The printhead is a printer component that helps transfer ink onto the page.  It does this by firing tiny droplets of ink via numerous printer nozzles to create a desired print.  When one of these nozzles gets clogged your prints appear faded or streaky.

What are the types of  printheads?

Printheads can either be a part of the printer cartridge or built into the printer – it all depends on which   printer you own.

Learn how to clean your printhead so you can keep your cartridges and printer running longer.

 Printheads clog periodically as small amounts of ink or dust dry up and collect in the nozzle.  Faint, streaky or spotty prints are all common signs of a clog but a simple cleaning can usually get your ink cartridges working again.  Printheads clog due to infrequent cartridge use.  If you regularly go a few weeks without printing, your cartridges will eventually dry out and need to be replaced.  Cleaning the printhead can prolong your cartridge life and hopefully delay that replacement cartridge purchase!  In this guide we’ll explain how  printheads work and show you the best way to keep them clean.

How to automatically clean an printhead

The easiest way to resolve your print quality issue is by running a cleaning on your printer.  The cleaning function is included in the software of every   printer model and is usually found under the “printer maintenance” section of your printer’s display menu.  Consult your printer manual for specific instructions for you machine.

Printhead cleanings can take about 1 or 2 minutes and they do use some ink to run through the cleaning process. Once complete, print out a test page to compare print quality.  If the print results look good, you can continue printing.  If the colors are not up to par, you may have to run the printhead cleaning function 2-4 more times before print quality is reestablished.  If you still aren’t getting quality prints after a few cleanings, move on to our manual cleaning instructions.  You don’t want to run the cleaning function too often because it will deplete the ink in your cartridges.

How to manually clean an printhead

Before we continue, you need to know that some inkjet printers come with a built-in printhead separate from the ink cartridges, and there are also some   inkjet printers with printheads built into the individual ink cartridges. 

Cleaning printheads built into printer

Manually cleaning a printhead that is built in to your printer takes a bit more work.The steps below are for printers that have a removable printhead, like the   OfficeJet 8710. 

You can also uses this method on non-  printers with printheads built into the printer.

Required supplies: a plastic container,a few dust-free cloths ,filtered or distilled hot water.（If you are troubled because there is no dust-free product, click on the picture below to buy it.）

1. Fold the dry paper towel into quarters and place it in the plastic container
2. Pour about two inches of hot water on top of the paper towel so that it is completely submerged
3. Open up the printer and remove all of the ink cartridges from the machine
4. Set the cartridges aside on a separate paper towel while you continue the printhead cleaning process. Make sure the cartridges are facing up on the paper towel.
5. Lift up on the gray latch behind the cartridge carriage that holds the cartridges. This will release the printhead from the printer.
6. Pull the printhead up and out to remove it from the machine.
7. Dampen the lint-free cloth with hot water.
8. Gently wipe away an excess ink on the printhead nozzle.
9. Place the printhead in the container with the submerged paper towels. The nozzle should be facing down. Be careful not to touch the nozzle as it can be damaged easily.
10. Let the printhead soak for about ten minutes.Then remove it from the container and set it on a dry paper towel to dry for fifteen minutes.  The nozzle should be facing up.
11. Reinstall the printhead back into the printer.  Don’t forget to secure the latch!  Then reinstall the cartridges and run the cleaning function on the machine again.

Cleaning printheads built into ink cartridges

If your printer uses cartridges with an integrated printhead, you can try the “paper towel method”to resolve your print quality issue.

Required supplies: A warm, damp paper towel and a dry paper towel

1.     Take a warm damp paper towel or coffee filter and blot the cartridge with the printhead facing down onto the paper towel.  This will remove any dried ink on the printhead.
2.   Then, hold the cartridge with the printhead facing down against a dry paper towel for 2-3 minutes. A dry paper towel will wick the ink out. Do not wipe the print head as this may cause damage.
3.   Reinstall the cartridge and try printing again.  If you are still getting poor print results at this point, you may need to replace your printer cartridge.

Now that you know how to clean the printhead, you have all the tools you need to keep your ink cartridges in top condition. If you still have print quality problems after trying these cleaning steps, you may need to replace the printhead. For printers with integrated ink cartridges, this means purchasing new printer ink cartridges. If necessary, click "here" to go to our homepage to select the printer nozzle you need. If you have any questions about cleaning the print head, please feel free to leave us a message in the comments.