How to Unclog UV Ink Blocked Printheads – Does a Cleaning Machine with Distilled Water Work?

Question:
I have a UV-ink-clogged printhead, and I’m considering cleaning it with a printhead unclogging machine, an adapter, and distilled water. Will this method effectively remove UV-ink clogs, or do I need a different cleaning solution?

Answer:

So now, let’s dissect your question and seek the best solution for clearing UV Ink from a printhead.

Whether a Printhead Unclogging Machine with Distilled Water Will Work for UV Ink

Why You Can’t Use Distilled Water for UV Ink Clogs

The method you described—an inkjet printhead unclogging machine with an adapter and distilled water—is ideal for water-based inks, like dye and pigment inks. However, UV ink is different:

Most UV inks are not water-based but rather only weak Eco-Solvent based.

Unlike dye or pigment inks, UV ink cures and hardens when exposed to UV light, and is less affected by most common water-based cleaning solutions.. Italso 

The water alone will not clean the cemented UV ink, and pushing water into the printhead will not help.

Cleaning Solution for UV Ink

Because UV ink is cured, and needs a more powerful liquid to dissolve it, it is vital to use a correct solution for cleaning the UV printheads. Here’s what you should do:

Contact the UV ink manufacturer — Ideally, the best practice is to consult your UV ink supplier or manufacturer about a recommended printhead cleaning solution. Most reputable manufacturers will have a solvent to dissolve their UV inks without harming the printhead.

Using a specialized UV ink cleaner – If your manufacturer doesn’t provide a cleaning solution, look for Eco-Solvent or UV ink-compatible printhead cleaners. They are formulated to dissolve caked ink but won't damage sensitive printhead parts.

Avoid strong industrial solvents – Some users have tried to use aggressive chemicals like acetone or alcohol. Still, these types of chemicals can damage the nozzles and rubber seals of the printhead in the long run. Make sure you always use a cleaning solution specifically designed for UV ink, using the printhead's always.

Unclogging a Printhead with UV Ink

Method 1: Best Method Using a Printhead Cleaning Machine (ensure solution is correct)

If you have a printhead unclogging machine, you can still use this—but replace distilled water with:

Instead of water, load the machine with a solution for cleaning UV ink.

Perform the cleaning cycle as instructed, ensuring the solution flushes out through each nozzle.

If using most cleaning solutions, allow at least 30 minutes for them to soak in the printhead, breaking up clogs in old ink before rinsing out. you use for at least 30 minutes them 

Cleaning Method 2: Syringe with Tubing

If you don’t own a machine, you can flush the printhead by hand:

Get a syringe + tubing kit compatible with your printhead’s ink ports.

Get your UV ink cleaning solution (not distilled water) and fill the syringe.

Lightly force the solution through the printhead nozzles — don’t use too much pressure, as this can damage the printhead.

Let the printhead sit in the solution for half an hour to a few hours and try flushing it again.

Repeat the process or allow the printhead to soak overnight if it's a worse clog.

Flush the Printhead for Minor Jams

(deep cleaning soak — if removable printhead)

Put the printhead gapped in a shallow bowl with UV ink cleaner (just barely covering the nozzle plate).

Allow it to soak for a few hours or overnight.

Gently wipe away loosened ink residue using a soft lint-free cloth.

Re-install and clean cycle the printer.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Don't use distilled water, because you don't want to use it on UV ink clogs — it requires a solvent cleaner to be properly dissolved. Using an approved cleaning solution works best, and you can always follow the cleaning instructions.

✅ Recommended Steps:

Acquire the proper cleaning solution from your UV ink supplier.

However, get a printhead cleaning machine and r, replace it with one of the UV ink clean instead of filling it with distilled waterers.  Replace the distilled water instead of filling it.

If necessary, manually flush the printhead using a syringe and tubing.

For stubborn clogs, bathe the printhead in the cleaning solution overnight.

Extended Service and Support for Printer Repairs

Because printer cleaning and repair can be very hands-on and technical, we do our utmost to give good advice but cannot offer remote troubleshooting or support. However, we specialize in an evaluation service for printers, you can call our local diagnostic service for BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service

Please note that we also provide a repair service on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of high demand, there could be a wait for the printer to get serviced. We run customers through full printer ships and also detailed instructions if they want to repair themselves. We notice that our pricing is first come, first served; therefore, we encourage it. Troubleshooting where we can for the printer to be the .so

For further assistance, visit our YouTube Channel: BCH Technologies YouTube Channel. To search for Videos about unclogging printheads, UV-ink maintenance, cleaning solution, etc., type in the search icon (🔍) to the right of About.