Office electronics require diligent care, and printers are often overlooked in terms of maintenance. Not taking care of yours will cut into its life span and lead to poor service. To ensure productivity and quality, use the following printer maintenance tips.

How to Properly Care for Your Printer

1. Clean After Every Use

Build a habit of wiping down visible dust and debris every time you use the device. Leave microfiber cloths or an air duster in the area.

Also, do a deeper cleaning weekly. Dampen a cloth and scrub blemishes from all exterior surfaces. Clear the interior with compressed air or a dry microfiber cloth. A small vacuum wand will remove dust from hard-to-reach areas, and a cotton bud is perfect for wiping up toner between moving parts.

2. Keep It Updated

Your printer’s system should be maintained to ensure optimal service. Check for firmware updates using the printer or a desktop configuration app. Devices will often notify you when firmware updates are available. These resolve bugs and other issues that slow down service. They’ll also provide superior protection from cybersecurity threats if you have a Wi-Fi-powered printer.

If you aren’t tech-savvy, enroll in a managed service where technicians will handle updates and digital maintenance.

3. Put It to Use

Like all machines, your printer needs to run now and then so it won’t dry out or clog. If you haven’t used the machine in several weeks, log into the configuration app and print a test page. This will keep all the parts moist and will allow you to test the print colors without wasting more than one sheet of paper.

If you’re tired of dealing with a faulty printer, contact Alpha Laser Richmond. These professionals have served Staten Island, NY, since 1993, handling repairs and general maintenance. They also provide popular toner and ink cartridge recycling services, which you can learn about on their website. Call (718) 317-1263 to speak with a team member, and connect on Facebook for news and updates.