Thanks so much for this video! I just unclogged my 4900. Hadn't run it recently and the heat had been on in that room 7 of 10 heads didn't print. With patience I used your method several times over two days, replacing the almost dry towel with a new wetter one and checking the print patters. Gradually they came back. I knew I was en route with the first treatment when 3 patterns and then three more appeared. Finally it was only yellow. I then used the utility to power clean that one head (and one other -- it's done in pairs) and it worked. I am very grateful. I am remembering that your earlier video for the 4000 was also helpful.
I had just about written off my 18 month old 4900, everyone told me the LC clog was terminal and I would need a new print head. I tried this method and it works, but my advice for 4900 users, use a thicker pad than they recommend, really soak it, and repeat. (I repeated three times for a total soak time of 10 hours) I power cleaned after the soak, and it cleared the clog. BUT it also required a general cleaning as four other heads had residual Windex on them, but now, all is good, Thanks Guys!
My 4900 was about to get sent to the TRASH. I have been fighting with the clogged nozzles for a very long time. Your video was my last resort to deal with this printer and I am very happy to tell you it worked very well. You have saved the planet from another big printer in the landfill and you have saved my bank account from being depleted. Thanks so much for posting this.
Our pleasure. We are not "know it alls" on all the Epson repairs, clogs, etc... but we found this out and wanted to share! What we really excel at is sales of the Printers and all the Epson supplies. Feel free to visit our new wholesale club web site- www.pdgvip.com Stands for Pro Digital Gear VERY IMPORTANT PERSON
To the Nature Boy- Make sure you see our other vid on Nozzle Clogs. We have one that tells you what your problem could be and how to solve if the windex trick doesn't work. You can find it here: ruclips.net/video/yyVRONzrCV8/видео.html
Thanks so much for this video. We've had our 4990 for two years and have experienced two total blockages on the vivid light magenta. The last one would not budge despote several power cleans. We followed your advice but actally used a sanitary pad soaked with Jif window cleaner. The pad meant that there was contact with the heads, which we realised we needed after some attempts with the paper towel. Don't give up people! don't call out Epson or buy a new head. This method works if you persist. thanks again. :-)
I did this and it worked just as advertised. Cleaned it out slick as can be. It took two "soakings", but when it was done, it was all cleared out and hasn't had a problem since. Just follow the instructions shown in the video - it only takes a few minutes.
I tried this method today for the second time on a Canon Pixma MP560....first time I left it on overnight last night, but no improvement....the second time, used 2 sheets of paper toweling, soaked them good with the Windex, left on for about 6-7 hours, and it is now printing perfectly!! Thanks SO much for your help. B
That works on my Canon pro9000ii with print head clogged for many months..I used 50% windex and 50% ammonia.. now works like a brand new printer! BIG THANKS!
This vid saved my epson 4900. I had gone away on business for 2 months. I came home to clogged everything. I had to use this method over the course of a week and power cleanings and now it is back to normal again. However this printer has serious flaws with clogging and Epson should acknowledge this. INK is not CHEAP.
Yeah..and we make a whopping $3.00 per cart at $86.95 after CC fees! Hey....we treat your money like it was ours. Thus the reason for us making this video. Although we have to pay bills like everyone, we do try to save you guys money when we can. Love you have your business. Keep in touch. andy@prodigitalgear.com
Thanks for this! I have a 9900 that sees very light usage. Consequently I battle nozzle clogs that require multiple cleaning cycles. This time I had a maintenance code 4000 error and found this video. I left the paper towel in place for 2 hours one night and then again 2 hours the next and everything is perfect. A much better solution than successive power cleans. Thanks again!
I left my printer off for a month while I was in Florida. I did a nozzle check & they were all clogged. I wasted a ton of ink & nothing happened. I have done the Windex test & hopefully it will work. I am ready to get rid of this machine & buy a Canon if it doesn't work after a couple of tries to unclog the nozzles. I do like your video & see that other 4900 owners have found it to work.
Our Pleasure Jiawei!!!!! Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't but it's worth the try. I mean..what are the options. All the best! Andy and the Gang at PRODIGITALGEAR.com and PDGVIP.com Check it our for the best possible pricing on anything Epson..and more!
Great video and really helpful on my Epson 4900. I was amazed at the amount of ink clogging the nozzles. This solved the problem in no time. I ended up trying 3 cycles and went from two nozzles 80% clogged to clean.
Awesome Eric! Best maintenance on these printers is to take a piece of copy machine 8.5x11 and put it in the printer and do a nozzle check 1 to 2X a week. Keeps the ink flowing. Also...make sure you do not have the printer by any heat or forced hot air duct work. Will dry it out over night! Ciao! andy@prodigitalgear.com
Ok this is an old video so I'm not sure what's changed since then but I do not that for an Epson 7600 you don't need to turn on and off the power to free the head. there is a release lever which can be activated.
Thank you so much for the video. I thought my Epson 9800 was at the end of its life after 10 years of hard work because of some smears at the end of the sweep. I follow your cleaning instructions and got rid of the smears. I will keep your company in mind when I need a new printer.
Thank you Vi! Appreciate you taking the time to let us know our vid was of value. That makes it all worth it for us. email us direct if you would like to be on our email list. We do not overdue it...promise! sales@prodigitalgear.com
To prevent clogged nozzels get a sheetrock mud pan and put about 2 inches of water in it and put in side printer cover when not in use. This keeps the humidity up and prevents the nozzles from drying out. Just remember to take it out before you turn the printer on.
THANK YOU!!!! Thought i was going to have to replace a third print head due to clogged yellow. Placed the Windex towel over the weekend, did a normal cleaning and I'm back in action! Thank you for the great video.
Tip: You don't need to have an assistant pull the plug for you. Press the on button and then raise the lid on the top of the unit. The printer powers on, then asks you to close the lid. Leisurely walk around to the plug side of the printer, then lower the lid. About 10 seconds after you do, the print head moves out. Pull the plug then.
THANK YOU !!!!! I had problems with magenta in an Epson 7900. 7 to 10 time powercleaning did not work so I tried your proposal over night and it worked. After removing the paper towel I had to do a normal cleaning to see all the patterns again on the nozzle check. Here I print again ;-)
Christoph....it doesn't always work! Not if there is a problem with the head. Glad yours was simply a clog. Make sure you shake the carts horizontally..gently for 5-10 seconds if your machine has been sitting a couple weeks. It mixes the pigment that settles with the solution...much like a can of paint!
Trying out this technique as we speak. Have a 4900 which has sat unused for a few months and a few print heads wouldn't even show up on a nozzle check, even after 5 print head cleans... Fingers crossed!
Hi Andrew why not doing regularly a cleaning of the capping station once every two weeks, to prevent air to dry the head in the stationary position and help the pump located beneath the capping station to keep its vacuum under the head when activated , in addition to a nozzle check twice a week ? regards
+Luc Poi I imagine, it's like doing an exercise program. You work out for 3 months and feel fantastic...go on a 2 week vacation and then it's another 3 months before you exercise again. Most people far into a pattern of not being regular on cleanings.
Our pleasure Frank. Keep me in mind if you need any supplies!...shipping for 23 different sites normally gives you your product within a day with no extra expedited shipping charges. Ciao! andy
This looks just what we're looking for! Only one issue for us, we're in the UK and can't get windex. Any sugestions on an alternative? We were wondering about making up our own amonia, isopropryl alcohol & water mixture but have no idea how much to use and we really don't want to ruin anything. Can anyone help with either ratios or an alternative product to Windex that's available over here in the UK? Thanks
Yes...by all means it will work. However, if you have been using your printer regularly, you may have a problem. This method pretty much cures printers that are clogged from sitting. If your ink is low, low, low, you may want to pull it out and put another in. What happens is..the ink is like what we see in a paint can that has been sitting. The pigment sinks to the bottom. Ink carts are the same. Pull them out and shake them side to side to mix it up and put back in. Let us know if it works
Thanks a lot for this video. Trying it right now just like you said. Another problem I'm having with my 9900 (has happened before more than once when the machine was under warranty, where a tec came in to clean and/ or replace parts) is the machine is suddenly spitting cyan ink on my media. First it was large droplets. Nozzle check read a slight breakup so I did a cleaning. Fixed. Ran a couple prints off - perfect. Next print the cyan was completely missing. Ran a power clean. Cleared up. Ran another print and suddenly I started getting cyan droplets, only this time, they're tiny ones. Ever heard of this problem?
Thanks Andrew, it is nearly perfect after the first try, I was really worried, not even the text (colour types) was coming up on the test pattern, and a bunch of colours weren't showing up or barely at all. Doing the second windex attempt and wanted to thank you already, it only had a bit of gaps on C & PK. Cheers! If I showed the before and after photo you'd probably laugh.
Fascinating. I'm trying it out on my 3880 and will let you know how it works. The thing was working like a champ and almost out of nowhere, the matte black suddenly stopped flowing ink. 3 cleanings later, it was even worse. A search led me to this video and although I'd heard the "Windex" solution, nobody ever really explained it. The head is soaking right now...Stay tuned.
Have tried this 3 times over the last 4 days and sadly it hasn't worked for me. I have ordered some ammonia to mix with Windowlene, Windex isn't available in the UK. I have 2 clogged nozzles. Will post back here and keep you updated.
Andrew. I have an Epson 40600 1.5 yrs old and the magenta head has 4 small nozzle misfires. I keep doing cleanings but nothing is working. Is there a remedy for that like the process you show here?
Hi Guys, thanks for this good idea. I tried with a lens-cleaner-cloth with lens cleaner on, and just placed it under the printheadcarriage, which i moved several times forwards and backwards. after that I could clean the nozzle clog with the standard Epson program.
Dear Andrew Frausini, First Let me Thank you for the new technique. Can i try this method to Epson 11880?. i have issue with only light black color. tried everything from menu including service mode. but nothing workout. epson people says its the problem with the Print head. am not believing so. Because it has used only 2 years and not that much printed also. awaiting your reply. Thanks.
So how you you clean the white "felt" deals that catch the ink when you print border-less? No clue what they are called, but I'm guessing the clean the head as it runs off the paper and set up for the return run.
epson 3880, my washer had got stuck and I slightly forced it back and now I get a error code, any help much appreciated. Should I now take the lid off and try to re align the wiper or see what the issue is.?? when the machine is on, the wiper goes across half way and then sticks and keeps trying and then goes back please help
Thanks for that question and answer. I'm a new owner of a P9000 and will remember your response. By the way. Do clean your print otherwise as a best practice yearly upkeep? Thanks. Norm Berkeley, California
we have a Epson Stylus 4900 with the same problem, how do i move the print head ? I turned off the power and opened the cover to pull the print head out off the "park position" but the print doesn't come out - i have only pulled slightly - is there a trick to it ?
Is anyway to purge ink tubes on Epson 9890? I completely don't have any magenta ink on a nozzle check pattern. And seems like there is an air pocket in a magenta line right before print head.
I found your video looking for a solution for banding. I just got a new Stylus Pro 7900 and from the first day and print, I've had dark horizontal banding lines. Epson is not solving the problem and I am getting really aggravated by this. It has not even been 2 weeks since I got the printer and the nozzle check is fine. Do you have any suggestions as to how to solve this problem? I am using the Epson paper that came with the printer and its profile. I would not dare moving to another media before I solve this. I am guessing there should be no problem with paper feed adjustments, since I am using the original Epson profile for this paper. I've found tones of complaints online referring exactly to this issue with these printers. Any suggestions from you would be much appreciated. Many thanks!
Video doesn't really begin until 1:00. All sizes of Epson printers always clog. Never seen another brand printer with this problem. If you go a few weeks without printing certain colors they will clog.
Sorry to waste a minute of your time. According to most of the posts here, it was well worth theirs. I can't take four hours of my time to create a how to video to promote our business and assist our clients and potentials? You should have clicked it closed after 5 seconds. According to the "LIKES" on your youtube channel, you really are sharing a wealth of your knowledge with others!
We have an epson gs6000. It seems to be working properly except it wont spit out any ink, even during a nozzle check. Epson and their 3rd party repair techs have been little help. They sent someone over here to replace the main board but it left us with the same issue. We have had the printer for 3plus years and never replaced the heads. It seems strange the would both go out at the same time. Is they a way to tell if it heads are shot? After the board was changed , we get errors 131b,1A39, do these seem to point to a head outage?
Thanks for your videos, I subscribed to your channel today. I wanted to ask you the following question: My Epson 9900 prints correctly in color, but when I print in B&W it prints in brown magenta tone. The Epson authorized service technician checked the printer through software and mechanically; we changed all the original black inks (Photo Black, Matte Black, Light Black and Light Light Light Black), but I still have the same problem, could you please tell me what could be the cause and how can I solve it? Thank you very much
Great video ! Do all inkjets clog up like this or is this a problem that Epson can't fix? I'm thinking about buying a new T5270. Thank you for any advice.
Inkjet printer's biggest problem is lack of use, and low humidity in the room. If it is not used the ink will dry in the head and form a clog. The T5270 has a different type of ink but is still an inkjet printer. Our staff is very knowledgeable on the T series printers. Give them a shout with any questions you may have 888-459-1482 or sales@prodigitalgear.com Also, check out the other youtube vids we have on our channel. There are some about the T series printers. All the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heh Andy, I have an Epson 3800 Pro. After several attempts to clean the nozzles using computer software driver and power cleaning using the printer software the Magenta nozzle continued to be blocked. So yesterday I tried your method placing a soaked piece of paper towel with original Windex under the heads and leaving it overnight. I checked it this morning and now all the nozzles are completely blocked. It's much much worse than before the procedure. Also when I took the paper out this morning it was completely dry. Did I leave it in too long? Now what?
I have tried this probably about 8 times or more on one of our Epson Stylus Pro 9900s and only twice out of all those times has ink actually gone onto the windexed paper towel. Do you have any suggestions?
Question for Andy (or anyone): I've tried this on my 9900 without luck so far, but I will continue to do overnight soakings for a bit. The results from my nozzle check show the cyan head almost totally blank, just a line or two at the top and bottom. However, a print of a purge sheet for the cyan color comes out perfect. Encouraged, I tried some prints. The parts that look mostly cyan print fine, but the parts that should be blue are desaturated altogether. Just greyscale. This seems odd. Any thoughts?
EDIT Be warned, I killed the print head in my fuji DX100. I tried this process like I have used on my epson 7900 many times but it would not work so I removed the print head and cleaned it with windex, I killed it. The real issue was probably the cap/pump station. This may work on epson surelab d700, d3000, d870 and specifically I used it on the exact same Fujifilm dx100 for unclogging the print head. These print heads can be removed and apply a damp warm cloth too but it is big risk that may destroy the print head. Better to just buy a new head and cap/pump station and replace. It is a little tricky knowing when the print head is moving because you can't see inside the unit. There is a little switch the lid holds open, you could stick a que tip or other small object in there to run it while you look in and know when to unplug the unit., the easy way is to print a nozzle check pattern and unplug in the middle of printing it. You will have paper in the machine, it will get wasted when you turn it back on, then a half sheet of paper towel folded in 3 layers and cut to width and length and flattened so it fits under the head. Just damp, not wet. Works like a charm. My counter was at 23,000 when I bought the dx100 cheap, it had been sitting for many months and was very clogged. I use this same technique on my epson 7900, works like a charm. Edit...I let it sit overnight, still working on it, amazing amount of nasty ink coming off this fuji print head after 23k prints. I don't have a choice here, live or die on this, making serious headway. Will update again. I hope to use an epson ink cartridge in this and see if it works, anything to avoid spending money with Fuji, they burned me years ago with the pictrograph and I have not forgotten, ugh. EDIT...ended up buying a print head and pump/cap station, did the install myself, works like a charm now. The top, back, and right side covers have to come off, follow instructions above so the head can be moved, remove waste tank, remove 4 screw holding waste tank housing, remove long thin cable to circuit board from waste tank, pull the hoses from the cap/station off of the tank housing, it takes some work to get it out, then 2 screws that hold the cap station in place, it drops down on the left end and then turns to come out, remove long gray cable to circuit board., replace in the same order, tricky but not all that technical, cap station must go back in the exact same screw holes, take a picture first.
Thank you SO MUCH FOR posting this Scott. I have retired and really do not keep up with doing any more youtubes. No one wants to look at my old face....LOL. My son Dan and the family has taken over Pro Digital Gear. They would LOVE to earn your business. Reach out to them anytime. dan@prodigitalgear.com or sales@prodigitalgear.com 888-459-1482. In the meantime- HAPPY PRINTING! ~Andy PS- sorry about that BLAST of music in the beginning. I really didn't know what I was doing when I produced it...LOL! Our videos have gotten much more professional over the years. Make sure you all subscribe to our youtube channel: PRO DIGITAL GEAR (3 words)
will it work on surelab d700 ? my printer suddenly has 3 colous clog, try some deep cleaning no luck, the clogging pattern is always the same spot. Windex is not available on my country, can i use anything else? ammonia 10% maybe ?
No wonder I didn't get my cleaning right, I wasn't letting the head soak for 24 hours. Thank you Andy Frausini for sharing the best way to clean digital ink heads.
After attempting this, the paper towel ended up completely saturated in ink as if all colors had mixed together. I removed it and attempted again, and the same thing happened. It's as if the print head is steadily leaking ink onto the towel. Now all of my nozzles are clogged when at first only two were. What's up with that?
You will always have ink on the paper towel. Why yours are all clogged now and they weren't before? No idea! Hope you didn't put too much paper towel down. It's actually the gas in the ammonia that dissolves the clogs!
Has anyone had luck with this on the GS6000? It seemed to almost completely clear the first attempt and then went belly up again with the black ink on both heads after a small poster size print. It's always the black ink, always both at the same time!
I did this, and it seems like it has been working, EXCEPT that I finally see magenta on my paper towel, and it is STILL not printing that magenta. Any thoughts? (I tried to print my profile pic and the lips are light green instead of red.) I definitely see magenta ink on the paper towel. (AND I see the light magenta)
It is not unusual for you to see ink colors on the paper towel. if you do this two or three times and you see NOT ink showing in the nozzle check, your head is probably toast. Or...if you see a white band through the middle of a color, that usually means the same.
We have zero experience with the consumer printers. If the Artisan uses pigmented based aqueous ink, then it should work. I know we had an old R300 consumer printer we tried it on and it worked. I wish we could assist you more. We are not service techs, but dealers who sell the products and have recently gotten involved with taking printers apart to see how they work. Best Wishes!
Hi Andy, will this method work with the Epson Stylus Pro 9890? We have a 9890 and its been the worst printer we've ever had. I would never recommend to my worst enemy that they purchase an Epson 9890. Junk.
Yes..it should work. Just don't overdue it. Anyone that owns an Epson printer should buy the two year extended warranty. We make hardly anything on them, so, we really do not care if clients buy them or not, Junk? I believe you are in the minority. These printers have to be run. How are you maintaining your printer. What do you do for routine maintenance?
I appreciate your advice but this wouldn't work for me with my P6000. I did it several times over three days. I still have one clog with Light Black. Guess I'll have to call Epson to come out. Probably charge $500!
HI anyone can help me? i have a epson pro9700, i'having problem with the cyan ink nozzle, only one line at the top and and 2 or 3 lines at the bottom for the two columns, the printhead is clean and unclogged, the ink flow regularly, but in the test, only this lines show. i found some cyan ink under the case where the damper are, any suggestions? i appreciate from Itlay. yhank you
Ok, I think the problem was that I used thick two-ply paper towel that somehow leeched ink out of the head. I switched to single ply and after removing it after five or so hours there was just a small stain instead of the whole sheet being saturated with ink. Hopefully I've not made a huge mess of things.
It not the fluid that actually cleans the clog. It is the ammonia GAS that is working it's way into the nozzle to clear and dissolve any clogs lines. We are not recommending the paper towel necessarily touching the print head!
Great video, unfortunately it didnt work for me..I repeated the process around 8 times, twice overnight. Then did a power clean and color pair cleanings, no dice. What to try next? Want to buy my printer? It's been sitting for about 1 year.
Sir I have Epson Stylus Pro 9890 Inkjet (44 inches) Printer. Our LK Ink is not printing in nozzle Check Print. Our printing is disturbed very badly. I want to do the same process with my Epson Stylus Pro 9890 Inkjet to resolve clogged nozzle problem. Can You tell me how can I find the WINDEX in pakistan? and what is the difference between WINDEX ORIGINAL & WINDEX FOMLESS?
did this on my 6 month old 9890 and it does not print at all now. Before it would say it was detecting a nozzle clog but not noticed any defects in the prints I made. Now it prints blank paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trying it again then calling a tech. Really hope this did not destroy my print head.
I did it twoore times and it was started working again. Over a two day period. I have found that doing a test print every day and then cleaning color pairs keeps me from having to do any additional maintence. At least for now fingers crossed.
Thanks so much for this video! I just unclogged my 4900. Hadn't run it recently and the heat had been on in that room 7 of 10 heads didn't print. With patience I used your method several times over two days, replacing the almost dry towel with a new wetter one and checking the print patters. Gradually they came back. I knew I was en route with the first treatment when 3 patterns and then three more appeared. Finally it was only yellow. I then used the utility to power clean that one head (and one other -- it's done in pairs) and it worked. I am very grateful. I am remembering that your earlier video for the 4000 was also helpful.
I had just about written off my 18 month old 4900, everyone told me the LC clog was terminal and I would need a new print head. I tried this method and it works, but my advice for 4900 users, use a thicker pad than they recommend, really soak it, and repeat. (I repeated three times for a total soak time of 10 hours) I power cleaned after the soak, and it cleared the clog. BUT it also required a general cleaning as four other heads had residual Windex on them, but now, all is good, Thanks Guys!
The jazzy intro is overwhelming. Skip to 1:00 and you won't miss a thing.
My 4900 was about to get sent to the TRASH. I have been fighting with the clogged nozzles for a very long time. Your video was my last resort to deal with this printer and I am very happy to tell you it worked very well. You have saved the planet from another big printer in the landfill and you have saved my bank account from being depleted.
Thanks so much for posting this.
our pleasure. Merrill, please consider our firm for all your Epson supplies! We need the support. Thanks
Our pleasure. We are not "know it alls" on all the Epson repairs, clogs, etc... but we found this out and wanted to share! What we really excel at is sales of the Printers and all the Epson supplies. Feel free to visit our new wholesale club web site- www.pdgvip.com Stands for Pro Digital Gear VERY IMPORTANT PERSON
To the Nature Boy- Make sure you see our other vid on Nozzle Clogs. We have one that tells you what your problem could be and how to solve if the windex trick doesn't work. You can find it here: ruclips.net/video/yyVRONzrCV8/видео.html
Thanks so much for this video. We've had our 4990 for two years and have experienced two total blockages on the vivid light magenta. The last one would not budge despote several power cleans. We followed your advice but actally used a sanitary pad soaked with Jif window cleaner. The pad meant that there was contact with the heads, which we realised we needed after some attempts with the paper towel. Don't give up people! don't call out Epson or buy a new head. This method works if you persist. thanks again. :-)
I did this and it worked just as advertised. Cleaned it out slick as can be. It took two "soakings", but when it was done, it was all cleared out and hasn't had a problem since. Just follow the instructions shown in the video - it only takes a few minutes.
Great video guys! I just bought an epson printer from a garage sale for a steal. I hope this trick works. I'll keep you posted.
Well?
I tried this method today for the second time on a Canon Pixma MP560....first time I left it on overnight last night, but no improvement....the second time, used 2 sheets of paper toweling, soaked them good with the Windex, left on for about 6-7 hours, and it is now printing perfectly!! Thanks SO much for your help. B
Thank you for commenting Brenda. Be safe..good health to you!
That works on my Canon pro9000ii with print head clogged for many months..I used 50% windex and 50% ammonia.. now works like a brand new printer! BIG THANKS!
This vid saved my epson 4900. I had gone away on business for 2 months. I came home to clogged everything. I had to use this method over the course of a week and power cleanings and now it is back to normal again. However this printer has serious flaws with clogging and Epson should acknowledge this. INK is not CHEAP.
Yeah..and we make a whopping $3.00 per cart at $86.95 after CC fees! Hey....we treat your money like it was ours. Thus the reason for us making this video. Although we have to pay bills like everyone, we do try to save you guys money when we can. Love you have your business. Keep in touch. andy@prodigitalgear.com
Thanks for this! I have a 9900 that sees very light usage. Consequently I battle nozzle clogs that require multiple cleaning cycles. This time I had a maintenance code 4000 error and found this video. I left the paper towel in place for 2 hours one night and then again 2 hours the next and everything is perfect. A much better solution than successive power cleans. Thanks again!
I left my printer off for a month while I was in Florida. I did a nozzle check & they were all clogged. I wasted a ton of ink & nothing happened. I have done the Windex test & hopefully it will work. I am ready to get rid of this machine & buy a Canon if it doesn't work after a couple of tries to unclog the nozzles. I do like your video & see that other 4900 owners have found it to work.
You are a life saver! I wish I watched this 4 years ago I would have saved a lot of ink, tanks, and paper :) Thanks!!!
Our Pleasure Jiawei!!!!! Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't but it's worth the try. I mean..what are the options. All the best!
Andy and the Gang at PRODIGITALGEAR.com and PDGVIP.com Check it our for the best possible pricing on anything Epson..and more!
Perfect. Love to hear of the successes. It's worth a try. So glad we could be of assistance! Andy-Prodigitalgear.com and PDGVIP.com
Worked like a charm. Thank you …
Great video and really helpful on my Epson 4900. I was amazed at the amount of ink clogging the nozzles. This solved the problem in no time. I ended up trying 3 cycles and went from two nozzles 80% clogged to clean.
Awesome Eric! Best maintenance on these printers is to take a piece of copy machine 8.5x11 and put it in the printer and do a nozzle check 1 to 2X a week. Keeps the ink flowing. Also...make sure you do not have the printer by any heat or forced hot air duct work. Will dry it out over night! Ciao! andy@prodigitalgear.com
i want to buy t 5270 this midel is good or not kindly replt mw
Ok this is an old video so I'm not sure what's changed since then but I do not that for an Epson 7600 you don't need to turn on and off the power to free the head. there is a release lever which can be activated.
Thank you so much for the video. I thought my Epson 9800 was at the end of its life after 10 years of hard work because of some smears at the end of the sweep. I follow your cleaning instructions and got rid of the smears. I will keep your company in mind when I need a new printer.
Thank you Vi! Appreciate you taking the time to let us know our vid was of value. That makes it all worth it for us. email us direct if you would like to be on our email list. We do not overdue it...promise! sales@prodigitalgear.com
To prevent clogged nozzels get a sheetrock mud pan and put about 2 inches of water in it and put in side printer cover when not in use. This keeps the humidity up and prevents the nozzles from drying out. Just remember to take it out before you turn the printer on.
Thanks for the tip Ed! Let us know if you ever need any assistance or if there is a way we could win your business for all your Epson needs!
THANK YOU!!!! Thought i was going to have to replace a third print head due to clogged yellow. Placed the Windex towel over the weekend, did a normal cleaning and I'm back in action! Thank you for the great video.
Tip: You don't need to have an assistant pull the plug for you. Press the on button and then raise the lid on the top of the unit. The printer powers on, then asks you to close the lid. Leisurely walk around to the plug side of the printer, then lower the lid. About 10 seconds after you do, the print head moves out. Pull the plug then.
David Schloss Great thinking David!!!! Thanks
You are so right, make the video as long as possible.🤣🤣
THANK YOU !!!!!
I had problems with magenta in an Epson 7900.
7 to 10 time powercleaning did not work so I tried your proposal over night and it worked.
After removing the paper towel I had to do a normal cleaning to see all the patterns again on the nozzle check.
Here I print again ;-)
Christoph....it doesn't always work! Not if there is a problem with the head. Glad yours was simply a clog. Make sure you shake the carts horizontally..gently for 5-10 seconds if your machine has been sitting a couple weeks. It mixes the pigment that settles with the solution...much like a can of paint!
Trying out this technique as we speak. Have a 4900 which has sat unused for a few months and a few print heads wouldn't even show up on a nozzle check, even after 5 print head cleans... Fingers crossed!
Nick B My Epson 4880 made it to 9 years with this technique. Thanks for posting!!!!
Second try came out mint. Thank you Andrew for sharing this valuable tip!!!
Thanks for the blast of music to the ears. Tip: turn it down a little bit.
Agreed....we're new at this and self taught but learning. Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Andrew
why not doing regularly a cleaning of the capping station once every two weeks, to prevent air to dry the head in the stationary position and help the pump located beneath the capping station to keep its vacuum under the head when activated , in addition to a nozzle check twice a week ?
regards
+Luc Poi I imagine, it's like doing an exercise program. You work out for 3 months and feel fantastic...go on a 2 week vacation and then it's another 3 months before you exercise again. Most people far into a pattern of not being regular on cleanings.
This worked very well for 4900. Great video.
So glad it worked Karsan! Keep well- Andy-Prodigitalgear.com and PDGVIP.com
Thank you so much! I had a stubborn clog on two channels of my 4900 and with two passes of this process, I'm back in business...
Great David! Give us a shot on your supplies. We need the support. www.pdgvip.com
Our pleasure Frank. Keep me in mind if you need any supplies!...shipping for 23 different sites normally gives you your product within a day with no extra expedited shipping charges.
Ciao!
andy
advise: Request nozzle check when printhead comes out Remove Storm. Removing power from the printer in startup mode may cause a startup error.
This looks just what we're looking for! Only one issue for us, we're in the UK and can't get windex. Any sugestions on an alternative? We were wondering about making up our own amonia, isopropryl alcohol & water mixture but have no idea how much to use and we really don't want to ruin anything.
Can anyone help with either ratios or an alternative product to Windex that's available over here in the UK?
Thanks
Do you have Simple Green? That is a solution that also works. I do not know the formula for Windex..sorry.
andy
Fantastic Stan....doesn't ALWAYS work, but glad you are one of the successes!
Ciao!
andy
Well, it worked perfectly! Just as advertised. I needed to do it twice and after that it was perfect.
Tom Pula Great Tom....give us a shot at your supplies!!!!!!!!!
Worked great! Thank You for posting this. Saved us a service call.
gave it a try...next morning there was a puddle of ink on the floor and the same 2 of 9 of my nozzles are still just as clogged.
Yes...by all means it will work. However, if you have been using your printer regularly, you may have a problem. This method pretty much cures printers that are clogged from sitting. If your ink is low, low, low, you may want to pull it out and put another in. What happens is..the ink is like what we see in a paint can that has been sitting. The pigment sinks to the bottom. Ink carts are the same. Pull them out and shake them side to side to mix it up and put back in. Let us know if it works
Hi. Great day.please need your advice for Sure color P9000 LC clog. I already do normal and heavy clean. But still head clog totally not firing all
Thanks a lot for this video. Trying it right now just like you said. Another problem I'm having with my 9900 (has happened before more than once when the machine was under warranty, where a tec came in to clean and/ or replace parts) is the machine is suddenly spitting cyan ink on my media. First it was large droplets. Nozzle check read a slight breakup so I did a cleaning. Fixed. Ran a couple prints off - perfect. Next print the cyan was completely missing. Ran a power clean. Cleared up. Ran another print and suddenly I started getting cyan droplets, only this time, they're tiny ones. Ever heard of this problem?
When you place that wet paper towel with Windex under the print head, is the paper towel touching the print head?
Thanks! Very well done and I appreciate you sharing the technique with clear visuals.
our pleasure!
Thanks Andrew, it is nearly perfect after the first try, I was really worried, not even the text (colour types) was coming up on the test pattern, and a bunch of colours weren't showing up or barely at all. Doing the second windex attempt and wanted to thank you already, it only had a bit of gaps on C & PK. Cheers! If I showed the before and after photo you'd probably laugh.
Fascinating. I'm trying it out on my 3880 and will let you know how it works. The thing was working like a champ and almost out of nowhere, the matte black suddenly stopped flowing ink. 3 cleanings later, it was even worse. A search led me to this video and although I'd heard the "Windex" solution, nobody ever really explained it. The head is soaking right now...Stay tuned.
result?
I may need to try this if head cleaning continues to fail. Just the Light Black is 40% clogged
i have the same printer and would like to know how it worked out for you
Have tried this 3 times over the last 4 days and sadly it hasn't worked for me. I have ordered some ammonia to mix with Windowlene, Windex isn't available in the UK. I have 2 clogged nozzles. Will post back here and keep you updated.
Can I do this with Epson F570? I have some broken lines on magenta
Andrew. I have an Epson 40600 1.5 yrs old and the magenta head has 4 small nozzle misfires. I keep doing cleanings but nothing is working. Is there a remedy for that like the process you show here?
This is a great tip. Has it been tried on solvent heads
Would it hurt to use straight ammonia instead of Windex? Just curious.
Hi Guys, thanks for this good idea. I tried with a lens-cleaner-cloth with lens cleaner on, and just placed it under the printheadcarriage, which i moved several times forwards and backwards. after that I could clean the nozzle clog with the standard Epson program.
I’m having this issue with my vivid magenta not printing hopefully this helps 😔
Dear Andrew Frausini, First Let me Thank you for the new technique. Can i try this method to Epson 11880?. i have issue with only light black color. tried everything from menu including service mode. but nothing workout. epson people says its the problem with the Print head. am not believing so. Because it has used only 2 years and not that much printed also. awaiting your reply. Thanks.
So how you you clean the white "felt" deals that catch the ink when you print border-less? No clue what they are called, but I'm guessing the clean the head as it runs off the paper and set up for the return run.
epson 3880, my washer had got stuck and I slightly forced it back and now I get a error code, any help much appreciated. Should I now take the lid off and try to re align the wiper or see what the issue is.?? when the machine is on, the wiper goes across half way and then sticks and keeps trying and then goes back please help
Thank you so much! Worked perfect with my EPSON Stylus Pro 9000
Thanks for the reply Firma! Best wishes and HAPPY PRINTING!
Thanks for that question and answer. I'm a new owner of a P9000 and will remember your response.
By the way. Do clean your print otherwise as a best practice yearly upkeep? Thanks.
Norm
Berkeley, California
we have a Epson Stylus 4900 with the same problem, how do i move the print head ? I turned off the power and opened the cover to pull the print head out off the "park position" but the print doesn't come out - i have only pulled slightly - is there a trick to it ?
Is anyway to purge ink tubes on Epson 9890? I completely don't have any magenta ink on a nozzle check pattern. And seems like there is an air pocket in a magenta line right before print head.
I found your video looking for a solution for banding. I just got a new Stylus Pro 7900 and from the first day and print, I've had dark horizontal banding lines. Epson is not solving the problem and I am getting really aggravated by this. It has not even been 2 weeks since I got the printer and the nozzle check is fine. Do you have any suggestions as to how to solve this problem? I am using the Epson paper that came with the printer and its profile. I would not dare moving to another media before I solve this. I am guessing there should be no problem with paper feed adjustments, since I am using the original Epson profile for this paper. I've found tones of complaints online referring exactly to this issue with these printers. Any suggestions from you would be much appreciated. Many thanks!
I'm going to try this.....should the printer be on or off??
Video doesn't really begin until 1:00. All sizes of Epson printers always clog. Never seen another brand printer with this problem. If you go a few weeks without printing certain colors they will clog.
Sorry to waste a minute of your time. According to most of the posts here, it was well worth theirs. I can't take four hours of my time to create a how to video to promote our business and assist our clients and potentials? You should have clicked it closed after 5 seconds. According to the "LIKES" on your youtube channel, you really are sharing a wealth of your knowledge with others!
We have an epson gs6000. It seems to be working properly except it wont spit out any ink, even during a nozzle check. Epson and their 3rd party repair techs have been little help. They sent someone over here to replace the main board but it left us with the same issue. We have had the printer for 3plus years and never replaced the heads. It seems strange the would both go out at the same time. Is they a way to tell if it heads are shot? After the board was changed , we get errors 131b,1A39, do these seem to point to a head outage?
Thanks for your videos, I subscribed to your channel today. I wanted to ask you the following question: My Epson 9900 prints correctly in color, but when I print in B&W it prints in brown magenta tone. The Epson authorized service technician checked the printer through software and mechanically; we changed all the original black inks (Photo Black, Matte Black, Light Black and Light Light Light Black), but I still have the same problem, could you please tell me what could be the cause and how can I solve it? Thank you very much
Great video ! Do all inkjets clog up like this or is this a problem that Epson can't fix? I'm thinking about buying a new T5270. Thank you for any advice.
Inkjet printer's biggest problem is lack of use, and low humidity in the room. If it is not used the ink will dry in the head and form a clog. The T5270 has a different type of ink but is still an inkjet printer. Our staff is very knowledgeable on the T series printers. Give them a shout with any questions you may have 888-459-1482 or sales@prodigitalgear.com Also, check out the other youtube vids we have on our channel. There are some about the T series printers. All the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heh Andy, I have an Epson 3800 Pro. After several attempts to clean the nozzles using computer software driver and power cleaning using the printer software the Magenta nozzle continued to be blocked. So yesterday I tried your method placing a soaked piece of paper towel with original Windex under the heads and leaving it overnight. I checked it this morning and now all the nozzles are completely blocked. It's much much worse than before the procedure. Also when I took the paper out this morning it was completely dry. Did I leave it in too long? Now what?
I have tried this probably about 8 times or more on one of our Epson Stylus Pro 9900s and only twice out of all those times has ink actually gone onto the windexed paper towel. Do you have any suggestions?
Will this work on R2880?
Will this method work on home printers....like a Canon MP560?
Thanks for this fantastic video Andrew,one question: Is this procedure possible for my 11880 ?thanks
We have been told it works on all the X800 and X880 series printers as well, since they too are aqueous based inks like yours.
YES!!!!
thanks so much for the fast reply. who do I contact for a 10600 head
Question for Andy (or anyone): I've tried this on my 9900 without luck so far, but I will continue to do overnight soakings for a bit. The results from my nozzle check show the cyan head almost totally blank, just a line or two at the top and bottom. However, a print of a purge sheet for the cyan color comes out perfect. Encouraged, I tried some prints. The parts that look mostly cyan print fine, but the parts that should be blue are desaturated altogether. Just greyscale. This seems odd. Any thoughts?
I searched maintenance request code 0010 and your video came up. Is that the same and a nozzle clog?
EDIT Be warned, I killed the print head in my fuji DX100. I tried this process like I have used on my epson 7900 many times but it would not work so I removed the print head and cleaned it with windex, I killed it. The real issue was probably the cap/pump station. This may work on epson surelab d700, d3000, d870 and specifically I used it on the exact same Fujifilm dx100 for unclogging the print head. These print heads can be removed and apply a damp warm cloth too but it is big risk that may destroy the print head. Better to just buy a new head and cap/pump station and replace. It is a little tricky knowing when the print head is moving because you can't see inside the unit. There is a little switch the lid holds open, you could stick a que tip or other small object in there to run it while you look in and know when to unplug the unit., the easy way is to print a nozzle check pattern and unplug in the middle of printing it. You will have paper in the machine, it will get wasted when you turn it back on, then a half sheet of paper towel folded in 3 layers and cut to width and length and flattened so it fits under the head. Just damp, not wet. Works like a charm. My counter was at 23,000 when I bought the dx100 cheap, it had been sitting for many months and was very clogged. I use this same technique on my epson 7900, works like a charm. Edit...I let it sit overnight, still working on it, amazing amount of nasty ink coming off this fuji print head after 23k prints. I don't have a choice here, live or die on this, making serious headway. Will update again. I hope to use an epson ink cartridge in this and see if it works, anything to avoid spending money with Fuji, they burned me years ago with the pictrograph and I have not forgotten, ugh. EDIT...ended up buying a print head and pump/cap station, did the install myself, works like a charm now. The top, back, and right side covers have to come off, follow instructions above so the head can be moved, remove waste tank, remove 4 screw holding waste tank housing, remove long thin cable to circuit board from waste tank, pull the hoses from the cap/station off of the tank housing, it takes some work to get it out, then 2 screws that hold the cap station in place, it drops down on the left end and then turns to come out, remove long gray cable to circuit board., replace in the same order, tricky but not all that technical, cap station must go back in the exact same screw holes, take a picture first.
Thank you SO MUCH FOR posting this Scott. I have retired and really do not keep up with doing any more youtubes. No one wants to look at my old face....LOL. My son Dan and the family has taken over Pro Digital Gear. They would LOVE to earn your business. Reach out to them anytime. dan@prodigitalgear.com or sales@prodigitalgear.com 888-459-1482. In the meantime- HAPPY PRINTING! ~Andy
PS- sorry about that BLAST of music in the beginning. I really didn't know what I was doing when I produced it...LOL! Our videos have gotten much more professional over the years. Make sure you all subscribe to our youtube channel: PRO DIGITAL GEAR (3 words)
will it work on surelab d700 ? my printer suddenly has 3 colous clog, try some deep cleaning no luck, the clogging pattern is always the same spot. Windex is not available on my country, can i use anything else? ammonia 10% maybe ?
D700...is that the D lab? I do not know of that printer here in the USA. If it is a Dlab...I'd say no. That is not the same ink.
No wonder I didn't get my cleaning right, I wasn't letting the head soak for 24 hours. Thank you Andy Frausini for sharing the best way to clean digital ink heads.
It really all depends on your humidity in the room. If you have low humidity, you may NOT want to let it sit more than 5 hours.
sir Andrew my t7000 epson head is clogged please tell me what to do with it and printer was closed 1.5 month
After attempting this, the paper towel ended up completely saturated in ink as if all colors had mixed together. I removed it and attempted again, and the same thing happened. It's as if the print head is steadily leaking ink onto the towel. Now all of my nozzles are clogged when at first only two were. What's up with that?
You will always have ink on the paper towel. Why yours are all clogged now and they weren't before? No idea! Hope you didn't put too much paper towel down. It's actually the gas in the ammonia that dissolves the clogs!
Has anyone had luck with this on the GS6000? It seemed to almost completely clear the first attempt and then went belly up again with the black ink on both heads after a small poster size print. It's always the black ink, always both at the same time!
Thank you for this. It worked beautifully!
Glad is worked. Give us a shout if you need anything! Andy-Prodigitalgear.com and PDGVIP.com
I did this, and it seems like it has been working, EXCEPT that I finally see magenta on my paper towel, and it is STILL not printing that magenta. Any thoughts? (I tried to print my profile pic and the lips are light green instead of red.) I definitely see magenta ink on the paper towel. (AND I see the light magenta)
It is not unusual for you to see ink colors on the paper towel. if you do this two or three times and you see NOT ink showing in the nozzle check, your head is probably toast. Or...if you see a white band through the middle of a color, that usually means the same.
Is this an OK way to unclog the Epson 10600?
I just got an Artisan 810 from my mom. It needs its nozzles unclogged. I have Claria ink - can I use this method?
We have zero experience with the consumer printers. If the Artisan uses pigmented based aqueous ink, then it should work. I know we had an old R300 consumer printer we tried it on and it worked. I wish we could assist you more. We are not service techs, but dealers who sell the products and have recently gotten involved with taking printers apart to see how they work. Best Wishes!
Do you have a solution for a clog on a solvent printer? Specifically the Epson S80600?
James Novotny James , call the office Monday (888-459-1482)
and see if they have some cleaning fluid. Do not use Windex!
Hi Andy, will this method work with the Epson Stylus Pro 9890? We have a 9890 and its been the worst printer we've ever had. I would never recommend to my worst enemy that they purchase an Epson 9890. Junk.
Yes..it should work. Just don't overdue it. Anyone that owns an Epson printer should buy the two year extended warranty. We make hardly anything on them, so, we really do not care if clients buy them or not, Junk? I believe you are in the minority. These printers have to be run. How are you maintaining your printer. What do you do for routine maintenance?
HELP Nozzle check doesn't print anything. Can you please advise on this matter?
May i know is that work for Epson Stylus Pro GS 6000? Thank you
no
I have epson 9700 printer.my cyan nozzle was completely gone. Is any other
cleaning solution works, which is easily available in india?
Awesome Trevor! Glad to be of assistance. Let me know if we may be if further assistance to you in the future.
andy
I appreciate your advice but this wouldn't work for me with my P6000. I did it several times over three days. I still have one clog with Light Black. Guess I'll have to call Epson to come out. Probably charge $500!
will this work with my 9890 printer which uses sublimation ink?
Did it work?
HI anyone can help me? i have a epson pro9700, i'having problem with the cyan ink nozzle, only one line at the top and and 2 or 3 lines at the bottom for the two columns, the printhead is clean and unclogged, the ink flow regularly, but in the test, only this lines show. i found some cyan ink under the case where the damper are, any suggestions? i appreciate from Itlay. yhank you
hello Where is can buy windex please? in Ebay i only see in Usa. thanks
Bruno, another product you could use is Simple Green. I have no idea what products sell where outside of the USA.
Ok, I think the problem was that I used thick two-ply paper towel that somehow leeched ink out of the head. I switched to single ply and after removing it after five or so hours there was just a small stain instead of the whole sheet being saturated with ink. Hopefully I've not made a huge mess of things.
It not the fluid that actually cleans the clog. It is the ammonia GAS that is working it's way into the nozzle to clear and dissolve any clogs lines. We are not recommending the paper towel necessarily touching the print head!
Great video, unfortunately it didnt work for me..I repeated the process around 8 times, twice overnight. Then did a power clean and color pair cleanings, no dice. What to try next? Want to buy my printer? It's been sitting for about 1 year.
jermaschinot what printer? If it is the 4900..we probably know what is wrong. Contact us direct at sales@prodigitalgear.com Thanks!
Sir I have Epson Stylus Pro 9890 Inkjet (44 inches) Printer. Our LK Ink is not printing in nozzle Check Print. Our printing is disturbed very badly. I want to do the same process with my Epson Stylus Pro 9890 Inkjet to resolve clogged nozzle problem. Can You tell me how can I find the WINDEX in pakistan? and what is the difference between WINDEX ORIGINAL & WINDEX FOMLESS?
We understand you can also use a product called SIMPLE GREEN! Windex Original will not foam. It is just fluid solution with no bubbling.
Thanks for your reply. I just need to know more that why we leave empty our LK (Black) in cartridge of EPson 9890 printer???
Hi
is this working with GS6000?
I'd like to know that as well. Is this a feasible option using Eco Solvent inks?
NO..that is a solvent ink printer. This is for aqueous ink..different!
We have the epson 9900 and I hear a noise each 25 seconds is like a motor o pump, any one know what happens?
Thank You!
Have n't tun on In month, This way add it be OK！
Thanks！
In reference to "If its the Epson 4900, we probably know what is wrong"!
What was wrong?
did this on my 6 month old 9890 and it does not print at all now. Before it would say it was detecting a nozzle clog but not noticed any defects in the prints I made. Now it prints blank paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trying it again then calling a tech. Really hope this did not destroy my print head.
Was it an maintenance error 4000? How much did you have to pay to fix it? Thx
I did it twoore times and it was started working again. Over a two day period. I have found that doing a test print every day and then cleaning color pairs keeps me from having to do any additional maintence. At least for now fingers crossed.
the expensive printer should come with a protective head cover when not in use!
WHEW>>>> that was close!