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 WorkForce 500 Series control panel or your software.

Using the Control Panel

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

2.	Press the Setup button.

3.	Select Maintenance and press OK.

4.	Select Head Cleaning and press OK.

5.	Press  Start.

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

Caution:
Never turn off the WorkForce 500 Series during a cleaning cycle or you may damage it.

6.	Press  Start to run a nozzle check and confirm that the print head is clean.

7.	Press OK when you’re done.

You may need to clean the print head up to 3 times. You can also turn the WorkForce 500 Series off and wait at least 6 hours. Then try printing again.

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 the EPSON Printer Utility3, select WF 500 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 WorkForce 500 Series during a cleaning cycle or you may damage it.

4.	When the  On light stops flashing and remains on, you see a prompt to print a nozzle check. Select 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 3 times. You can also turn the WorkForce 500 Series off and wait at least 6 hours. Then try printing again.