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 NX300/305 Series control panel or your software.

Using the Control Panel

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

2.	Press the Copy/Fax button, then press Menu.

3.	Press  or  to select Maintenance, and press OK.

4.	Press  or  to select Head Cleaning, then press the Color button.

Cleaning lasts around 1 minute. When it’s finished, you see a message on the display screen.

Caution:
Never turn off the NX300/305 Series during a cleaning cycle or you may damage it.

5.	Press 1 to finish or 2 to run a nozzle check and confirm that the print head is clean.

You may need to clean the print head up to 3 times. If you don’t see any improvement, turn off the NX300/305 Series and wait at least 6 hours to let any dried ink soften. Then try printing again. If quality does not improve, one of the ink cartridges may need to be replaced.

From the 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 NX300 Series, and click OK. Then select Head Cleaning.

3.	Follow the on-screen instructions to start the cleaning cycle, which lasts around 1 minute.

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

Caution:
Never turn off the NX300/305 Series during a cleaning cycle or you may damage it.

4.	When the  On light stops flashing and remains on, you can check to see if the nozzles are clean. Click Print Nozzle Check Pattern, then 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 3 times. If you don’t see any improvement, turn off the NX300/305 Series and wait at least 6 hours to let any dried ink soften. Then try printing again. If quality does not improve, one of the ink cartridges may need to be replaced.