What You'll Need

  • Lint-free cloths.
  • Isopropyl alcohol — for the feed rollers only.
  • A soft-bristle brush.
  • A vacuum cleaner with a toner filter, if you have one.

Procedure

  • Unplug the device and let the fuser cool for 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove the cartridge and put it in a dark bag — the photo drum degrades from light exposure.
  • Wipe the feed rollers while turning them by hand.
  • Brush dust off the guides and sensors.
  • Wipe the laser window with a dry cloth.
  • Check the waste toner container.

Absolutely Do Not

  • Blow toner out with compressed air — you'll spread the powder throughout the mechanism and the room.
  • Use a regular household vacuum cleaner: the finest toner particles pass straight through the filter.
  • Touch the photo drum's surface with your fingers or wipe it with alcohol.
  • Wash parts with water and reinstall them wet.

How Often

Light cleaning — with every cartridge replacement. Full cleaning, with disassembly of the paper path — once a year or every 50,000 pages.