Proper Maintenance and Care for Printers

Just like a car engine, or anything else that has moving parts for that matter, your printer will perform better and last longer if you take the time to perform preventative maintenance on it regularly. In this article we will give you some basic tips on how to keep your printer functioning well.

A note on ink: For the most part, it is always a good idea to use the replacement ink that is made by your printer's manufacturer specifically for your printer model. Using third-party ink may seem like a cost-cutting measure with no real downside, but doing so can present unforeseen issues with different types of ink mixing (when remnants of the original manufacturer's ink mix with the new ink you have installed). There are ways to completely clean out any traces of ink from the printer heads, but doing so can be more costly and troublesome than simply purchasing the ink the manufacturer intended to be used. To find the ink cartridges you need, use our site search or look in the documentation that accompanied your printer's packaging.

To begin with, try to ensure that your printer is always clean. Don't let dust and debris clog the printer and grind it to a halt at the wrong time. Use regular cleaning methods for the outside, and use a can of compressed air with a long nozzle to spray out dust and dirt from around the printer/ink heads and other internal areas that are exposed when you open the printer for service. Always check the paper pickup rollers for dust or cracks, as these can be the first things to go on even a relatively new printer. The same thing goes for separation pads. You can clean these with a lint-free cloth, or with alcohol and a swab.

Always check the rollers to see if they look "glazed." This is usually a sign that they need to be replaced. Also check the transfer rollers to see if they are getting dirty. If they have a significant amount of dirt on them, clean them using a lint-free cloth (never touch them with your bare fingers). Be sure to replace these if they have a good amount of ink spilled onto them.

For more tips, look online for instructions for your specific type of printer, and make sure to bookmark GotoFotms.com so you can keep the supplies you need to clean and maintain your printer on hand. If you need any help, just give us a call and our sales staff will be sure to direct you to the ink cartridges and other printer supplies for your specific printer.