7 Steps to Cleaning the Laser Toner From Your Laser Printer

Cleaning a laser printer, fax, or copier of laserprinters.
toner canThe printer swabs come with six-inch-long
be easy, provided you know what you're doingsticks.Isopropyl alcohol:
and use theDo not use regular rubbing alcohol. Either use
right tools. This article will share with you somechemicals
simplethat are specifically designed to clean the heads
tips to help you clean your laser printers of laserof VCRs,
tonercassette tapes, tape drives, and the like or use
like a pro.A word to the wise: Before I begin, I'd99 percent
like to stress thatpure isopropyl alcohol, which evaporates without
this article is intended only to assist you withleaving any
basicresidue.Paint brush (soft bristle, about a half-inch
cleaning of the laser toner from your laserwide):
printer. IfThis is used to brush out toner from tight
you're unsure of your ability to perform any sortcrevices. Since
of printerbristles may fall out during the cleaning process,
maintenance, or if performing such maintenancepull out
will void theany loose ones before you use the brush. I don't
printer's warranty, you should contact a qualifiedrecommend
serviceusing toothbrushes.Latex gloves (optional):
professional.Some safety issues: Though laserThese must fit tightly on your hands since you
printers come in variouswant to
shapes and sizes, they all use laser toner (thatmaintain skin sensitivity. Drugstores usually sell
messy blackthem in
powder). While cleaning your laser printer, the lastboxes of 100. This is to keep your hands clean
thingbut if you
you want is to have laser toner in your lungs ordon't have them you can just wash up with soap
on yourand water
skin. The tips provided in this article should helpafterwards.Okay, let's begin cleaning that laser
reduceprinter of the laser
the chance of you being bathed in laser tonertoner. Now that you have the tools, it's time to
while cleaningunplug the
your printer.Laser toner particles are so fine thatlaser printer, let it sit for one hour, and then
theyfollow the
can take more than fifteen minutes to settle ifsteps below:1. Put on your mask and latex gloves
they becomeif you have them.2. Open the printer and gently
airborne make that hours if you have fans or air-remove the laser toner
conditioners circulating them through an office. Tocartridge or laser toner bottle.3. Use your wash
avoidcloth and wipe the laser toner cartridge.
inhaling laser toner particles, try to keep the air inPlace the laser toner cartridge aside.4. Use your
thevacuum to remove spilled laser toner from within
cleaning area stable and leave the printer areathe printer's internal compartment. Try to
for severalprevent the
minutes after cleaning. When you return, movevacuum's nozzle from actually touching any of
slowly, openthe printer's
all windows, and begin vacuuming any laser tonerinternal surfaces.5. Use your paintbrush to
from theremove laser toner from any
floor, tabletops, and so forth.Another dangerouscrevices. Use gentle motions and vacuum as
area common to all laser printers is thenecessary.6. Many laser printers use very fine
fuser-roller compartment. The fuser roller getswires (called 'corona
extremelywires') that are often exposed. If your printer
hot during the printing process and is usuallyhas such
covered forwires, take care to avoid vacuuming or brushing
safety. Burns can occur, however, if youthem.
accidentallyBreaking a corona wire can be a costly mistake.
uncover and touch the roller. I recommend thatDip a cotton
you leaveswab into isopropyl alcohol and gently run it along
your printer off for at least one hour beforethe
cleaning it oflength of the wire. Also be sure to clean the
laser toner.As with all electrical equipment, makeunderside of
sure that the powerthe wires. Never apply pressure.7.Reinsert the
cable is unplugged before you begin anylaser toner cartridge, close the printer,
work.Here are the basic tools you need to cleanreconnect the power cord, and you are
the laser tonerdone.Avoid using the wash cloth inside the printer.
from the laser printer:Though you
-Vacuumcan use the wash cloth to clean the inside, I do
-Compressed can of airnot
-Wash clothrecommend it. There are many sharp points that
-Maskcan tear the
-Cotton Swabscloth's fiber and leave loose strands inside the
-Isopropyl Alcohol (99 percent pure)printer.OEM vs. Remanufactured Laser Toner
-Paint Brush (soft bristle, about a half-inch wide)Cartridges Although many
-Latex gloves (optional)Compressed air:people buy OEM Name Brand laser toner
You can buy this in any department store orcartridges, little do
office supply store. Ranges in price from $3.00 tothey know, they really are remanufactured! Can
$10.00you believe
per 10 oz. bottle. Use adequate ventilationit? Seriously folks, why spend many more dollars
please.Mask:on OEM's
You'll want to prevent laser toner particles fromwhen you can get THE SAME quality laser toner
entering your throat and lungs. While laser tonercartridges for
inhalationhalf or less than half the price? When you buy an
has not been proven to cause serious healthOEM laser
problems,toner cartridge, just look at the box! It says
respiratory tract irritation can occur with"Made of new
exposure toand recycled materials". The OEM companies
large amounts of laser toner dust. Laser tonerwant you to send
can alsoyour laser toner cartridge back to them , so
contain potentially hazardous compounds, such asthey can
styrene,remanufacture it , and sell it back to you as new!
ethyl benzene, and xylene isomers. Use a maskBuying
that filtersremanufactured laser toner cartridges saves the
both odors and fine particles, such as the onesenvironment.
used forMillions of laser toner cartridges get dumped in
painting and sanding. You can usually find these atlandfills
localevery year. So, please, save the
hardware stores.Cotton swabs:environment,and save your
You can use the regular cotton swabs found inmoney!Happy Cleaning!Rafael Nunez is responsible
your localfor all product quality at Alchemy Toners, Inc.
drugstore or those made especially for cleaning