Canon MAXIFY MB2120 Printhead Clogged: Which Cleaning Fluid to Use and How to Unclog Safely (Clear vs Green vs Red)

Question: I need advice about my Canon printer (MAXIFY MB2120). The printhead seems clogged-what cleaning fluid should I use, and what's the best way to clear it?

Answer:

First, a quick note about the MAXIFY MB2120 and "clogged printheads"

The Canon MAXIFY MB2120 typically uses pigment ink (Canon's PGI pigment series for many MAXIFY models). Pigment ink is excellent for sharp text, but it's also more prone to drying and forming stubborn deposits, especially if the printer sits unused or runs in a hot/dry environment. A "clog" can be caused by:

• Dried pigment at the nozzle plate

• Air introduced into the ink path (common after carts run low or are replaced)

• Partially blocked ink channels inside the printhead

• Maintenance station/wiper issues (ink buildup prevents proper sealing, so the head dries faster)

The right cleaning fluid-and the right method-depends on the ink type and how severe the clog is.

Choosing the right BCH cleaning solution (Clear vs Green vs Red)

At BCH Technologies, we offer three main water-based cleaning solutions-Clear, Green, and Red-each designed for specific situations. Using the correct strength matters because you want to remove clogs without stressing seals, coatings, or internal components.

1) Clear Cleaning Solution (mildest, safest first step)

Best for: dye or pigment inks, light-to-moderate drying, routine recovery
This is usually the best first attempt if the printer is still partially printing, or if the clog seems recent.

• Dual Action Cleaning Solution for Dye and Pigment Inks (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/dual-action-cleaning-solution-for-dye-and-pigment-inks)

When to choose Clear:

• Nozzles are missing but not completely blank

• Printer sat for a short period (days to a couple weeks)

• You want the lowest-risk approach

2) Green Cleaning Solution (stronger, good for tougher pigment clogs)

Best for: dye, pigment, and sublimation inks; more persistent clogs
Green is the "step up" when Clear isn't enough.

• Triple Action Cleaning Solution for Dye, Pigment, Sublimation Inks (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/triple-action-cleaning-solution-for-dye-pigment-sublimation-inks-1)

When to choose Green:

• Clear didn't restore the missing lines

• The printer sat longer (weeks)

• The nozzle check shows large missing sections

• Pigment ink is heavily dried (common on MAXIFY units)

3) Red Cleaning Solution (most potent-use carefully)

Best for: severe clogs, professional users, last-resort before disassembly/service
Red is powerful and effective, but it must be used with care.

• Professional Red Cleaning Solution for Water-Based Inks (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/professional-red-cleaning-solution-for-water-based-inks-dye-pigment-sublimation-not-for-solvent-ink)

Critical caution for Red:

• Do not leave it sitting in the printer at full strength longer than 24 hours.

• This is especially important to reduce risk to internal components and seals.

When to choose Red:

• The nozzle check is mostly blank

• The printer has been idle a long time (months)

• Green didn't help

• You're experienced and following the instructions closely

Special note: DTF/DTG cleaning fluids (not for Canon MAXIFY dye/pigment setups)

You also mentioned cleaning fluid generally-so just to avoid a costly mismatch: if you ever see advice online about "DTF/DTG white ink cleaner," that is not appropriate for a Canon MAXIFY running standard pigment ink.

• Premium Cleaning Solutions for DTF Inks - MaxStrength™ Against White Ink Clog (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/premium-cleaning-solutions-for-dtf-inks-maxstrength-against-white-ink-clog)

This DTF formula targets white ink clogs and DTF/DTG color inks, but it is not suitable for dye ink and is intended for professional DTF/DTG workflows-not typical Canon office pigment systems.

Practical tips to improve unclogging success (without making things worse)

Even with the correct solution, technique matters a lot. Here are common "do's and don'ts" that apply to Canon MAXIFY-style systems:

Avoid overdoing automatic cleanings

Canon cleaning cycles help, but repeated deep cleanings can:

• Overheat the printhead

• Flood the maintenance station (messy, can cause smearing)

• Rapidly drain ink
  A good rule is to run a nozzle check, then one cleaning, then check again. If improvement stalls, it's usually time to change strategy (stronger solution or a controlled soak approach).

Make sure the printer can seal properly when idle

If the printhead can't cap/seal at rest, it will keep drying out.

• Clean paper dust and ink residue around accessible areas

• If prints smear or you see ink buildup, the wiper/capping area may need attention (this often mimics a "clog")

Use the least aggressive solution that works

Start with Clear, step to Green, and reserve Red for truly severe cases. This reduces risk and preserves printhead life.

Environment matters

If possible:

• Run the printer at least once a week (even a small nozzle check pattern helps)

• Keep it away from direct heat/AC vents

• Consider printing a small test page regularly to keep pigment moving

About error codes

In your message, you didn't mention specific Canon error codes (for example, "B200," "U0xx," "5B00," etc.). If any error codes appear while you're troubleshooting, be sure to note the exact code shown on the screen or computer, because Canon codes often point to very different root causes (printhead fault vs waste ink counter vs cartridge recognition vs purge unit issues).

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because the problems are hands-on by nature, and even something that looks like a "simple clog" can require multiple physical checks and procedures. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can schedule a drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. We also understand our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly recommend self-help through online research. A great place to start is YouTube-especially our channel: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find the most relevant videos, use the search icon near "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar on our channel page. I receive dozens of messages each day asking if we have a video on a specific topic, and after creating videos for years, it's difficult to remember every single one-so YouTube search is the fastest way to find what you need. It may also suggest helpful videos from other creators that match your exact symptoms.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. We truly appreciate it, and I hope this helps you choose the safest and most effective cleaning approach for your MAXIFY MB2120.