How to clean an ink-jet printer?

Cleaning the Outer Case
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Step 1

Collect the supplies you need: a soft cloth and cleaning fluid made for plastic. (Water is fine in most cases.)
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Step 2

Check the printer manual. If the manufacturer has provided specific instructions, follow them.
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Step 3

Turn off the printer.
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Step 4

Dampen the cloth with water or cleaning fluid.
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Step 5

Wipe the outside of the printer, making sure that no fluid gets inside.

Cleaning Cartridges or Ink Nozzles
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Step 1

Use the cleaning buttons on your printer if it has them.
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Step 2

Initiate cleaning through the printer software.
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Step 3

Open the printer software by double-clicking on a printer icon or opening a document and then selecting Print from the File menu.
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Step 4

Click a button labeled Options, Troubleshooting, Clean Print Cartridges, Toolbox, Printer Utilities or something similar. (This varies by manufacturer.)
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Step 5

Click a button labeled Head Cleaning, Run Nozzle Check, Clean Print Cartridges or something similar to begin the process.
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Step 6

Follow the instructions on your screen.
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Step 7

Repeat the cleaning process if the results aren't satisfactory.
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Step 8

Go to your printer manufacturer's Web site for detailed instructions on manual cartridge cleaning and interior cleaning.