Perhaps you recently purchased a new printing device or needed printer repairs and want to ensure the equipment lasts as long as possible moving forward. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding this classic office equipment, there are many ways to extend its lifespan. Here are tips for helping your printer remain functional and efficient. 

How to Elongate Your Printer’s Working Life

1. Clean It Regularly

Follow your owner’s manual for cleaning instructions, which typically include removing the paper tray to clean the interior with a toner vacuum. Use a toner vacuum over compressed air whenever possible, as the former device eliminates dust and debris instead of circulating it. Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth, and never use ammonia-based or abrasive cleansers that can etch the equipment. Ammonia can also damage internal components if it makes contact. 

2. Choose Quality Paper

Always choose high-quality printing paper, such as 24lb paper, over products that are less than 20Ib. Low-grade paper creates more dust within the equipment, increasing friction and subsequently wear among moving parts. Since lower-quality paper is also thinner, it is more likely to jam. If printing paper does jam, refer to your owner’s manual for removal instructions. Attempting to rip the paper from the equipment can harm internal parts. 

3. Remember That Placement Matters

Keep your printer in a cool location since excessive heat can cause premature toner degradation and even melt plastic parts. Also, avoid placing the printer near water sources, such as a water fountain or cooler, to avoid spills that promote corrosion and electrical shorts. The best location is dry, temperate, and away from high-traffic areas where it can be bumped or knocked over, causing internal parts to shift and possibly sustain damage. If the equipment does get knocked down, take it for printer repairs to avoid additional function problems. 

4. Use the Right Ink Cartridges

It's best to purchase cartridges designed for your specific printer; your owner’s manual will provide recommendations. Poor-quality ink can gum up interior components and interfere with their function. Always wait for the power light to shut off before unplugging your printer, which gives the machine sufficient time to cap the ink cartridge, so the product does not dry out prematurely and contribute to internal clogs.

Rely on Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. anytime you need printer repair services. The laptop and printer repair company in Staten Island, NY, has served the region since 1993, providing top-quality ink cartridges and maintenance solutions. Call (718) 317-1263 to speak with a representative, and like the Facebook page for the latest updates.