Can You Clean an Epson WF-3640 Printhead Without an Ultrasonic Cleaner? Safe DIY Methods Explained

Customer Question:

I watched your video on fixing the Epson WF-3640 printhead with errors 0x97 and 0xEA. What should I do if I don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner? Can I still soak the printhead in cleaning solution?

Yes, You Can Soak the Printhead Without an Ultrasonic Cleaner—But Be Careful

While the video you mentioned, “Extreme Unclog Epson Printhead WorkForce WF‑3640 Fix 0x97 & 0xEA Error”, demonstrates using an ultrasonic cleaner, it’s possible to clean the printhead without one. In fact, for some users, soaking is safer, especially if done with care.

Option 1: Soak the Nozzle Tip Only

You can soak just the nozzle plate of the printhead in a shallow container. Here’s how:

• Use a shallow dish with printhead cleaning solution or lukewarm distilled water.

• Position the printhead so that only the nozzle tip (bottom part) makes contact with the liquid.

• Do not submerge the circuit board or the upper housing where the electrical contacts are located—this could cause permanent damage.

• Let the printhead sit for a few hours, or overnight for heavy clogs. You should start to see ink dissolving into the solution.

This method helps soften dried pigment ink at the nozzle opening without introducing the risks of ultrasonic vibration.

Option 2: Wet Paper Towel Method

If you’re wary of soaking altogether, try this gentle approach:

• Moisten a lint-free paper towel or microfiber cloth with printhead cleaner or distilled water.

• Lay the towel flat in a tray or container, and gently place the printhead—nozzle side down—onto the damp towel.

• Optionally, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap to reduce evaporation.

• Replace or re-moisten the towel every few hours.

• When you lift the printhead, check if there’s residual ink on the cloth—that’s a good sign that it's loosening.

This technique works well over more extended periods and helps unclog stubborn ports slowly.

Why Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Risky for Epson WF Printheads

While ultrasonic cleaners are effective in some scenarios, they come with significant risks for WF-series Epson printers:

• The printheads have delicate internal channels, glue seals, and sensors that may delaminate or break apart under prolonged vibration.

• Heat buildup in ultrasonic baths can also degrade plastic parts and adhesives inside the printhead.

• BCH Technologies only recommends ultrasonic cleaning in short bursts (1–2 minutes per side)—and only if the model is known to tolerate it.

Since your printer is a WF-3640, we advise not using an ultrasonic cleaner unless you’re experienced or working with backup parts.

Cleaning Cycle Best Practices

Even after manual cleaning, be conservative with built-in cleaning cycles:

• Run no more than 2–3 cleanings in a row.

• Then, wait at least a few hours before repeating.

• Overuse can overheat the printhead and damage the ink absorber pad, leading to additional maintenance errors.

Quick Comparison of Cleaning Methods

Final Advice

So, yes, you can clean your Epson WF-3640 printhead without an ultrasonic cleaner. Just be mindful to:

• Soak only the nozzle area.

• Avoid exposing electrical contacts to liquid.

• Use the paper towel method for gentle, extended soaking.

• Be patient—deep clogs may take overnight soaking or repeated cycles.

• Don’t overdo software cleanings.

If the printhead still fails to perform after these steps, it may be internally damaged beyond repair. In that case, replacement is often the most practical solution. If you'd like help sourcing a compatible printhead or high-quality cleaning solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Working on clogged or malfunctioning printers can be a hands-on, technical process. For this reason, we’re not able to offer real-time remote troubleshooting or repair support. However, we do offer in-person diagnostics and repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Our diagnostic center operates on a first-come, first-served basis and may require several weeks for scheduling. Whether you're looking to restore a whole printer or just need one component fixed, we can help—but we also acknowledge that our pricing may not suit everyone. That’s why we encourage continued DIY learning through YouTube or our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the “About” tab to find the exact topic you need. With nearly a decade of content, the search bar remains your fastest and most accurate tool.

Thank you again for supporting BCH Technologies and taking the initiative to fix your printer. Your effort and curiosity are what make this community so vibrant, and we’re glad to be part of your repair journey!