Clean the Print Head Nozzles

If print quality has declined and the nozzle check pattern indicates clogged nozzles, you can clean the print head.

Note:
You cannot clean the print head if an ink cartridge is expended, and may not be able to clean it when a cartridge is low. You must replace the cartridge first.

You can clean the print head using the printer’s buttons or your software.

Using the Printer’s Buttons

1.	Load a few sheets of plain paper in the sheet feeder.

2.	Hold down the  ink button for three seconds to start the cleaning cycle, which lasts around one minute.

The  power light flashes throughout the cleaning cycle and stays on green when the cycle is finished.

Caution:
Never turn off the printer during a cleaning cycle or you may damage it.

3.	Run a nozzle check to confirm that the print head is clean.

You may need to clean the print head up to four times. You can also turn off the printer and wait at least 6 hours. Then try printing again.

Using Your Computer

1.	Load a few sheets of plain paper in the sheet feeder.

2.	Windows: Right-click the  printer icon in the bottom right corner of your screen (the taskbar) and select Head Cleaning.

Macintosh:
Open the Applications folder, open EPSON Printer Utility3, select your printer (if necessary), and click OK. Then select Head Cleaning.

3.	Follow the on-screen instructions to start the cleaning cycle, which lasts around one minute.

The  power light flashes throughout the cleaning cycle and stays on green when the cycle is finished.

Caution:
Never turn off the printer during a cleaning cycle or you may damage it.

4.	When the  power light stops flashing and remains on, you can check to see if the nozzles are clean. Click Print Nozzle Check Pattern and click Print.

5.	Check the nozzle check pattern that prints to see if there are gaps in the lines.

6.	If there are no gaps, click Finish.

If there are gaps or the pattern is faint, click Clean to clean the print head again.

You may need to clean the print head up to four times. You can also turn off the printer and wait at least six hours. Then try printing again.