Posted by Cleaning your Lexmark printer regularly is essential to maintain optimal print quality and extend the life of your device. It ensures that there is no ink build-up, unexpected breakdowns and malfunctions. If you are wondering how to clean a Lexmark printer safely, this post is all you need. We have explained how to clean the different parts of the printer properly.
Cleaning a Lexmark Printer – Steps to Follow
Use the following steps to clean the printer and prevent premature breakdowns.
Step 1: Prepare Your Printer for Cleaning
Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet to avoid any risk of electric shock. Also, disconnect all cables attached to the printer. Then, remove all paper from the printer to prevent jams or damage.
Step 2: Cleaning the Exterior
Use a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with water only to clean the outer part of the device. Avoid household cleaners or detergents, as these may damage the printer’s finish. Wipe only the outside surfaces of the printer carefully. Make sure all cleaned areas are completely dry before plugging in and restarting the printer.
Step 3: Cleaning the Printheads (For Inkjet Models like Lexmark J110)
If you have Inkjet models, it is important to clean the printheads. To do so, use the Utilities Menu on your printer’s control panel:
- Press Menu until Utilities Menu appears, then press Select.
- Navigate to Change Printhead and select it.
- Open the printer cover. You will see that the carrier moves to the load position.
- Raise the carrier handle and reseat the printheads.
- After this, close the cover.
- If print quality issues persist, perform a Short Clean via the Utilities Menu.
- If needed, continue with a Long Clean. However, this method consumes a lot of ink.
For stubborn ink that has dried, remove and gently clean the printhead’s copper contact area and nozzles with a damp, lint-free cloth. Let the printhead dry completely before you re-insert.
Step 4: Cleaning the Scanner Glass and ADF
Does your Lexmark model has a scanner or automatic document feeder (ADF)? If yes, clean the scanner glass and white backs of the covers with a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. Also, clean the ADF separator rollers after copying over 50,000 pages by removing the separator roll and wiping it with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Storing Printer Supplies
Store toner cartridges, photoconductors, and ink supplies in a cool, clean, and dry place away from the following external elements:
- Direct sunlight
- Temperatures above 35°C (95°F)
- High humidity (above 80%)
- Dust, salty air, and corrosive gases.
Tips for Optimal Printer Maintenance
While cleaning, follow these best practices to make the process efficient.
- Always use lint-free cloths to avoid leaving fibers that could interfere with printer components.
- Never use liquid inside the printer except as specifically instructed (e.g., damp cloth on printhead nozzles).
- Follow your model’s specific cleaning menus for printheads and other components when available. This will avoid unnecessary wear or ink wastage.
- Regular routine cleaning can prevent common print quality issues like streaks, smudges, and faded prints.
- If after cleaning, print issues persist, contact Lexmark support for professional servicing.
By adhering to these official Lexmark cleaning procedures, you can maintain your printer’s appearance and functionality. You will benefit from consistent, high-quality printing results. Regular care via cleaning minimizes downtime and helps your Lexmark printer serve you as intended in the future.
Get Rid of Lines on Lexmark Printer
Vertical streaks or white lines, when they show on print is a source of annoyance for printer owners. To fix it, follow these resolutions:
- Check whether the paper you have loaded in the tray is supported.
- Take a printout of the menu settings page.
- Check the supply levels for every cartridge and the imaging kit. If low, replace them.
- Print a test page to inspect the issue’s status.
- If the print quality issue is there, contact Lexmark support for help.
- Check whether the drivers are up to date by visiting Lexmark’s website.
How to Clean Lexmark Printhead Lenses?
In laser Lexmark printers, printhead lenses focus light onto the photoreceptor drum to transfer the image onto paper. To clean them, use these steps:
- Open the front or side panel to access the printhead or cartridge area.
- Remove the waste toner transfer unit, followed by the printhead wiper.
- You will see the printhead lenses. Clean them three times each.
- Use the printhead wiper to clean the lenses and then put the wiper back into place.
Concluding Words
Now, you know how to clean Lexmark printer. Use the steps described above and be gentle. If you think what you are doing is incorrect, seek help from Lexmark printer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I run a printer clean process?
Go to Lexmark printer’s maintenance settings through the printer’s control panel. You will find the ”Clean Printhead” or “Clean Printheads” option within this menu.
2. How to clean Lexmark printer drum?
Unplug the printer. Open the printer cover and remove the toner cartridge to expose the drum. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface of the drum.
3. How do I reset a Lexmark printer?
Go to Settings. > Device. > Restore Factory Defaults. Next, choose the settings to restore. Touch RESTORE and follow the stepwise instructions.