Cleaning Printheads

Automatic Cleaning

some contemporary ink-jet printers do a periodic automatic clean of the heads, if not used frequently

• this may happen when the printer is not powered up
• it is better to leave standby power permantly ON for this reason

Rpeters08:02, 31 August 2012 (EST)

Manual Cleaning

But for those not wishing to replace their printer, do a Google for "Cleaning inkjet printers". I found many things there which would have helped me 3 years ago such as the need to soak heads in a solvent such as isopropyl alcohol (available from Dick Smith at $7.99 for a 250 ml bottle for of ISO PRO Cleaner Pump Spray), for possibly about 4 days www.weeno.com. A more powerful solvent "Print Head Clog Buster" from inkmizer is described by [1], again requiring soaking for possibly several days. Also less drastic alternatives are suggested such as Windex glass cleaner and a 50% ammonia solution.

For those interested in more detail I am particularly impressed by [2]

Jeff - 18/Jul/12

The following site has suggestions for printheads from many brands and models http://www.ehow.com/printheads/

I followed the recommendations in this article and got a clogged, pigment head working fine

• note that hot water is used
• ideally the head needs partial dis-assembly

http://www.ehow.com/how_5195058_clean-clogged-canon-printhead.html

Rpeters08:30, 31 August 2012 (EST) --