1. Using Unknown Cleaning Agents

Some users clean the nozzle surface with alcohol, detergents, or unidentified solvents/paper wipes.

These substances may contain high concentrations of alcohol or fibers, causing nozzle oxidation, contamination, or scratches.

Recommendation

Use only manufacturer-approved, dedicated printhead cleaning solutions.

Avoid using any unknown or non-specialized cleaning liquids.

2. Using Inferior Cleaning Solutions

The quality of the cleaning solution directly determines whether the printhead can be safely restored. Low-quality cleaning solutions often contain impurities and unstable pH levels, and may include corrosive solvents that can damage the printhead’s surface coating, corrode internal metal components, and cause nozzle electrode oxidation or short-circuiting.

Recommendation

Use certified and model-specific cleaning solutions.

Avoid randomly mixing products from different brands or formulations.

3. Lack of Anti-Static Protection

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is one of the most common causes of printhead damage.

During cleaning or maintenance, accidental static discharge from hands or clothing can permanently damage nozzle circuits or internal driver chips.

Recommendation

Before cleaning or disassembling the printhead, wear an anti-static wrist strap and ensure the printer chassis is properly grounded.

Avoid wearing wool or synthetic clothing when operating in dry environments.

4. Cleaning With Excessive Force

Using high-pressure injectors, syringes, or “pressurized flushing” can cause irreversible damage.

Strong impact pressure may crack internal channels, break piezoelectric crystals, or deform the nozzle plate.

Recommendation

Use only low-pressure manual cleaning or vacuum tools.

If a syringe must be used, apply minimal pressure and avoid forceful injection.

5. Cleaning Without Powering Off or Without Protecting the Circuit

Cleaning while the printer is powered on may damage the nozzle power board or short-circuit components. Liquid entering the FPC cable, mainboard, or power interface may cause burning or corrosion.

Recommendation

Always power off and unplug the machine before cleaning.

Ensure no liquid enters electrical connectors or internal circuits.

6. Soaking the Printhead for Too Long

Cleaning liquids are corrosive.

Soaking the printhead in cleaning solution for an extended period (over 48 hours) can accelerate the aging of nozzle seals, cause internal circuits to become moisture-damaged and oxidized, and may even lead to delamination of the piezoelectric elements.

Recommendation

Soak for no longer than 30 minutes.

When necessary, use a cyclic micro-cleaning method: inject a small amount of cleaning solution at intervals to dissolve ink residue through gentle flow. This step-by-step dissolution is safer than long-term soaking.

7. Excessive Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning can remove blockages, but over-cleaning damages nozzle membranes.

High-frequency vibration may break piezo elements, especially for Ricoh / Epson / Toshiba printheads.

Recommendation

Each ultrasonic cleaning session should be within 2 minutes.

If further cleaning is needed, let the nozzle rest before the next cycle.

8. Removing the Printhead While Powered On or Using Excessive Force

Operating the printer with power on or forcefully plugging/unplugging printhead cables can cause short circuits or chip burnout in the printhead circuitry.

In addition, removing the printhead violently—using tools such as tweezers, screwdrivers, or blades—may damage the nozzle plate or deform the sealing area, resulting in irreversible printhead failure.

Recommendation

Always ensure the printer is completely powered off before removing the printhead. Loosen the printhead gently using proper tools, and strictly follow the manufacturer’s disassembly guidelines to avoid damage.

9. Over-Cleaning

Nozzle structures are extremely delicate. Frequent cleaning may wear the nozzle surface, damage thin-film resistors, or enlarge nozzle holes.

Recommendation

Stop cleaning once print quality returns to normal.

If minor missing lines persist, use the nozzle test pattern to evaluate the condition before proceeding. Avoid repeated cleaning cycles without proper intervals.

10. Powering On Before the Printhead Is Fully Dry After Cleaning

Internal printhead cavities contain piezo crystals, PCB cables, sensors, and electrical pads. Residual cleaning liquid may cause short circuits, firing failures, or corrosion.

Recommendation

Gently blot any remaining liquid on the surface using a lint-free cloth.

Place the printhead in a ventilated, dry environment (avoid strong hot air to prevent deformation).

Ensure it is 100% completely dry before reinstalling and powering on the machine.

Contact iColorPro

Want to learn more about printhead cleaning tips, repair methods, or professional cleaning solutions? Contact iColorPro – we provide professional printhead maintenance guidance and accessory solutions to help you safely restore print performance and reduce repair costs!