A printer is an important add-on to your computer or laptop in your workplace and home. No one wants to run out to the local printers or to the library just print a few of pages. However, maintaining a printer in a good working situation that you don’t use frequently can be a big pain for you. Just when you actually need to print a page urgently, you will find that the printer is throwing a tantrum on you.

Some printing jobs really put a pressure on printers, especially the home printers, which can bravely try to print what you ask it to. The truth is that even the top brand printers need some maintenance and care and it’s actually very easy to do, and you can keep your printer going for a long time.

With a little understand and knowledge on how to clean the printer, you can avoid printing mistakes and paper jams that usually make printers so frustrating to use. Below are four essential tips for printer maintenance that can actually help you keep your printer running smoothly and avoid unwanted expenses.

1. USE GENUINE PRINTER PARTS ONLY, BE SAFE

If it is ever required to open your home printer for maintenance, first of all, turn off the power and keeps your hands away from the hot plate and other moving parts inside the printer. By doing this you can prevent unnecessary damage to the printer and as well as yourself. If you need to replace a printer part use original spare parts only.

2. PLACE YOUR PRINTER IN AN APPROPRIATE  PLACE

As you do with other electronic equipment, place the printer in a safe location. Make certain that you have positioned it on a leveled surface where there is no danger of getting damaged and falling down. Also make sure that it is not exposed to heat or humidity (rain, snow)  and it is away from other appliances that generate heat.

3. CLEAN YOUR PRINTHEAD

Do you know how crucial is to clean your printhead at least twice the month?  You just have to remove the cartridge and then clean the head with lukewarm water. Avoid using wet tissues and alcohol to clean the printhead. After when you are done with cleaning, let the head to dry completely before fixing it back.

4. TURN IT OFF, WHEN NOT IN USE

A printer that is constantly turned on and not being used can cause wear and tear on other parts as well. You should turn off the printer if you are not going to use it for a long time. Since printers generate a lot of heat while they are turned on. The header can completely dry up the ink while it is on and this can clog print header. Therefore, the best way is to turn it off when not in use.

To sum up, these were some helpful and essential printer maintenance tips. Fixing the printer yourself is not really a good idea. You can get in touch with Techbar, your best and one-stop for technology help.