Printhead cleaning fluid is a cleaning product designed for printing equipment, printheads, and ink systems. Its main function is to clean ink residues, oil stains, impurities, etc. in the equipment to avoid problems such as printhead blockage and uneven ink jetting. The cleaning fluid can not only restore the efficient operation of the equipment, but also protect the printheads, reducing failures and maintenance costs.

Types of Printhead Cleaning Fluid

UV Cleaning Fluid

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Solvent cleaning fluid, weak solvent cleaning fluid, and UV cleaning fluid are all oil-based printhead cleaning fluids, but there are subtle differences between different inks. (PS: When purchasing cleaning fluid, remember to pay attention to the ink type and printhead model!)

Features: The formula is more gentle, highly targeted, specially designed for use with UV inks, and safer for printhead.

Solvent Cleaning Fluid

Features: It has strong dissolving ability and strong cleaning ability, and can effectively remove problems such as ink accumulation and printhead blockage. However, it is corrosive to the plastic parts and seals inside the printhead, so you need to control the frequency for long-term use.

Water-based Printhead Cleaning Fluid

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Water-based printhead cleaning fluid is further subdivided into dye cleaning fluid, DTF cleaning fluid, and paint cleaning fluid;

Features: This type of cleaning fluid is relatively mild and suitable for cleaning the deposits of water-based ink on the printhead without damaging the printhead.

Special Cleaning Fluid

Features: Cleaning fluid designed for certain specific printhead or ink types, such as cleaning fluid specially customized for certain brands of print heads (such as Epson, Ricoh, etc.).

How to Use the Printhead Cleaning Fluid

Automatic Cleaning (for printers that support automatic cleaning)

(1) Turn on the printer power: After connecting the power supply, turn on the printer and make sure the printer starts normally.

(2) Select the cleaning function: Find the "Nozzle Cleaning" or "Auto Cleaning" function in the printer's control panel or printer driver software. NOTE: Different brands and models of printers may operate slightly differently.

(3) Add the printhead cleaning liquid: If the cleaning liquid needs to be added manually, open the cleaning liquid injection port and pour the cleaning liquid in the prescribed amount. If it is included with the cleaning device, add it according to the procedure.

(4) Perform automatic cleaning: The printer will flow cleaning fluid through the printhead to remove ink residue inside.

(5) Check the cleaning effect: After cleaning, print a test page to check whether the printhead has returned to normal. Repeat cleaning or use manual method if necessary.

Manual Cleaning (applicable when the printhead is severely clogged or automatic cleaning is ineffective)

Syringe Flush Method

(1) Prepare the necessary tools: Syringe, cleaning fluid, hose or connecting tube, cotton swab or non-woven fabric.

(2) Connect the syringe and printhead: Connect the hose from syringe to printhead, ensure tight connection. Inject 10–20ml cleaning fluid depending on blockage severity.

(3) Inject cleaning fluid: Slowly and evenly push cleaning fluid into the nozzle. Observe for flushed residue.

(4) Clean printhead surface: Wipe nozzle surface with cotton swab or non-woven fabric. Optionally flush with clean water.

Soaking Method

(1) Disassemble printhead carefully following the printer manual.

(2) Pour cleaning fluid into container to just cover printhead, avoid circuit contact. Soak 15–60 minutes.

(3) Clean nozzle with cotton swab or non-woven fabric.

(4) Rinse gently with clean water.

(5) Reinstall and ensure proper connection.

(6) Print test page to verify cleaning effect.