How to Maintain and Clean Epson ET-8550 Printheads for DTF Printing: Advice for Small Business Owners

Question:
I run a custom t-shirt business and use Epson ET-8550 printers for DTF (Direct to Film) printing. Unfortunately, I’ve already gone through several printheads—three are clogged and unusable, and I've had to buy replacements. I want to know how to properly maintain the working printheads and, if possible, clean and recover the clogged ones. I’ve bought cleaning solutions and other products before, but nothing seems to work long-term. Also, is there a cleaning schedule or type of solution I should be using? And do you sell the lubricant or oil that originally comes with the ET-8550 heads? Any advice would help.

Answer:
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. First, I’m truly sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I understand how urgent and stressful printer issues can be—especially when they impact your ability to run your business. Please know that I’ve taken time to consider your situation carefully because I want to provide a detailed and useful response. We at BCH Technologies truly appreciate your continued support and engagement, especially on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback genuinely helps us improve and stay connected with the needs of our community.

Let’s break this down into a few key points to address your questions about cleaning, maintaining, and possibly recovering your ET-8550 printheads.

1. Why ET-8550 Printheads Clog in DTF Use

The Epson ET-8550 wasn’t designed with DTF printing in mind. While it's a fantastic photo printer for pigment-based inks, using it for DTF with PET film and textile ink introduces challenges. The ink used in DTF is thicker, settles faster, and tends to clog micro nozzles, especially when the printer sits idle or when humidity is low.

2. Recommended Cleaning Solution

For cleaning your printhead—whether it’s preventive or restorative—you’ll need a DTF-compatible printhead cleaning solution. At BCH Technologies, we carry a DTF printhead flush solution (https://bchtechnologies.com/dtf-flush-solution.html) that is formulated to dissolve stubborn DTF ink clogs without damaging the printhead's delicate nozzles. This is different from standard inkjet cleaner or Windex-based DIY recipes that can sometimes do more harm than good.

3. How to Clean a Clogged Printhead

If the printhead is already removed from the printer, you can try the soaking method:

• Use a shallow tray and pour in just enough cleaning solution to cover the nozzle plate.

• Let the printhead sit (no electronics submerged) for a few hours or overnight.

• Then, flush cleaning fluid through the ink ports using a syringe and a small silicone tube.

Important: Do not apply excessive pressure when using a syringe. It can rupture the micro-channels inside the head. If fluid won’t flow easily, the clog may be internal and too severe.

4. Preventive Maintenance Tips

This is especially crucial for your new printheads:

• Daily "Nozzle Check" Prints: Even a small nozzle check every day helps keep ink moving.

• Cap Station Cleaning: Clean the capping station and wiper blade weekly using lint-free swabs and cleaning solution.

• Humidity Control: Keep the room at around 50–60% humidity. DTF ink thickens more quickly in dry environments.

• Power Down Properly: If not printing daily, power the printer off using the printer’s power button (not unplugging it), which parks the printhead correctly.

5. Should You Maintain or Outsource Prints?

This is the hardest part to say, but given that the ET-8550 heads are expensive and difficult to maintain—especially when DTF ink is involved—I usually suggest a hybrid approach. Consider ordering custom DTF transfers from sellers on Etsy or other platforms when your printer is down. The cost of transfers (often around $1–3 per sheet) may be cheaper in the long run than replacing a printhead every couple of months.

This lets you continue fulfilling orders without pressure while you take your time troubleshooting or repairing your printers.

6. About the “Oil” for ET-8550 Printheads

Yes, Epson ships new printheads with a very small amount of lubricant (often silicone or fluorinated oil) to protect the nozzle plate and reduce static. However, we do not carry the Epson-branded oil, and it's not typically required for daily use. The best substitute is to occasionally wipe the nozzle plate gently with a swab dampened with our cleaning solution to prevent buildup. Just don’t use alcohol or oil-based cleaners, as they can damage the surface coating.

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 (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it might take a few weeks before we can accept your printer drop-off. Our services are designed to handle full printer repairs or specific part replacements, with clear steps to follow. That said, we understand our pricing may not be ideal for everyone. That’s why we always encourage users to try self-repair through online resources. Start by visiting our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the "About" tab to find targeted videos. With over nine years of content, that’s often the fastest way to find answers—even if they come from other channels YouTube recommends.

Thanks again for reaching out and for being part of our community. We know how hard you’re working to keep your business running, and we’re honored to be part of your journey, even in a small way.