Maintenance

Printhead cleaning and nozzle check on inkjet printers

7 min read · Updated · PrinterErrors editorial team

On this page

Inkjet only, and start with a nozzle checkRun a head-cleaning cycle, then re-checkIf cycles do not fully clear itPrevent clogs in the first placeWhen to stop and get it serviced

Inkjet only, and start with a nozzle check

This routine applies to inkjet printers (Canon, Epson, HP, and Brother inkjets). Laser printers have no printhead and no liquid ink, so head cleaning does not apply to them. If you have a laser, streaks and faded output point to the toner cartridge or drum instead.

On an inkjet, clogged nozzles cause streaks, missing colours, banding, or faded and blank output, especially after the printer has been idle for a while. Always start with a nozzle check (also called a test pattern): it prints a small chart that shows exactly which colours or segments are missing, so you do not run cleaning cycles blindly.

01Load a few sheets of plain paper and make sure ink or cartridges are installed.
02From the printer panel, open the Maintenance (or Setup/Tools) menu and choose “Nozzle Check” or “Print Test Pattern”.
03Or from the computer, open the printer’s software / Printing Preferences › Maintenance tab and run the nozzle check from there.
04Read the printed pattern: solid, complete lines and blocks mean the nozzles are clear; gaps, missing segments, or a missing colour mean clogged nozzles.

Run a head-cleaning cycle, then re-check

If the nozzle check shows gaps, run one head-cleaning cycle and then print another nozzle check to compare. Head cleaning uses ink, so do not run it repeatedly in a row. Give the printer a chance between attempts.

01From the same Maintenance menu (on the panel or in the printer software), choose “Head Cleaning” / “Clean Printhead” and let the cycle finish.
02Print another nozzle check and compare it with the first. You should see improvement.
03If it is better but not perfect, repeat, but limit yourself to roughly 2–3 cleaning cycles in one session.
04After 2–3 cycles, rest the printer for 30 minutes or more before trying again. Cleaning right away wastes ink and rarely helps a stubborn clog.

If cycles do not fully clear it

A dried, stubborn clog often needs time rather than more cycles. Let the solvent in the ink soak into the blockage before you continue.

01Leave the printer switched on and idle for a few hours (or overnight) so the ink can soften the clog, then run one more nozzle check and cleaning.
02Check ink or cartridge levels: a colour reading as “empty” or very low will look exactly like a clog on the nozzle check.
03For printers with a removable printhead (some Canon, Brother, and HP models), you can gently clean the printhead by hand following the exact steps in your model’s manual.
04For fixed-head printers (most Epson models), use the built-in “Deep Cleaning” / “Power Cleaning” option where available, but sparingly, as it uses much more ink than a normal clean.

Prevent clogs in the first place

Clogs are far easier to prevent than to clear. Inkjet ink dries in the nozzles when the printer sits unused, so a little regular use goes a long way.

01Print at least a little (ideally something with colour) every week or two to keep ink moving through the nozzles.
02Use genuine or known-good cartridges and ink; poor-quality ink clogs nozzles faster.
03Avoid running a cartridge bone-dry, and store the printer somewhere that is not too hot or dusty.
04Turn the printer off with its own power button so it can cap and park the printhead properly, rather than cutting power at the wall.

When to stop and get it serviced

Cleaning cycles are not free: each one consumes ink and fills the waste-ink pad faster. If repeated deep cleans make no difference, more cleaning is not the answer.

When several cycles plus a soak still leave the same gaps, the printhead may have failed or the ink may be dried beyond recovery. At that point, stop cleaning and consider professional service or, on an inexpensive printer, whether repair is worth it versus replacement. Excessive cleaning only wastes ink and can bring the waste-ink pad to its limit sooner.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my printer not printing black when it has ink?

Check the black ink level first, then print a nozzle check. Canon’s G3000 manual lists the remaining ink level and clogged print head nozzles as the first two checks when no ink comes out: if the nozzle check pattern is not printed correctly, clean the print head and print the pattern again. On HP DeskJet 2800, 4200 and 4900 printers, the HP Smart app has Clean Printhead under Tools › Print Quality Tools. Printer not printing black has its own step-by-step page, listed under Related problems.

Why is my printer not printing black with a new cartridge?

On a new HP cartridge, check that the plastic tape was removed with its pull tab. HP says not to touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles, and not to reapply the tape. Rough handling during transport or installation can also cause print quality problems: HP advises waiting a few hours for the automatic servicing routine to complete, then printing again. If the cartridge is defective, it may be under warranty, so contact HP Customer Support.

How many times should I run head cleaning?

Run one cleaning, then print a nozzle check before deciding on another. Canon’s G3000 manual says that if the problem is not resolved after two print head cleanings, you should perform a print head deep cleaning, and then a system cleaning (check all ink levels first, as Canon warns that system cleaning with too little ink may damage the machine). HP says a badly clogged printhead may need another cleaning cycle, but to wait at least 30 minutes before cleaning it again. If nothing helps, Canon says the print head may be damaged and to contact a service centre.

PEPrinterErrors editorial teamUpdated
PrinterErrors editorial team

Last updated · Content is independent and not sponsored by any manufacturer.

Sources & methodology

Spotted something inaccurate? Report a content issue

Related guides

ConnectionHow to add a printer by IP address in Windows 11SoftwareHow to clear a stuck print queue on Windows and MacConnectionHow to connect your printer to Wi-Fi