Help Center - TROUBLESHOOT: My cartridge is leaking, what should I do?
TROUBLESHOOT: My cartridge is leaking, what should I do?
Handling leaking ink cartridges is different from handling leaking toner cartridges.
What to Do with Ink Cartridge Leaks
When ink cartridges leak, it is often caused by improper installation or poorly fitted design. Damaged cartridge parts doesn't often caused leaks.
To remedy the issue, simply stop the printer and do the following steps.
- Open the inkjet printer cover.
- Properly uninstall your cartridge.
- Use a lint-free cloth dampened with 91% isopropyl alcohol to wipe both the cartridge and inkjet printer's print head. This will clean the contacts of dirt or clogs.
- To test if cartridge is damaged, wipe its entirety with a dry lint-free cloth. If there is a stain away from the contacts, there might be a crack in the cartridge.
- If there are no leaks, properly install the cartridge again. Do a print test to ensure printing quality.
- If cartridge has a leak, check for damages, defects or cracks. If it's a crack, see if it can be remedied by tape and smooth it as flat as possible. If it cannot be fixed with tape, contact your seller to see if you're applicable for a replacement.
What to Do with Toner Cartridge Leaks
In cleaning toner leaks, one would need preparation in handling loose toner powder. Never vacuum spilled toner powder as it would build a static charge in the vacuum and shock you. However, if available, you can use a toner designed vacuum cleaner.
Use rubber gloves to prevent skin irritation and wear a non-surgical face mask to avoid inhalation of toner powder.
- Unplugged the laser printer from the wall outlet. Let it cool for an hour to prevent you from getting burned by hot printer parts.
- Properly uninstall your cartridge and dispose it in a sealable plastic bag.
- Use a sturdy, flat-edged cardboard to scrape the toner out of the printer. Store the toner powder in the same sealable plastic bag.
- With a dry lint-free cloth or paper towel, wipe away the remaining toner powder inside the printer. Avoid dampening the cloth or paper towel. Damp wipes can cause toner powder to stick in printer components and damage them during operation.
- Use a broom and dust pan to sweep remaining toner powder on the floor if needed.
If the toner spill is excessive, please hire a qualified copier servicing professional to clean your printer.