subject: Cleaning a Colour Laser Printer [print this page] Laser printers are not difficult to clean, if you know what you're doing. Cleaning your printer on a regular basis can make a huge difference to the lifespan of your printer as well as its performance during that time.
Cleaning the printer at regular intervals will help to increase the quality of each print document. Since the cost of a laser printer, and the costs involved in running it, is still for the most part more expensive than ink jet printers, it makes sense to pay extra care and attention to your printer. Dusting and cleaning the roller and glass is recommended, at least on a quarterly basis.
Before beginning to clean your printer, always read the information provided by the manufacturer. This will ensure that your printer is cleaned and maintained for optimum performance and you do not affect the product's warranty, should it carry one.
Be careful using certain household cleaning products, since they can damage the printer. This is particularly true for ammonia-based products. Where possible, try to only use a small amount of cleaning solution and always place a little bit onto the cloth and then rub as opposed to pouring the liquid directly onto the printer. This will help to reduce unnecessary spillage and prevent liquid damage.
Before beginning to clean your printer, it's important to turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall.
Once the printer is switched off, remove the toner cartridges from the printer, using paper towels to clean up any excess spillage from the cartridges. Be careful not to get the excess ink onto fabric, as this can create a permanent stain. Using gloves is also recommended, as it can be difficult to remove printer ink from skin.
Dust the inside of your printer. Dust and excess toner inside the printer can cause the printer to clog. In time this will greatly reduce the quality of the printing, so it's worthwhile cleaning the printer every few months.
Place the cartridges back in and switch the printer on.
Using the pretreated printing sheets your manufacturer supplied you with, place the sheet onto the top of the paper printing tray. If you do not have these sheets, check with a local office supply shop or online. Following the instructions on the packet, run the sheet through as if it were a copy as this will help to grab excess dirt and grime that has built up on the rollers.
To clean the glass, using a printer glass cleaning solution is recommended. If in doubt, check with your manufacturer.
Finally, clean the outside of the printer with a dry, clean cloth.
Although it requires a few tools and a little know-how, cleaning colour laser printers on a regular basis can greatly increase their longevity as well as the printer's overall performance quality.
