Goodbye Grime, Hello Pristine: Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Brother Printer MFC-J491DW
What To Know
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the electrical contacts on the ink cartridges and inside the printer.
- Open the ink cartridge door and lift the print head lever to access the print head.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any ink buildup or debris from the print head.
Maintaining a clean Brother Printer MFC-J491DW is crucial for ensuring optimal print quality and longevity. Dirt, dust, and ink buildup can accumulate over time, causing smudges, streaks, and other printing issues. This comprehensive guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to clean your MFC-J491DW thoroughly, ensuring pristine printouts every time.
Materials You’ll Need
- Soft, lint-free cloths
- Cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
- Printer cleaning solution (optional)
- Gloves (optional)
Cleaning the Exterior
1. Unplug the Printer: Always unplug the printer before cleaning to prevent electrical shock.
2. Wipe Down the Casing: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the exterior of the printer. Remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated.
3. Clean the Control Panel: Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the control panel buttons. Avoid using excessive moisture.
Cleaning the Ink Cartridges
1. Open the Ink Cartridge Door: Locate the ink cartridge door on the front of the printer and open it gently.
2. Remove the Ink Cartridges: Carefully remove the ink cartridges by pressing down on the levers and pulling them out.
3. Wipe the Contacts: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the electrical contacts on the ink cartridges and inside the printer. Avoid touching the nozzle area.
4. Reinstall the Ink Cartridges: Insert the ink cartridges back into their slots and press down until they click into place.
Cleaning the Print Head
1. Access the Print Head: Open the ink cartridge door and lift the print head lever to access the print head.
2. Remove the Print Head: Carefully remove the print head by grasping the handle and pulling it straight up.
3. Soak the Print Head: Fill a shallow dish with printer cleaning solution or warm water. Submerge the print head in the solution for 30 minutes.
4. Wipe the Print Head: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any ink buildup or debris from the print head. Avoid touching the nozzles.
5. Reinstall the Print Head: Insert the print head back into the printer and press down on the lever until it clicks into place.
Cleaning the Paper Path
1. Remove the Paper Tray: Pull out the paper tray and remove any remaining paper.
2. Check for Obstructions: Inspect the paper path for any obstructions or debris. Remove any foreign objects carefully.
3. Clean the Paper Feed Rollers: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the paper feed rollers to remove any dust or debris.
Cleaning the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder)
1. Lift the ADF Cover: Open the ADF cover and locate the document feed rollers.
2. Clean the Rollers: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the document feed rollers to remove any dust or debris.
3. Check for Paper Jams: Inspect the ADF for any paper jams or debris. Remove any obstructions carefully.
Cleaning the Waste Ink Pad
1. Locate the Waste Ink Pad: The waste ink pad is located at the bottom of the printer. Open the front cover to access it.
2. Absorb Excess Ink: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to absorb any excess ink from the waste ink pad.
3. Replace the Waste Ink Pad: If the waste ink pad is saturated, it may need to be replaced. Contact Brother support for assistance.
Finishing Up
1. Reassemble the Printer: After cleaning all the components, reassemble the printer and close all the covers.
2. Print a Test Page: Print a test page to ensure the printer is working properly and producing clean prints.
3. Regular Maintenance: Perform regular cleaning as recommended by Brother to maintain optimal print quality and prevent future issues.
What People Want to Know
Q: How often should I clean my Brother MFC-J491DW printer?
A: Regular cleaning every 3-6 months or as needed is recommended to prevent buildup and ensure optimal print quality.
Q: Is it safe to use household cleaners to clean my printer?
A: No, household cleaners may damage the printer. Use printer cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol as recommended in this guide.
Q: My printer is still not printing clearly after cleaning. What should I do?
A: Check for any remaining obstructions or debris in the paper path or print head. If the issue persists, contact Brother support for further assistance.
Q: Can I replace the print head on my own?
A: Yes, the print head is user-replaceable. However, it is recommended to contact Brother support for assistance if you are not comfortable performing the replacement.
