Clean a Laser Printer

Electronics collect dust over time. Laser printers are especially prone to dust and debris. Because laser printers use toner cartridges, the mechanisms can become clogged up when ink toner accumulates in tight areas. Cleaning a laser printer can restore the machine to its original operability. Use these steps to properly clean your printer.

Steps

  1. Turn the printer off and unplug it from its power source at least 1 hour prior to cleaning to cool it down and prevent electrical shock.
  2. Open the printer to view the inner components..
    • Review your owner's manual to determine how the printer should be opened. Some printers have latches; some open on a hinge; and others might require a screwdriver.
  3. Remove all detachable components from the printer.
    • Find and lift out the all-in-one toner cartridge if your laser printer is newer and relatively inexpensive.
    • Take out the imaging drum. It is usually a bright green or blue color. Grab each side of the drum; do not touch the surface of the drum. Carefully lift out the imaging drum and place it in an area with no light.
  4. Wipe the toner cartridge or bottle with an activated toner cloth.
    • Toner cloth is specially designed to attract and catch toner particles that other cloths would leave behind.
    • Rest the cartridge on another toner cloth.
  5. Position a toner vacuum into the printer chassis.
    • Suck out any spilled toner you see in the interior.
    • Move the vacuum nozzle around slowly, lingering for at least 3 seconds for each crevice.
  6. Take a clean paintbrush and angle the bristles into hard-to-reach nooks.
    • Scrub the corners gently to loosen any built-up toner.
    • Vacuum out the debris the paintbrush loosens.
  7. Clean the corona wires.
    • Dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol.
    • Find the exposed fine wires inside the printer. They are usually near the paper rollers. Their purpose is to attract toner by transferring a static charge to the paper.
    • Rub the swab across the wires, twisting the swab when one side becomes soiled.
  8. Use a can of condensed air to remove dust from the internal fan.
  9. Wash the paper feed roller.
    • Pour rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and scrub the roller in a circular motion to remove toner that has gathered.
  10. Disinfect the exterior of the laser printer with a micro-fiber cloth and rubbing alcohol.
  11. Replace the inner components.



Tips

  • Blow the condensed air in short, rapid bursts instead of a steady stream.

Warnings

  • Do not touch the fuser-roller of a printer that has recently been used. The fuser-roller gets hot when printing and can burn you.
  • Do not apply pressure to the corona wires when scrubbing them of excess toner. A gentle scrub is enough to remove toner.
  • Always wear a face mask and gloves when performing maintenance on your laser printer.
  • Do not allow the toner vacuum to touch any internal components of the printer.
  • Do not perform maintenance on your laser printer that might void your manufacturer's warranty.
  • Do not spray liquids directly onto the exterior or interior of your laser printer.

Things You'll Need

  • Laser printer
  • Toner vacuum
  • Clean paintbrush
  • 2 toner cloths
  • Cotton swabs
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Micro-fiber cloth
  • Face mask
  • Latex gloves

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Sources and Citations

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