How does your print look?

Your printer passed this check.

Likely cause: some nozzles in that color are partially clogged with dried ink.

1. 1.Run one head cleaning cycle from the printer menu or driver.
2. 2.Reprint this sheet and compare the affected color.
3. 3.If gaps remain, run one more cleaning cycle and stop. Cleaning uses ink.
4. 4.If it is still not clear, leave the printer on for several hours and try the printer maker’s deeper cleaning guidance.

Fix streaks or lines

Likely cause: that cartridge is empty, not seated correctly, or its nozzles are fully blocked.

1. 1.Check the ink level and reseat the cartridge.
2. 2.Run one cleaning cycle and reprint.
3. 3.If the band is still blank after a second cleaning, replace that cartridge.

Fix missing color

Can mean: ink is running low, or the nozzles are partly blocked and delivering less ink.

1. 1.Check ink levels.
2. 2.Run one cleaning cycle and reprint.
3. 3.Compare with the other bands. Yellow is naturally lighter than the others.

Fix faded prints

Likely cause: the print head needs alignment. A dirty head can also show this.

1. 1.Run the printer’s head alignment once.
2. 2.Reprint and check again. If gaps appear, treat it as a nozzle clog.

Fix misaligned print

Can mean: the wrong paper type setting, damp paper, or excess ink after cleaning.

1. 1.Let the sheet dry and handle it by the edges.
2. 2.Choose the paper type that matches the paper loaded and reprint.

Fix smudges

Can mean: a toner or drum problem, not a clogged nozzle. Head cleaning does not apply to laser printers.

1. 1.Check the toner cartridge and drum for low toner, damage or debris.
2. 2.Reseat the cartridge, and check the printer’s manual for cleaning instructions.

Fix streaks or lines