Your office photocopier/printer is integral to everyday tasks, and the last thing you need is for it to breakdown.
Taking care of your machine can save you a lot of money and a lot of inconvenience. Here are some simple tips to keep your machine in tip-top condition:
Before you start, power off the machine – remember safety first. Getting electrocuted can be at the very least unpleasant, so make sure you power off the machine before carrying out any maintenance.
Use good quality paper – ensure your paper is loaded correctly, jamming or tearing can leave debris inside the machine. Crumpled, damp or paper that’s been lying around for a long time gathering dust can potentially jam, tear or leave debris inside the machine.
If you are scanning a document ensure any staples, paper clips etc., have been removed from your documents as they could potentially scratch or cause damage.
Keep your copier clean with regular maintenance – Clean the glass with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth and a good quality glass cleaner. Consult your manufacturer’s manual for a recommended cleaner.
To clean inside areas where dust commonly collects – like paper trays, ink cartridge holders. In tight areas of your copier/printer you can use a small soft brush (a paint brush for example). Ideally don’t use a cheap brush, the hairs have a habit of falling out of cheaper brushes. A compressed air duster can also be useful for extremely hard to reach nooks and crannies.
Clean printer heads that may blocked/clogged over time – Use a lint free soft cloth and a recommended cleaning fluid; Isopropyl alcohol is usually a good solution.