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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Black spatter even after running several cleaning pages

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Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.
Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
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1 REPLY 1
07-19-2024 02:26 PM
Hi @Mako54,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M254dw is producing black spatter on the page, even after running several cleaning cycles and inspecting the toner cartridge, here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
1. Check the Toner Cartridge
- Remove the black toner cartridge and check for any signs of damage, leaks, or excessive toner buildup.
- Gently shake the cartridge from side to side to evenly distribute the toner inside.
- Reinstall the cartridge and ensure it is properly seated in the printer.
- If the issue persists, consider replacing the toner cartridge with a new one.
2. Clean the Printer
- Open the printer and carefully clean the interior areas where toner may have spread. Use a soft, dry cloth or a toner-specific cleaning tool.
- Avoid touching the internal components with your hands to prevent static damage.
- If your printer has a separate imaging drum, remove it and gently clean the drum surface with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Be careful not to touch the drum surface with your fingers as this can cause damage.
- Look for any signs of toner spills or residue inside the printer and clean them up.
3. Run Printer Maintenance Tasks
- Use the printer’s control panel or HP Smart app to run the cleaning cycle again. Sometimes running multiple cleaning cycles can help clear up toner distribution issues.:
- Print a quality diagnostic page or test page from the printer’s settings. This can help identify specific print quality issues and may provide insights into the problem.
4. Check for Paper Issues
- Make sure you are using the correct type of paper for your printer. Sometimes using paper that is too rough or incompatible can cause print quality issues.
- Check the paper path for any obstructions or debris that might be causing uneven toner distribution.
5. Update Printer Firmware
- Go to the HP Support website and check for any available firmware updates for your printer model.
- Install any updates that are available, as they can sometimes address print quality issues.
6. Reset the Printer
- Perform a factory reset on the printer. This can sometimes resolve issues related to print quality. Refer to the printer’s manual or HP’s support site for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Rachel571
HP Support
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