A printer is an essential add-on to your office set up, but when it decides to have a funny five minutes just as you’re about to send a document to print, it can cause lengthy delays and unnecessary stress and hassle.
At Elite Office Solutions, we believe continual maintenance is the backbone of product longevity, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. We’ve collated some useful steps for you to take to keep your inkjet or laser printer in good working order.
Turn the printer off
If your printer is expected to go a few days without the need to print, like over a weekend or bank holiday, turn it off. Printers can overheat if they’re left on for long periods of time and can be particularly damaging for inkjet printers, as the ink cartridges tend to dry up, in turn causing the header to clog. Even if the printer is turned on and not in use, it can cause wear and tear to other parts of the printer.
Give the insides a clean
Every few months, give the insides of your printer a wipe. Toner, dust and grime that’s been accumulated over time can form layers that affect the performance of the printer. Using lint-free cloths that are slightly dampened will lift toner and dust away, and soft-bristled tools like a toothbrush will remove any grime. Avoid applying too much pressure when cleaning, even if it’s a tough spot!
Keep the printer head clean
We recommend cleaning your printer head on a monthly basis. Many printers will self-clean with just a few clicks of a button, but they can also be cleaned manually if you’d prefer. For inkjet printer users, simply remove the ink cartridges and clean the head with warm water. Avoid using wet wipes or cleaning products containing alcohol. After cleaning, allow the head to dry completely before returning the ink cartridges.
Check under the hood
Every now and again, lift up the printer’s hood and check for any damaged or worn parts. Toners and ink cartridges aren’t the only components that need replacing – check the condition of other areas of the printer too, like the rollers and the fuser.
Use the printer regularly
It’s not uncommon for printers to become faulty just from not being used enough. Leaving your printer untouched for days can also cause the printer head to clog, causing severe damage. We recommend doing a full colour print every 10 days to ensure your printer and cartridges are in good working order.
Choose the right refill cartridges
Refill cartridges can be expensive and as a result, you may be tempted to go for a cheaper option, regardless of the quality. Although branded, good-quality cartridges come with a bigger price tag, they help to maintain the working condition of your printer, preventing breakdowns and functionality issues in the future. And they provide better printing quality.
Keep it up to date
One of the most important factors that many users tend to ignore is the printer’s software. The printer’s manufacturer will notify the system when an update is due, and by doing so contributes to keeping your printer in great working form.
Replace the ink cartridges before they run out
A dry ink cartridge can lead to unwanted wear and tear on your printer head, meaning it’s even more important to change them before they start causing problems. Your printer software will alert you when ink cartridges or toner falls below a certain level.
Locate the printer in a suitable area
Heat and dry air can contribute to printer heads clogging with inkjets and toner degradation with lasers. To avoid any unnecessary printer repair costs, site them away from radiators and other heat sources.
Other common printer problems can arise from being knocked and barged as office workers walk past. Keep the printer away from busy corridors and walkways to avoid further damage.
Elite Office Solutions offer a maintenance service on all laser printers. Our team of specialised engineers will attend site and give your printer a thorough service to minimise breakdowns and prolong its lifespan. Find out more here or give us a call on 01962 864 332 to book a service.