Imagine having a gorgeous design in front of you on your computer. You hit the ” Print ” command and what you see is a dull and off-color output instead of a bright and vibrant design. You check your design again, re-check the printer’s ICC profiles, and hit the ” Print ” option again. Bang, the same result again.
I know it sounds frustrating and the same happened with me once and I started pulling out my hair while figuring out the possible cause.
I opened up my printer’s manual and there it was, staring right into my face – Clogging Issue
If you ever faced such an issue, then my friend in the majority of cases, it’s the same irritating clog error that pops up every few weeks if you keep your ink tanks idle and do not use them for taking out prints. I was on the same journey when I quickly learned that regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to keep this new tool performing at its best. So, here I am, sharing my experience and some simple tips on how to do this so you can keep making great products with your printer, too.
This error can be reflected in your prints in various ways:
- There may be horizontal lines on your print
- There may be black dots on your print
- The print quality looks very dull
Note: Usually sublimation prints are lighter in shade as compared to what you see in your system, but they print out beautifully when they come in contact with a heat press
Pre-Cleaning Checklist
Hold on! Before diving into cleaning our sublimation printer, it’s crucial to prepare appropriately. What if you missed something and had to run to the store to get it? This would be tiring and would stop the process midway.
When I first decided to maintain and clean my printer, I didn’t have a clear plan.
I overlooked a few essential preparations, which made the process longer and more complicated than necessary. Here’s a simple checklist to ensure you’re all set:
- Power Down the Printer: Safety first! Make sure the printer is turned off to avoid any electrical accidents and damage to the machine.
- Clear Your Workspace: Dedicate a clean, spacious area on your desk or table where you can comfortably and safely clean your printer without knocking anything over.
- Keep the Printer’s Manual Handy: Each printer model has unique features and maintenance needs. The manual is your go-to guide for specific cleaning instructions and precautions.
- Gather Your Cleaning Supplies: Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning tools and materials ready, such as lint-free cloths, cleaning solutions (if applicable), and any printer-specific tools recommended in the manual.
This preparation ensures a smooth and effective cleaning, helping maintain your printer’s performance and extend its lifespan.
What do you need to avoid?
Before you go all in, please make sure that you avoid doing these two things until there is no other option left and these methods consume a lot of ink, nearly 30%
Cleaning the Printer Head
You must be wondering that why am I telling you to shy away from cleaning the print head if that’s what we want. See if we go ahead with this option directly, then overtime, our print heads becomes weak.
Power Cleaning
You will see this option under your printer’s maintenance tab and you would be tempted to just hit this button right away and skip all the manual work, but wait my friend, this is another big reason that your printer’s print heads malfunction frequently. Instead do these steps which I have mentioned below.
Steps to Fix a Clog and Clean your Sublimation Printer
- Perform the following steps on a regular copy paper and not on Sublimation Paper.
- Make sure that all the ink levels i.e. CMYK are more than 30% because these steps would consume a lot of your ink.
- Go to settings > Maintenance > Nozzle Check. It will print out a page which will have printer’s information along with some band lines which shows all the 4 colors. If you see any dullness or there is a break in their pattern then you need to move ahead with next steps
- You will be prompted to click on ” Clean Print Head “, but skip doing that.
- Take out some Printer Purge File prints which shows the current quality of all your colors on a single page via horizontal bars. You can clearly notice the color which is showing dullness.
- Then hit the ” Head Cleaning ” option and wait for a few hours before you take out another purge file.
- Please note that leaving your printer idle for 12-24 hours after head cleaning works like a charm.
- Repeat steps 5 & 6 again until you get a good quality purge file printout.
- If even after these steps, you feel its not working for you, then you can go ahead with Power Cleaning and wait for atleast 24 hours before printing.
How to Clean the Print Head
Okay, let’s talk about cleaning the printer head of your sublimation printer. Keeping it clean is essential to avoid any problems with your prints. Here are the steps I followed that helped me out:
- Consult Your Manual: Before you start, check your printer’s manual. It’s like the rule book for your specific model, telling you the dos and don’ts of cleaning.
- Choose the Right Tools: Grab the cleaning cartridges or solutions the manufacturer recommends. These are like the shampoo for your printer head, designed to clean without causing any damage.
- Start the Cleaning Cycle: Most printers have a built-in cleaning function. Please find it in the printer’s menu and start the cycle. It’s like hitting the play button on a cleaning playlist, letting the printer do its magic.
- Manual Cleaning (if needed): If the automatic cycle doesn’t clear the clogs, you might need to clean the head manually. To do this, first power off the printer and remove the cartridges. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water or a cleaning solution. Gently wipe the printhead in one direction, avoiding excessive pressure. Repeat until no more ink residue remains. Let the printhead dry before reinserting cartridges and turning the printer on.
- Frequency: Clean your printer head every month or after a big printing project. It’s like regular exercise for your printer, keeping it in top shape.
Maintaining the Ink System
Check your sublimation printer’s ink system. This critical step is the secret behind all your high-quality prints. Here are some steps to help you:
- Regularly Check Ink Levels: Make it a habit to check the ink levels in your cartridges or tanks often. This way, you’ll know when it’s time to refill or replace them, preventing any interruptions in your printing projects.
- Replace Ink with Care: When changing ink cartridges or refilling ink tanks, do so carefully to avoid spills and ensure the cartridges are correctly seated. This helps prevent ink leakage and guarantees that your printer recognizes the new ink.
- Avoid Air Bubbles: When installing new ink, do it slowly to minimize the chance of air bubbles forming in the ink system. Air bubbles can lead to poor print quality by obstructing the steady flow of ink.
- Keep the Ink System Clean: Ensure that the area around your ink cartridges or tanks is clean. Dust and debris can contaminate the ink, leading to clogs and other issues.
Paying attention to these aspects of ink system maintenance will help keep your printer running smoothly and your prints looking their best.
Cleaning the Exterior and Interior
Keeping your sublimation printer clean both inside and out is a lot like taking care of a prized possession. You want it to look good and work perfectly every time you use it. Here’s how to keep it sparkling and efficient:
For the Exterior:
- Grab a soft, lint-free, preferably microfiber cloth.
- Dampen the cloth slightly with water. Avoid using harsh cleaners that could damage the printer’s surface.
- Gently wipe down the outside of the printer to clean any dust or smudges. It’s amazing how a quick wipe can make it look brand new!
For the Interior:
- After turning off the printer, open it according to the instructions in your manual. This usually involves lifting the lid or opening a panel.
- Use a dry, soft brush or a can of compressed air to remove dust and debris from the inside gently. Be careful around the delicate parts.
- If your manual says it’s okay, you may also use a slightly dampened cloth to wipe down any accessible surfaces inside. Just make sure everything is dry before you close it up and turn it back on.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Please do not make the same mistake I did. I cleaned my printer once, thinking it was suitable for another few months. This is definitely not true!
To avoid immediately repeating this time-consuming deep cleaning process, maintain a routine. Here’s a simple plan to help you stay on track:
| Frequency | Maintenance Task |
| Monthly | – Take 2-3 printouts every month. |
| – Wipe down the exterior of the printer. | |
| Quarterly | – Perform a deeper interior cleaning with a soft brush or compressed air. |
| – Inspect the ink system for air bubbles or low ink levels. | |
| Annual | – Check the printer for any parts that may need replacement. |
| – Update the printer’s software to the latest version. |
This schedule will help ensure your printer remains in top condition and ready to tackle any project you have in mind.
Parting Notes
Wrapping up our journey through the world of sublimation printer care, we’ve covered everything from a pre-cleaning checklist to keeping the ink system in check. Trust me, taking these steps has transformed my printing game, turning frustrating moments into triumphs. My printer has never looked better! It’s like a trusty companion, always ready for the next project.
I can’t stress enough how a little bit of care goes a long way. It’s not just about avoiding the hassle of repairs; it’s about making each print as vibrant and perfect as the first.
If you’re starting out or you want to level up your maintenance game, I hope my experiences and tips help you!
