Cleaning the Print Head Using a Computer Utility

You can clean the print head using a utility on your Windows computer or Mac.
  1. Make sure roll paper or cut sheet paper is loaded in the printer.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Windows: Access the Windows Desktop and click the icon for your product in the right side of the Windows taskbar, or click the up arrow and click .
    • 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.
  3. Select Head Cleaning. You see a window like this:


  4. Click Start to begin the cleaning cycle. When the cleaning cycle is finished, the  power light stops flashing and a confirmation screen appears.
    Caution:
    Never open any covers or turn off the product during a cleaning cycle or you may damage it.
  5. Click Print Nozzle Check Pattern. The nozzle pattern prints.
  6. Check the printed pattern to see if there are gaps in the lines.

    Print head is clean



    Print head needs cleaning



If you don’t see any improvement after cleaning the print head three times, perform a Powerful Cleaning.
Related tasks
Checking the Nozzles Using a Computer Utility
Cleaning the Print Head Using the Product Control Panel
Using the Powerful Cleaning Utility
Flushing the Ink Tubes
Related information
Media Handling