While printers may be an essential part of your business operations, you might not be taking proper care of yours. Regularly practising printer maintenance can save you expensive repairs in the future and keeps your machine running efficiently.
You may even notice fewer hiccups throughout the working day once you’ve given your printer the care and attention it needs.
Use Your Printer Regularly
This might seem counterintuitive, but using your printer more often helps it to stay in better shape. If you’re tempted to keep your printer locked away until you need to print once in a blue moon, this will only do more harm than good. The inkjet cartridges in your printer will dry up if they’re not being used, which can mean replacing them more often. Businesses who don’t print often can consider laser printers, as these won’t dry up due to lack of use.
Keep it Clean
If you’ve never cleaned your printer, it’s likely full of dust and dirt particles. All you need to do is use a dusting cloth to wipe surfaces before dust settles in deeper cracks you can’t get to. You should never use liquids to clean your printer, but if you must use something with your cloth, choose a specialist cleaner or some rubbing alcohol. You can even consider using a dust cover for your printer if the environment you’re in is particularly dusty, or if you’re not using your printer daily.
Stay Updated
We’re all well aware that our phones and computers need to be updated regularly, but did you know your printer can benefit from software updates too? Make sure you’re keeping on top of new software that’s released by the printer’s manufacturer as this can help your machine to work faster and more effectively for longer. These updates can also work to fix any bugs you might be experiencing.
Choose the Right Ink and Paper
Forcing the wrong cartridge into your printer can not only cause your prints to suffer, but can damage the machine too. Always choose a cartridge that’s compatible with your printer for optimal efficiency. You need to be careful with paper as well and it can be a good idea to use the same brand of paper as your printer for complete compatibility.
Call an Expert
An old printer that regularly fails may need a technician to fix it. It might just need a deep clean that you’re unable to perform, or it could need new parts. It’s not a bad idea to get your printer serviced every now and again to keep it in good health. While some errors will be easy enough to fix yourself, avoid anything more complicated. It always pays to let an expert take a look if you’re unsure.
Educate Employees
Make sure all your staff know how to use the printer correctly and educate them about keeping it clean. Posting up signs that remind employees not to eat or drink near the printer could prevent accidents too.
