The office printer is essential in any office environment. Keeping your printer in optimal working order is paramount. Should the printer become dirty or damaged the quality of important documents will be compromised. However, regular maintenance will ensure excellent functionality and longevity.

There are a number of different maintenance procedures that should be routinely undertaken in order to secure the reliability and accuracy of your printer for extended periods of time.

The most important practice is to make sure that your printer is kept clean. A good printer is one that remains free from dirt and debris. Regular dusting should be completed and a full clean should be undertaken on a bi-monthly basis.

It’s always advised that consumers follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when cleaning their printers. A full clean should involve removing the paper trays and all paper from the printer. This should only be completed once the printer has been switched off and allowed to cool. Be careful with the components as you don’t want them to become damaged in the process. The ink or toner cartridges should be placed on a piece of scrap or newspaper. This will stop ink spilling onto the surface.

Once you’ve removed all the necessary components, take a clean lint-free cloth and use it to clean any visible dirt or debris. Brush the paper cuttings that remain in the printer. Should any ink cartridges, connected to the printer be clogged or suffered clotting, these should be removed with the printer brush.

The ink cartridges or cleaning sheets should also be wiped clean. This can help you remove further debris that has become lodged inside the printer. A practiced approach will allow you to comprehensively clean the printer, thereby ensuring that the necessary components will operate at optimal efficiency.

By undertaking a considered and comprehensive approach you will increase the lifespan of your printer considerably. Don’t neglect the process, by doing so you may suffer from poor quality printed documents, or even malfunction.