Cleaning an Epson sublimation printer can be a daunting task. It might be difficult to know where to start when there are so many different parts and components to keep track of. Neglecting to clean your printer can lead to issues such as clogged print heads and dirty ink cartridges. However, you can maintain your printer’s performance and appearance with helpful tips and tricks. In this article, we’ll guide how to clean Epson sublimation printer like a pro.
How to Clean Epson Sublimation Printer
Like any other device, you should keep your printer dust and lint-free. Dust can cause many problems, from minor inconveniences to even blocking when not cleaned for longer. A microfiber cloth can clean and remove dust from any machine.
Dust can quickly settle down with ink and cause issues in prints. Only open the reservoir cover when you must fill the ink and close it immediately. Also, clean the surrounding area of openings to reduce dust getting into the ink tanks.
Print Head/ Nozzle Cleaning
You must clean the printer heads more frequently than other parts to keep your printer running efficiently. The print nozzles should be cleaned regularly so that the dust and debris particles won’t accumulate and cause clogging. When the printer is left unused for a long time, the dry ink can also cause clogging, making printing impossible.
Let’s look into ways you can clean the sublimation printer’s nozzles.
Print Head Cleaning on PC
You must do a print head nozzle check before proceeding with nozzle cleaning.
Select Print Head Nozzle Check at the top of the menu. The printer will print four color lines/grids. If all the printed lines/grids are connected and straight, the printheads are clean, and you can select “Done.” You won’t need to run the printer for maintenance.
You must run Print Head Cleaning if the prints are uneven or have gaps.
After each print head cleaning, run another nozzle check to ensure the prints rendered are straight and even.
Print Head Cleaning on Mac
Open System Preferences on a Mac and navigate to Printer and Scanner. In the top bar, click on Options & Supplies and Utility. Run a print test the same way, and if the printed lines are straight and even, maintenance is unnecessary. If the prints are uneven, run Clean Print Heads under Utility.
It is recommended to use the printers regularly, and you will face lesser problems. It is an excellent choice to keep crafting with your printer.
Fixing a Clog
A clogged print head can cause several issues with your sublimation printer, including streaks, smudges, and missing ink sections. If you suspect that your printer is suffering from a clog, there are several steps you can take to fix it.
Identifying Clog
Poor print quality is the first indication of a clog in your Epson EcoTank printer. If your printout looks faded or lacks color, the printer may have a clog. To confirm if there is a clog, print a nozzle check page.
Once you have printed the nozzle check page, examine it closely for missing or broken lines. There should be no line breaks, and the colors should be vibrant and lively. There is likely a clog in the printer if you notice any broken or missing lines.
There are various ways to unclog your Epson EcoTank printer. We recommend trying the following methods in the order listed before resorting to a power clean, which can reduce the life of your printer.
Printing Printer Purge Files
Printer purge files are useful for clearing clogs in an Epson EcoTank printer. To use them, first, download free files from the internet. Then, load plain paper into the printer and print the files with the same settings as regular printing. Repeating the process several times and waiting 24 hours between each print is important.
Using a Cleaning Solution
If the cleaning cycle fails, you can use a solution specifically for sublimation printers. These solutions can help dissolve ink clogs and clear the print head. To use a cleaning solution, carefully follow the instructions on the bottle. You must apply a few drops of the solution to a cloth or cotton swab and gently rub it onto the print head.
Removing and Cleaning the Print Head
The print head might need to be removed manually and cleaned if the clog is very difficult to clear. This can be a more involved process, so it’s a good idea to refer to your printer’s user manual or online tutorials for detailed instructions. In general, you must remove the cartridges from the printer, detach the print head, and then clean the nozzles using a cleaning solution and a soft cloth or cotton swab.
Maintainance Tips
Here are some maintenance tips for an Epson printer that has been converted for sublimation printing:
- Regularly clean the print head: Sublimation ink can clog the print head nozzles over time, so it’s important to clean it regularly. You can do this using the printer’s cleaning cycle or a solution specifically designed for sublimation printers.
- Use high-quality sublimation ink: Low-quality ink can cause clogs and other issues, so ensure you’re using high-quality sublimation ink compatible with your printer.
- Keep the printer covered when not in use: When you’re not using the printer, it’s a good idea to cover it with a dust cover to prevent dust and other particles from getting inside and causing problems.
- Use the printer regularly: If you don’t use the printer regularly, the ink can dry out and clog the print head. Try to print at least once every week to avoid this.
- Perform regular maintenance: Besides cleaning the print head, you should perform other regular maintenance tasks like cleaning the paper feed rollers and checking the ink levels.
- Use high-quality transfer paper: The quality of your transfer paper may have an effect on the quality of your sublimation prints as well. Ensure you’re using high-quality sublimation paper compatible with your ink and printer.
Conclusion
Epson printers are the top choice by experts and beginners for their smooth performance and quality printing. However, to have consistent results, the machine needs to be cleaned thoroughly and maintained well enough to keep its part working. Its cleaning procedure is as easy as clicking buttons and letting the printer do the rest.
You can also check out our detailed article on unclogging the sublimation printer to eliminate stubborn print head nozzle clogging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does sublimation ink dry out?
If you live in a warm, dry climate or leave your printer unused for longer, the ink will likely dry and cause clogging in the print head. It is necessary to keep the ink flowing, so it is recommended that you run your printer at least weekly to avoid such problems.
How often should you clean the print heads of the Epson printer?
The print head cleaning and maintenance varies with each printer and usage. Variables like humidity and temperature, amount of ink used, the time lapse between printing, and how often the printer is used determine how often your print head nozzles need cleaning.
If you are using the printer regularly, there is less need to run cleanings.
How to know whether the printer is clogged?
You can select Print Head Check in the menu, and your printer will start printing lines in four colors. The uneven printed lines and gaps indicate clogged print head nozzles.
How to overcome the issue of uneven printing?
When your printer prints uneven lines, it indicates clogged print head nozzles. You must run Print Head Cleaning. If you select this option from the menu, your printer will begin cleaning itself instantly.