Cleaning The Print Head - Epson Stylus Photo R380 Printer Basics Manual

7. If there are no gaps in the pattern, the print head doesn't need to be cleaned.
Press to return to the Maintenance menu.
OK
If there are gaps in the pattern, clean the print head as described below.
Note:
You can also check the nozzles with software when connected to a computer; see your
on-screen User's Guide for details.

Cleaning the Print Head

If your printouts are unexpectedly light or faint, or you notice light or dark bands
across your printout, you may need to clean the print head. This unclogs the
nozzles so they can deliver ink properly. Run a nozzle check as described on
page 48 to see if the print head needs cleaning.
Note:
Print head cleaning uses ink, so clean it only if quality declines and the nozzle check
indicates that the print head needs to be cleaned.
1. Make sure your printer is turned on but not printing, and the ink is not low in
any cartridges.
(If ink is low, you need to replace an ink cartridge before cleaning the print
head; see page 51 to check ink levels, or see page 53 to replace a cartridge.)
2. Load a few sheets of letter-size plain paper.
3. Press the
Setup
4. Press l or r to select
5. Press d to select
6. Press the x
Start
The printer runs a head cleaning cycle and a message appears on the LCD
screen. Cleaning takes approximately 30 seconds.
Caution:
Never turn off the printer while head cleaning is in progress, or you may damage it.
7. When cleaning finishes, press the x
pattern like the one on page 48.
button.
Maintenance
, then press
Head Cleaning
button to begin cleaning the print head.
, then press .
OK
.
OK
button. The printer prints a test
Start
Cleaning the Print Head
49