Cleaning the Print Head Using a Computer Utility

You can clean the print head using a utility on your Windows or Mac computer.
  1. Load a few sheets of plain paper in the product.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Windows: Access the Windows Desktop and right-click the product icon in the Windows taskbar.
    • OS X 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9: In the Apple menu or the Dock, select System Preferences. Select Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners, select your product, and select Options & Supplies. Select Utility and select Open Printer Utility.
    • OS X 10.5: In the Apple menu or the Dock, select System Preferences. Select Print & Fax, select your product, and select Open Print Queue. Select Utility.
  3. Select Head Cleaning. You see a window like this:
  4. Click Start to begin the cleaning cycle.
    Caution:
    Never turn off the product during a cleaning cycle or you may damage it.

  5. Check the printed pattern to see if there are gaps in the lines.

    Print head is clean

    Print head needs cleaning

    • If there are no gaps, click Finish.
    • If there are gaps or the pattern is faint, click Clean to clean the print head again.
Related tasks
Cleaning the Print Head Using the Product Control Panel
Checking the Nozzles Using the Product Control Panel
Removing and Installing Ink Cartridges