A printer is a necessity for any business, and usually a big investment. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your printer with regular, proper maintenance. Here are some simple steps you can take to extend the life of your printer and ensure it will continue to print happily for years to come. 1. Location Office space can be limited, and sometimes we need to make do. However, the location of your printer is something you should decide with careful consideration. Things like sunlight, dust, humidity, and grease should all be things that are avoided. It would be wise to park your printer in areas that are not high-traffic as well, to avoid any potential spills or collisions. So install those blinds, put up a “No Food or Drink” sign, and move the coffee pot to another part of the office. This goes for your paper supply too! 2. Give It Space As well as a clear, dust-free, humidity-free environment, printers also need space to breathe on either side. Crowding printers can result in overheating, causing damage. It’s also a good idea to leave space on either side to allow for easier maintenance by technical staff. 3. Remove Hazards Avoid potential problems by removing all staples and paperclips before scanning, coping, and faxing documents. Keep a staple remover nearby (perhaps on a string) and a container for busy staff to leave wayward paperclips. 4. Fan It Out Make life easier for your printer by fanning paper before loading it into your paper draw. Unfanned paper sticks together, potentially causing jams. Fanned paper releases static buildup and allows each sheet of paper to glide off the previous one. To fan paper, loosely grip both ends of the ream and bend inwards, almost like you’re bending it in half. Then, grip the folded ends tightly and pull flat. 3. Wipe It Away: Dust is the enemy of printers. It sneaks it’s way inside and wreaks havoc. Prevent this by being proactive and wiping away dust before it has its chance to cause damage. Keep a clean, lint-free cloth nearby to encourage wiping. Keep the paper tray and other drawers closed when not in use so dust won’t settle there. While it seems like it would be a good idea, avoid the use of pressured air to clear away dust – this will result in dust being pushed further inside the machine. Better to use a small, handheld vacuum cleaner for this purpose.
