How to clean printer rollers

⚡Fast fix

• Got a lint-free cloth? Lightly wet it with water to remove print roller buildup.
• Skip the chemical cleaners. They damage the rubber and silicone materials that rollers use.
• Give it a few tries. Deeply embedded grime takes time to remove.
• Let the rollers dry. Trying to print too quickly after a cleaning leads to wet, smeary documents.

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You've spent hours perfecting a presentation for your boss and colleagues. But the copies you're printing are streaky and faded—not exactly the type of content that will win you any extra points during your upcoming meeting. Will printer roller cleaning fix the issue, or is it time to buy a new device?

Sounds like a problem for Asurion Experts. From getting a printer back online to fixing a printer that has stopped printing altogether, count on us for trustworthy advice that keeps your tech running smoothly. Here's how to clean printer rollers and eliminate that streaky look from your important documents.

Locate the rollers in your printer

Before cleaning anything, turn off the printer and unplug it from its power source. This protects you from electrical zaps while you're working on the device. You'll also want to remove any paper, envelopes, and other printing materials.

Next, figure out what type of HP® printer (or other manufacturer) you have. If it's a basic, personal printer where you top-load printer paper, the rollers are likely located underneath the cover that houses the printer ink.

Printers that source paper from a lower tray usually place the rollers on the bottom of the device. To access them, gently remove the paper tray and turn your device on its side. You should see several small rollers attached to a metal pole.

Clean the rollers without damaging them

Great—you've found the rollers, and a quick visual inspection tells you they're filthy. But you're not sure how to clean rollers on a printer, or what products will safely remove the grime.

Fortunately, the materials you need to stop laser printer stripes are probably already in your home. A bit of distilled water and a lint-free cloth will do the job. There's no need for any heavy chemicals, special soaps, or anything else. Just be sure to stick with bottled or distilled water, since tap water may leave behind residue that aggravates the issue.

Take these steps to fix printer streaks at the source:

1. Lightly wet the lint-free cloth with water.
2. Wipe each roller's surface as you turn it.
3. Continue to wipe and turn the rollers until they no longer leave residue on your cloth.

Cleaning printer rollers with water restores their sticky texture. They'll start to "grab" paper again, which is a good thing. Too much oil and debris make the rollers slick, which leads to the printing smears and streaks you don't want.

Let the rollers dry before printing again

Most printer rollers are made from rubber or silicone. This material dries quickly, but you'll want to give it at least 15 minutes to fully eliminate any condensation. Otherwise, leftover water droplets can cause new paper to jam or result in toner smearing.

After the 15-minute time period passes, use a dry, lint-free cloth to check the rollers. If the cloth comes away dry without any residual dampness, you can reassemble your printer and print a test page. Your printer should automatically grab paper and print documents evenly. Carefully check what's printed, as you may have other print quality issues to resolve if you notice blurriness or faded colors.

If your printer jams or won't print, review our broader guide to common printer problems. It explains how to fix everyday printer issues fast, in simple steps you can handle from your home or office.

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FAQ

How do I clean paper feed rollers on an HP printer?

Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water, then rub it gently over the rollers as you turn them. This removes built-up grime, oils, and dust that cover the rollers with everyday use. You may need to do this several times if you haven't cleaned the printer recently.

Can dirty rollers cause streaks or smearing on printed pages?

Dirty rollers are often the culprit behind streaky and smeared pages. Since rollers push paper through the printer, they come in contact with ink just after it's printed. Ink oil buildup can cause the rollers to slip and push paper faster, resulting in streaks.

How often should printer rollers be cleaned?

If you rarely use your printer, you can get by with cleaning the rollers every six months or so. But if you're a frequent printer, plan on cleaning them monthly to prevent streaking.