How to Clean a Clogged Printhead: Solutions & Methods

Question:

I’ve performed multiple cleaning cycles, but my printer still won’t print correctly. It appears to be a full-on log jam. I want to hold onto this printer because it’s the only multifunction model I know of that will do two-sided printing, two-sided scanning, and USB stick scanning (no PC or WiFi needed) all at once. I understand your company provides solvents inserted into the printhead nozzle ports to clean the nozzles and printheads. But I don’t know what kind of product to buy. Can you assist me in selecting the appropriate cleaning solution?

Answer:

Why Is Your Printer Still Clogged After Cleaning Cycles?

If the regular cleaning cycles do not remove a clog, it typically means:

Hardened Ink Deposits – Ink can harden into thick deposits inside the printhead, and over time can form deposits that regular cleaning cycles do nothing to dissolve.

Air Bubbles in the Ink Lines—If trapped air is in the system, Ink will not flow properly through the nozzles.

Printhead Nozzle Plate Blockage- Residual ink deposits on the printhead surface prevent the complete ejection of ink.

Old or Damaged Printhead – If the clogging is very severe, a printhead may be irreparable.

Cleaning solution: How to unclog a printhead

Your printer is experiencing a significant clog, so a direct printhead flush using a cleaning solution is the way to go. Here’s what you need to do:

Select the Correct Cleaning Solution

At BCH Technologies, we use different types of cleaning solutions to get the job done, depending on how nasty the clog is:

Standard Printhead Cleaning Solution – Ideal for mild to moderate clogs and routine maintenance.

Heavy Duty Printhead Cleaner — For severe clogs with dried ink buildup. This solution is a bit stronger & clears off dry ink more effectively.

I suggest using our Advanced Cleaning Solution for an entire clog, which is designed with a stronger solution to help dissolve ink deposits.

Prepare the Needed Tools

Required for Injecting Solution into Printhead Nozzles:

A syringe (for targeting application of fluid)

Some silicone tubing (to seal the connections to the nozzle ports)

Cloth (to wipe off excess ink, like a soft lint-free cloth)

If you do not already have these tools, we sell a Printhead Cleaning Solution Kit that includes everything you need.

Flush the Printhead Manually

Shut down the printer and take out all of the ink cartridges.

Afterward, power off the printer and take off every cartridge from the printhead.

Locate the Nozzle Ports

Each of those ink channels has a tiny nozzle where the ink flows. Tune these nozzles before moving on.

Inject the Cleaning Solution

Prepare the syringe with the cleaning solution and connect the tubing.

Push the tubing into the nozzle port and push the solution slowly through.

If you meet with significant resistance, do not force the fluid through the printhead—in this case, the printhead is likely permanently clogged.

Let the Solution Sit

Let the cleaning solution sit for an hour or two (or overnight for deficient blockages.)

This will help to dissolve dried ink inside the printhead.

(Optional) Flush With Distilled Water

You can flush the printhead with distilled water to remove residues if there is excess solution.

Remove ink cartridges and perform a cleaning cycle

Once you put the printer back together, do one or two cleaning cycles to remove any remaining fluid from the nozzles.

What if the Printhead Is Too Damaged to Repair?

If it is pushed back, the clog is too big to fix. In this case, replace the printhead or the printer.

Where to Buy the Right Cleaning Solution

What is your printer model to ensure you receive the correct product for your printer? This varies slightly by model regarding printhead structure, and I can point you to the best cleaning kit for your specific unit.

For those considering purchasing a cleaning solution, we have both available in our Printhead Cleaning Solutions (https://bchtechnologies.com/printhead-cleaning) tab.

Final Thoughts

Printer clogs can be challenging, mainly if the blockage is severe. Standard repair calls can usually be solved with simple cleaning solutions, but some may require more advanced repairs.

As printer troubleshooting is very hands-on, we do not offer remote repair services. If you need a professional to assist you, we provide a diagnostic and repair service right in your area (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) that you can book. However, we are currently operating on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to high demand, it may take a few weeks to schedule your device for us to take a look.

That said, I strongly encourage you to troubleshoot on your own first. If you are interested in printhead cleaning, you should also check out our detailed guides on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search function.