Say Goodbye to Dirty Prints: How to Clean Canon Pixma IX6820 Like a Pro

Maintaining your Canon PIXMA iX6820 printer is crucial for ensuring high-quality prints and extending its lifespan. Over time, dust, paper fibers, and ink residue can accumulate within the printer, leading to print quality issues like streaks, smudges, and blurry images. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of cleaning your Canon PIXMA iX6820, ensuring you get the best possible prints every time.

Why Clean Your Canon PIXMA iX6820?

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining optimal performance and print quality. Here’s why:

• Improved Print Quality: A clean printer ensures smooth ink flow and prevents smudges, streaks, and blurry images.
• Reduced Paper Jams: Dust and debris can accumulate in the paper path, leading to paper jams. Cleaning prevents this issue.
• Extended Printer Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps prevent wear and tear on the printer’s components, extending its lifespan.
• Reduced Ink Consumption: A clean printer ensures proper ink distribution, reducing ink wastage.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin cleaning your Canon PIXMA iX6820, gather the following supplies:

• Soft, lint-free cloth: Use a microfiber cloth or a clean, soft cotton cloth.
• Distilled water: Avoid using tap water as it can contain impurities that can damage your printer.
• Cotton swabs: These are helpful for cleaning delicate areas.
• Compressed air: This is useful for removing dust from hard-to-reach areas.
• Paper towels: Use these to absorb excess moisture.
• Optional: Isopropyl alcohol (99%): This can be used to clean stubborn ink stains.

Cleaning the Exterior of Your Canon PIXMA iX6820

• Power off and unplug the printer: Ensure the printer is completely powered off and unplugged for safety.
• Remove the ink cartridges: Carefully remove the ink cartridges and set them aside.
• Clean the exterior: Using a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe down the exterior of the printer, including the top, sides, and front panel.
• Clean the paper tray: Remove the paper tray and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Ensure it is completely dry before reinserting it.

Cleaning the Print Head and Ink Cartridges

• Clean the print head: This is a crucial step to ensure optimal ink flow.
• Open the printer’s front cover.
• Locate the print head, which is the part that moves back and forth during printing.
• Use a cotton swab dampened with distilled water to gently clean the print head nozzles. Avoid pressing too hard, as this could damage the nozzles.
• Allow the print head to dry completely before closing the cover.
• Clean the ink cartridges:
• Remove the ink cartridges and inspect them for any dried ink or debris.
• Use a cotton swab dampened with distilled water to gently clean the ink cartridge contacts.
• Allow the ink cartridges to dry completely before reinserting them.

Cleaning the Paper Path

• Remove the paper tray: Remove the paper tray and inspect it for any debris or paper fibers.
• Clean the paper path: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the paper path, which is the area where the paper travels through the printer.
• Remove any debris: Use compressed air to remove any dust or debris that may be lodged in the paper path.
• Clean the rollers: The rollers in the paper path can pick up dust and paper fibers. Use a damp cloth to gently clean the rollers. Ensure they are completely dry before reinserting the paper tray.

Cleaning the Scanner Glass

• Open the scanner lid: Open the scanner lid and inspect the glass for any dust or fingerprints.
• Clean the glass: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the glass. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Close the scanner lid: Close the scanner lid after cleaning.

Performing a Printer Alignment

After cleaning your Canon PIXMA iX6820, it’s essential to perform a printer alignment to ensure accurate ink placement and optimal print quality.

• Access the printer settings: Open the printer’s control panel or access the printer settings through your computer.
• Select “Alignment” or “Print Head Alignment”: The exact wording may vary depending on your printer model.
• Follow the on-screen instructions: The printer will guide you through the alignment process, which involves printing a test pattern and adjusting the print head position.

Maintaining Your Canon PIXMA iX6820

• Regular cleaning: Clean your printer regularly to prevent dust and debris buildup. Aim for a monthly cleaning routine.
• Use high-quality ink cartridges: Using genuine Canon ink cartridges ensures optimal print quality and prevents clogging.
• Store ink cartridges properly: When not in use, store your ink cartridges in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid exposing the printer to extreme temperatures: Keep your printer away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity.

The Final Touches: Optimizing Your Printing Experience

• Use high-quality paper: Using high-quality paper enhances the overall print quality.
• Print test pages: Regularly print test pages to check for any print quality issues.
• Update your printer drivers: Ensure your printer drivers are up-to-date for optimal performance.

What You Need to Learn

Q: How often should I clean my Canon PIXMA iX6820?
A: It’s recommended to clean your printer at least once a month or more frequently if you print heavily.
Q: What if I see streaks or smudges on my prints?
A: This could indicate a clogged print head or ink cartridge. Clean the print head and ink cartridges, and consider replacing the cartridges if necessary.
Q: Can I use a paper towel to clean the print head?
A: It’s not recommended to use paper towels. The paper fibers can get stuck in the print head nozzles, causing further damage.
Q: How do I know if my printer needs alignment?
A: If you notice misaligned prints, blurry images, or faded colors, your printer might need alignment.
Q: What should I do if my printer is still having problems after cleaning?
A: If cleaning doesn‘t resolve the issue, contact Canon customer support for assistance.