or maintenance.
You'll find it at the top of the window.
Some printers put a self-cleaning option inside More Options or Tools.
Step 8. Click the Cleaning option
This option is usually written as Clean Heads or Clean Cartridges, but notice if there is a Clean option on the page.
If you can't find an option for cleaning the printer head (or nozzles or cartridges), see the printer manual or online documents. Your printer may not have a self-cleaning feature
Step 9. Follow each on-screen instructions
If you are asked to do something or press a certain button, do so as directed. After that, your printer will clean itself and you can continue the process of printing your document.
- You may also have the option to print a test page to verify that the cleaning process was successful.
- If the printout still indicates the printer head is clogged, you will need to clean it manually to resolve the problem.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Self-Cleaning Option in Mac Computers
Step 1. Open Apple menu
Click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the screen. The options menu will appear.
Step 2. Click System Preferences… in the Apple drop-down menu
Step 3. Click Printers & Scanners
The printer-shaped icon is to the right of the System Preferences window.
Step 4. Select a printer
On the left side of the window, click the printer you want to clean.
Step 5. Click Options & Supplies…
You'll find this option in the middle of the window.
Step 6. Click on Utilities
It's at the top of the page.
Step 7. Click Open Printer Utility in the middle of the page
Step 8. Select "Cleaning"
The location and appearance of these options will vary depending on your printer, but generally you can see the text Head Cleaning or Cartridge Cleaning on this page.
- If there is an option box at the top of the window, click it and then select Cleaning in the drop-down menu if available.
- If you can't find the "Cleaning" option, your printer may not support the self-cleaning process. Check the guide or online docs to confirm.
Step 9. Follow the on-screen instructions If you are asked to do something or press a certain button, do so as directed
After that, your printer will clean itself and you can continue the process of printing your document.
- You may also have the option to print a test page to verify that the cleaning process was successful.
- If the printout still indicates the printer head is clogged, you will need to clean it manually to resolve the problem.
Method 3 of 3: Using Manual Method
Step 1. Gather your gear
To clean the printer head, you will need the following supplies:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Water
- Bowl or pie pan
- paper napkins
Step 2. Turn off and unplug the printer
This will prevent damage to the printer and keep you from getting hurt when removing the ink tanks and printer heads.
Step 3. Remove the cartridge
Open the printer cover and then remove the cartridges one by one until they are completely removed.
You will most likely have to read the printer manual or an online document in order to properly remove the cartridges
Step 4. Remove the printer head assembly
This is the part where the cartridge is installed. You should be able to see some holes in the bottom of the unit.
- Again, consult the printer's user manual or online documents to learn how to properly remove the printer head assembly.
- If your printer uses a cartridge head, skip this step.
Step 5. Make a 1:1 ratio of isopropyl alcohol and water
Start by mixing half a cup (118.29 ml) of isopropyl alcohol and water. Mixing the two reduces the harshness of the alcohol so the solution doesn't damage the printer head.
Step 6. Put the solution in a bowl
The solution should not be too high-start with a solution as high as 0.6 cm- you can add more solution afterwards.
Step 7. Place the printer head into the solution
This solution should reach 1 cm on the sides of the printer head (or cartridge).
If your printer uses a cartridge head, insert the cartridge into the solution
Step 8. Let sit for at least two minutes
This process will allow sufficient time for the dry ink to escape from the printer head.
Step 9. Press the printer head down with a paper towel
This process will remove excess moisture and ink from the printer head.
Make sure your printer head is completely dry before proceeding to the next step
Step 10. Try your printer head
Reinstall the printer head assembly and/or cartridge, plug in the printer cable, and try printing a test page. Your printer should work as usual.
If your printer still doesn't work properly, leave the printer head (or cartridge) in a solution of alcohol and water overnight
Tips
- Printing one page each week can help prevent printer heads from clogging.
- If your printer uses a cartridge head, you can replace the clogged cartridge with a new one.
