How to Clean an Epson WF-4640 Printhead and Fix Vertical Lines in Prints

Question:
I watched your video tutorial on cleaning an Epson printhead, and I was amazed by how helpful it was! I want to perform a deep cleaning on my Epson WF-4640, but I’m not sure what supplies I need to purchase. I am also experiencing vertical lines in Cyan and Yellow—about 0.8mm thick and 4mm high—appearing mostly along the paper margin but sometimes randomly across the page. Can you provide a list of materials and instructions so I can order what I need and clean the printhead properly?

Answer:
Thank you for your kind words and for watching our video tutorial! I truly appreciate your support. I understand that choosing the right cleaning supplies can be overwhelming, so I’ll guide you through everything step by step. We at BCH Technologies [https://bchtechnologies.com] are grateful for your engagement, especially with our YouTube channel, BCH Technologies YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Your feedback helps us continue improving our technical resources.

Recommended Cleaning Kit & Supplies

To properly clean your Epson printhead and address the vertical line issue, you’ll need the following materials:

Essential Cleaning Supplies

✅ Printhead Cleaning Solution (for breaking down dried ink and clogs)
➡ BCH Printhead Cleaner for Water-Based Dye & Pigment Ink [https://bchtechnologies.com/products/printhead-cleaning-solution?_pos=1&_sid=bf09dc3a4&_ss=r]
Quantity: 120ml (or more if you plan multiple cleanings)

✅ Syringe & Tubing Kit (for flushing ink channels)
➡ BCH Printhead Flushing Kit – Cleaning Syringe & Tubing [https://bchtechnologies.com/products/printhead-cleaning-kit?_pos=3&_sid=bf09dc3a4&_ss=r]
Quantity: 1 Kit (Includes syringe, tubing, and connector for Epson printheads)

✅ Lint-Free Wipes or Paper Towels
Kimwipes or Lint-Free Microfiber Cloth
Quantity: At least 10 sheets

✅ Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or Higher)
For cleaning printhead contacts and removing excess cleaning solution
Quantity: 100ml

✅ Distilled Water (Optional)
Used for final rinsing if needed

Cleaning Process Overview

Since you are experiencing vertical lines in Cyan and Yellow, the issue is likely due to partial clogging or ink residue on the printhead nozzles. Here’s how to clean it effectively:

1️⃣ Run a Nozzle Check & Identify Clogged Colors

• Print a nozzle check to confirm which colors are affected.

• If Cyan and Yellow are streaking, focus on these channels during cleaning.

2️⃣ Perform a Light Cleaning First

• Use a cleaning cycle in your Epson printer’s maintenance menu before attempting a deep clean.

3️⃣ Flush the Printhead with Cleaning Solution

1. Remove the ink cartridges.

2. Attach the syringe & tubing to the printhead’s ink ports.

3. Slowly push 2-3ml of BCH Cleaning Solution through each clogged color (Cyan & Yellow).

4. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to break down dried ink.

4️⃣ Perform a Second Flush if Necessary

• If ink flow is still restricted, repeat the process with another 2ml of solution.

• DO NOT use excessive force—gentle pressure is key to avoiding damage.

5️⃣ Reinstall Ink & Run a Cleaning Cycle

• After reassembling, install ink cartridges and run a printhead cleaning cycle.

• Print a nozzle check to see if the problem improves.

6️⃣ Check the Encoder Strip (If Vertical Lines Persist)

If lines still appear after cleaning, the problem could be a dirty encoder strip:

• The encoder strip is a clear plastic strip behind the carriage that helps the printer track movement.

• Clean it using isopropyl alcohol & a lint-free cloth.

Ordering Your Cleaning Supplies

To get everything you need, you can place an order directly through BCH Technologies [https://bchtechnologies.com]. Here's a quick breakdown of what to add to your cart:

🛒 BCH Printhead Cleaning Solution** [https://bchtechnologies.com/products/printhead-cleaning-solution?_pos=1&_sid=bf09dc3a4&_ss=r]** – 120ml
🛒 Printhead Cleaning Syringe & Tubing Kit** [https://bchtechnologies.com/products/printhead-cleaning-kit?_pos=3&_sid=bf09dc3a4&_ss=r]** – 1 Kit
🛒 Lint-Free Wipes / Paper Towels (Any brand)
🛒 Isopropyl Alcohol (90%+) (Local pharmacy or Amazon)

Final Thoughts

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility:
➡ BCH Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service].
Since we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, it might take a few weeks before we can process your repair request. Our services cover full printer repairs and component-level repairs with clear pricing. However, we acknowledge that our rates might not be the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend researching online troubleshooting resources, starting with our YouTube channel:
➡ BCH Technologies YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies].

Try these steps, and let me know if you need further guidance. I appreciate your support, and I hope this helps resolve the vertical lines in your prints!