A printer is a much needed office electronic. So much that it’s not until it stops working that you realise you really can’t do much without it.

I have compiled 5 tips to help you take care of your printer and ensure that you are never without your printer when you need it most.

1. Never leave it on standby

It is one of the most critical printer-care tips, but it is also one of the most overlooked. Always keep in mind that when your printer is turned on, it generates a large number of hits, which causes dry ink and clogs your printer head. That is why, when you are not using your printer, it is a good idea to turn it off.

• Use it regularly

It is critical that you use your printer on a frequent basis in order for it to function properly. If you leave your printer unattended for a long period of time, it may develop a variety of issues, including dry ink and head clogging. The printer will remain in excellent working order if it is used on a regular basis.

• Clean it often

Dust isn’t good for the cogs, belts and tiny nozzles so cleaning it should be a priority. Without regular cleaning dust can cause the printer to fault that is, cause paper jams, streaky printout, and a frustrated user. A handheld vacuum cleaner is the best bet to clean the printer as it doesn’t allow for the dust to go into deeper nooks inside the casing.

• Perform routine maintenance

A maintenance kit is available from some printer manufacturers. These might range from simple cleaning cloths and fluids to complete collections of spare parts for replacing damaged components. If you rely on your printer, it may be worthwhile to invest in one of these to limit the period of time the printer is unavailable in the event of a malfunction. Rollers, in particular, are a major cause of paper jams when they become misaligned or simply coated with ink and debris.

• Resolve any errors

Use your printer manual to figure out how errors can be cleared. Yanking out the paper or slapping the printer out of frustration will not give the desired effects. Check the printer handbook to see if the mechanism can be opened to simply remove the paper. If not, the recommended strategy is to hold the paper in both hands, if feasible, and pull steadily to avoid leaving ripped pieces of paper in the cogs’ teeth. Preventative maintenance goes a long way, so double-checking that the paper you load isn’t dog-eared or stuck together might help you avoid a lot of clogs.

By routinely doing the above, you can extend the lifespan of your printer and get the best out of its years of service. What are some other tips that you use for your printer that you have found to be a great help over the years? Please share below