This guide will show you how to clean an ink cartridge on a Brother printer. Cleaning the cartridge regularly makes sure that it provides clear and precise printing inherently and does not get into issues like jamming of the nozzle and print getting gaga. This article describes how to clean an ink cartridge in a Brother printer with the following headings If you need to resolve the error.
Read: How to Fix Brother Printer Error Code 50
How to Clean Ink Cartridge in Brother Printer
Before you begin the cleaning process, you must collect the required supplies. These are a lint-free cloth, distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. It had to be a lint-free cloth, and free of any debris, as any piece could get stuck inside the printhead, and so would cause ink problems.
Tap water is not suitable for refilling ink cartridges because it contains impurities, so distilled water is used instead. High-purity isopropyl alcohol is used to clean the ink cartridge contacts without damaging them.
1- Power off the printer and take out the ink cartridge
Always remember to turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall socket before cleaning the ink cartridge because of electrical shocks. Remove the ink cartridge from the printer by opening the printer cover to expose the ink cartridge compartment. The steps to take out the ink cartridge will differ with models; refer to the printer manual of your Brother printer model for its specific instructions.
2- Step-Wise Clean the Contacts on the Ink Cartridges
The ink cartridge contacts are the metal strips at the base of the cartridge. Over time, these contacts can get dirty, which can cause communication problems between the printer and the ink cartridge.
Moisten a lint-free cloth with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol to moisten and then carefully clean the contacts. Do not apply too much force or rub the contacts, as this may damage either the contacts or the surface of the cartridge. After drying, reinstall the ink cartridge only after the contacts are dry.
3- Head and nozzle cleaning
The printhead and nozzles are key parts of the ink cartridge that can get blocked up with dried ink or debris, causing ink-related problems such as blurry prints or blocked nozzles. Mtook lint-free cloth moistened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the printhead and nozzles.
Do not use too much force and do not touch your pen head or nozzles with your fingers, it can damage the pen head. Replace the printhead or nozzle if they are too clogged.
4- Replace the ink cartridge and check the printer
Once you’ve cleaned the ink cartridge, make sure to let the contacts dry fully before putting it back into the printer. So, give the manual a read to learn specific instructions to install an ink cartridge in your Brother printer model.
Install the ink cartridge and power on the printer, then print a test page or document. If the print quality is still not good, try the cleaning process again, or call in a technician.
Tips for Cleaning Ink Cartridge in Brother Printer
- Always use a lint-free cloth when cleaning the ink cartridge because other kinds of cloths can leave fibers on the surface of the cartridge, leading to clogs or leaking of ink.
- If using water to clean the cartridge, do not use tap water as minerals or other impurities in the tap water may damage the cartridge’s surface.
- Be sure to use high purity isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) so you do not damage the ink cartridge contacts.
- Touching the printhead or nozzles with your fingers can ruin them and also result in ink problems.
- Instead of cleaning the ink cartridge, replace it with a fresh one, the old or expired cartridge must not function correctly.
- Remove and install the ink cartridge as directed in the printer manual to prevent damage to the printer.
- In such case, if after cleaning the ink cartridge there is any ink related issue persisting, perhaps contacting a tech supporter would be more suitable, and they will come to check if there are any internal issues with the printer.
In conclusion
To maintain the performance of the Brother printer and extend its life, cleaning an ink cartridge on a Brother printer is an essential step. If you go through the above steps and keep in mind the other tips, you will be able to keep your Brother printer in good health and not face Brother printer failing to detect ink problems.
