Did you ever think that print head cleaning methods are all the same for all printer brands? Well, they have their similarities but there are some unique tips to consider for each of these brands as well. So whether you own a HP, a Lexmark or a Dell printer, this article will help you get an idea on how to clean printheads for these printer brands.

Cleaning an HP printhead

There are various methods you may use when cleaning an HP printhead.

1. Cleaning the printhead using the control panel. Start by pressing the power button first. Using the ‘Resume’ button, you can select your own levels for cleaning printheads. Press this button 6 times for level 1 cleaning; five times for level 2; and seven times for level 3.

2. Cleaning an HP printhead using the EWS or Embedded Web Server. Start by launching the EWS using your web browser or the printer toolbox’s ‘Information Tab’. When you use the web browser, you will be required to type the IP address assigned to your HP printer. After choosing the right method, you can now click on “Settings”, “Maintenance” then the “Printhead” tabs. Under the “Printhead” tab simply choose clean printheads then click “Apply”.

3. Cleaning printheads manually. Start by turning your printer on and opening your HP printer’s top cover. After which, you should wait around two or three seconds before you unplug the printer’s power cord. Now, you may lift the printhead’s latch and handle. Then you are now prepared to remove any HP printer ink left on the contact pads of the printhead. Make sure you use dry and soft cloth.

Once you are through with your print head cleaning, you may now place the printhead on paper towel. See to it that the nozzles are not directly in contact with that of the paper. Then you can now proceed to cleaning the printhead contact points found inside the printer. Wait for these ones to dry before you turn the printer on again. Repeat all these steps if you have more than one HP printhead.

Cleaning a Lexmark printhead

You can start cleaning your Lexmark printhead by inserting a paper inside the paper tray. Then using your Windows-based computer, click on the ‘Start’ menu. Then simply select ‘All Programs’ to choose the folder made for Lexmark. There may be instances when ‘Lexmark Solution Center’ will appear on the options. You can use that one to clean your printheads.

From there, you may use the ‘Maintenance’ option. This will lead you to click on the cleaning settings for your printer. Then after that, you will be given the print test page option.

Cleaning your Dell printhead

The first thing you should do when cleaning your Dell printhead is to use the ‘print and align’ functions. When this does not work, you should clean the head manually. Dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol then clean the area where Dell printer ink build-up is most prominent. Allow the area to dry before placing the cartridge back into the printer.

In all these three printer brands, the print head cleaning process should be tested by printing a test page. This is your way of knowing that the printer still prints. If not, then you might as well repeat the cleaning process or replace your ink cartridges instead.

This Article is written by John C Arkin from News.PrintCountry the contributor of Printer & Printer Ink Cartridges New Tips & Articles. More information on the subject is at www.News.PrintCountry.com, and related resources can be found at Dell Printer Ink.