How to Clean Paper Feed Rollers on Epson L1800, 1390, 1430, or 1400 Printers Without Removing Them

Question:
I watched your video "About 5 Minutes to Replace Paper Ejection and Feed Rods Like a Pro - L1800 1390 1430 1400" and wondered if it's possible to clean the rollers without taking them off. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sga3XUvZygM&lc=UgxZJGw0RHphMvxHFfl4AaABAg)

Answer:

Yes, you can clean the paper feed rollers without removing them. The rollers on Epson models such as the L1800, 1390, 1430, and 1400 are designed to grip and feed paper accurately. Over time, ink mist, paper dust, and residue can accumulate on these rollers, causing paper feeding issues such as slippage or skewing. Fortunately, a simple cleaning procedure can often restore proper operation.

Here's a step-by-step guide you can follow:

1. Prepare cleaning materials:
   Use lint-free paper towels or thick absorbent paper. Avoid thin or shredded paper as it can tear and jam the mechanism. Lightly dampen the paper with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (70-90%). Do not use water alone because it won't dissolve ink residue effectively.

2. Access the feed path:
   Open the printer's top cover and tray so you can feed paper manually. If possible, remove any printed sheets or debris from the tray area.

3. Feed the damp paper:
   Insert the slightly dampened paper towel into the paper feed slot and gently press the paper feed button (or use the printer driver's "Clean Rollers" or "Feed" command if available). The printer will pull the damp paper through the rollers, wiping off the accumulated dirt.

4. Repeat if needed:
   Check the paper towel for residue. If you see dark streaks or ink buildup, repeat the process with a fresh damp sheet until it comes out mostly clean.

5. Dry the rollers:
   Finally, feed through a few dry sheets of paper to remove any leftover moisture before resuming regular printing.

If your printer is giving any paper feed-related error codes, such as E-01, E-02, or 0x97, cleaning the rollers may help resolve the issue. These codes often appear when sensors detect a feed failure or mechanical obstruction.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, 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 (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can get your printer checked. Our services cover both full printer repairs and individual part replacements, with clear step-by-step instructions on how to proceed. While our rates may not be the cheapest, we encourage users to also explore self-help through online resources. You can start by visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search icon next to "About" on the menu bar to find relevant tutorials. YouTube may even recommend related videos from other creators that can help you troubleshoot further.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your questions inspire us to keep producing high-quality repair and maintenance content for the printer community.