Print head dirty each time

[250Gimp]

I have an Epson R800 printer and I don't use it regularly. I am quite choosey about what photos I print so teh printer will sometimes sit for a month or more between print sessions.

The trouble I am having is that each time I use the rpinter it seems I have to run the head cleaning utility, which uses quite a bit of ink.

Is there anything I can do between uses to prevent having to clean the head each time?

(And yes, I know I could always just print more :er: )

 

[Phelan]

Inkjet printers when not used for extended periods end up with ink dried around the nozzles on the print heads (plus dust) which is what it is cleaning off. Other than using it more regularly there's not much you can do.

 

[Iron Flatline]

I share your pain, 250Gimp.

 

[Mike_E]

Do you leave it on all the time? I've heard that just turning them off will help.

Couldn't hurt.

 

[250Gimp]

Thanks for the response Phelan.

Thanks for the sympathy Iron Flatline!

Mike E, I do not have it on unless I am going to use it.

No magic bullet I guess!!

Cheers

 

[Joves]

Nope there are no magic bullets. I keep mine covered but, it still doesnt keep the ink from dying on the heads. I hate wasting ink like that too.

 

[nmerrick]

I, too, share your pain - I've had an Epson 4000 for about 4 years now and it's always been a pain in the butt with nozzles clogging constantly.

Sometimes, it takes as many as 15 cleaning cycles to clean it! :x

Hope you get yours sorted out.

Nigel

 

[Laurence]

I also owned an Epson printer, and had the problem of constantly having to clean the printhead. I went through ink and $$$ very rapidly.

I now own an HP 8550, and it has a removable/replaceable print head. Though somewhat high in cost, the print head replacement is certainly less than a bunch of ink that is used just to clean the printhead...and also is better on my "anger scale" against the darn dried out printhead on the Epson.

I go a long time between prints with the HP, but so far no clogs at all. Print quality is exactly comparable to the Epson 2200.

 

[Phelan]

A trick used a lot in the old days on inkjets for cleaning the heads was rubbing alcohol soaked q-tips rubbed over the heads.

 

[250Gimp]

hhhmmm I'll have to try the alcohol thing!!!.....oh wait......was that to drink or use on the printer???

seriously though, I will try the rubbing alcohol next time.

So far it only takes one, maybe two cleaning cycles to get it printing well.

Cheers

 

[Phelan]

hhhmmm I'll have to try the alcohol thing!!!.....oh wait......was that to drink or use on the printer???

seriously though, I will try the rubbing alcohol next time.

So far it only takes one, maybe two cleaning cycles to get it printing well.

Cheers

Rubbing alcohol for the printer, some nice rum or vodka for you.