Printer Won’t Power On After Cleaning? Here’s What Might Be Wrong and How to Fix It

If your printer was functioning after a head cleaning but suddenly refuses to power on, you're not alone. Many users experience this exact situation, especially after attempting manual cleanings using syringes and cleaning fluid. While cleaning methods like these can help clear clogged nozzles, they can sometimes create new problems—particularly with sensitive electronic components. In this article, we’ll explore the most likely causes behind a printer that won’t turn on after cleaning and what parts may need replacement.

Common Causes of Power Failure After Cleaning

When a printer suddenly stops powering on following a manual cleaning, the issue often stems from electrical damage or fluid exposure to internal components. Below are the most likely reasons:

1. Mainboard (Logic Board) Damage

The mainboard is the printer’s brain. If cleaning fluid seeps into the internal electronics or causes a short circuit, the board can become non-functional. This is especially common if fluid gets near open ribbon cable ports or surface-mount components.

What to do:
Open the printer and inspect the board. Look for any signs of fluid residue, corrosion, or burnt components. If you spot damage, the board may need to be replaced or repaired. We offer a mainboard repair service [https://bchtechnologies.com/mainboard-repair] if you want a professional analysis.

2. Power Supply Unit (PSU) Failure

The PSU is responsible for converting and delivering power to your printer. It can be damaged by power surges or short circuits—both of which are possible during deep cleaning.

Symptoms: No lights, no fan, no sound, no movement at all.
What to do: If the printer is completely unresponsive, test with a known-good PSU if available, or replace the PSU with a compatible model.

3. Power Button Board or Cable Issues

This is a more minor issue, but still possible—sometimes a faulty or disconnected power switch or ribbon cable may prevent the printer from turning on.

What to do: Inspect the power switch and its ribbon cable for damage or poor connection to the mainboard. Re-seating the cable or replacing a faulty switch might resolve the issue.

4. Residual Cleaning Fluid

Fluid that splashes or leaks during syringe cleaning can damage more than just the mainboard. It can corrode connectors, trigger electrical shorts, or even create carbon tracking on high-voltage components.

What to do: Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the printer, particularly around the mainboard, power connections, and cable terminals. If you find signs of moisture or corrosion, it’s essential to clean and dry the area before attempting further operation. If you're unsure, take a clear photo of the affected area and send it to us for advice.

Shipping to Canada – What to Expect

We’re happy to confirm that we do ship to Canada! You have a few different options when it comes to shipping speed and cost:

• Direct Link (Economy Option): Shipping time is typically 3 to 5 weeks. Packages route through Swedish Post and are then handed off to your local Canada Post. You’ll receive the package as registered mail.

• FedEx/USPS Hybrid: For faster delivery (usually 1 to 2 weeks), we choose the better rate between FedEx and USPS.

To see exact shipping costs to your area:

1. Add a product to your cart.

2. Go to the Shopping Cart page and enter your postal code.

3. Click “Add Info” under the shipping section to see available options and prices.

Estimated times for FedEx options are available here:

• FedEx International Economy

• FedEx International Priority

Please note: We currently do not ship to Mexico or Greece, and shipments to Russia and Ukraine are suspended until further notice.

Need More Help?

Printer problems like these are highly physical in nature and often involve complex systems where one failing part can affect several others. Because of this, we're unable to offer remote diagnostics or step-by-step repair support. However, we do offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service at our local facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to demand, the service operates on a first-come, first-served basis and may require a few weeks’ wait time. You may choose to send us your entire printer or just the part (like the mainboard), depending on what works best for you.

If you're more of a DIY type or want to explore solutions before committing to a repair, we highly recommend browsing our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search icon on the right side of the "About" tab to find specific tutorials. With hundreds of videos created over the past nine years, it’s likely that either we—or another great channel—have a video that can help.

Thanks again for reaching out and supporting BCH Technologies. We’re glad to be part of your repair journey, and we hope this information helps you get your printer powered up and running again soon!