Cleaning cycle doesn’t run

[Fudgemuir]

please help. My Desk Jet 2800e is printing really faintly but the cleaning cycle doesn’t do anything! I don’t mean it doesn’t help, it literally just prints the test page, no time delay, no noises as it does whatever it’s meant to be doing, it just prints a sheet of paper with virtually no black on it. This happens on all 3 cleaning settings…what is going on??? Please note the drop boxes on this form are not working either so couldn’t select OS or product name

[NonSequitur777]

@Fudgemuir,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

All right, it sounds like your HP DeskJet 2800e All-in-One printer isn’t actually running the cleaning cycle, which explains why the test page prints faintly without the usual cleaning noises. Here are the key things to check:

1. Run the cleaning cycle the correct way:

• Use the HP Smart app (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).

• Go to Printer Settings → Tools → Clean Printhead.

• When it’s working properly, you’ll hear the printer making cleaning noises for about 1–2 minutes before it prints the test page.

 

2. Check the cartridges:

• The printhead is built into the ink cartridges themselves (the copper strip with tiny nozzles at the bottom). This means:

  • If the printhead is clogged or worn out, replacing the cartridge fixes the issue.

  • Make sure you’re using genuine HP 305 / 305XL cartridges.

• Remove the cartridges and check:

  • Is the blue protective tape still covering the nozzles?

  • Are the contacts or nozzles dirty? (If so, gently clean with a lint-free, slightly damp cloth.)

 

3. Reset your printer:

• With the printer on, unplug the power cord.

• Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and power it on.

• Try the cleaning cycle again through HP Smart.

 

4. If it still prints faintly:

• Most often, this means the black cartridge has failed. Even brand-new cartridges can sometimes be defective. Swapping in another black cartridge is the quickest test.

• If a brand-new HP cartridge shows the same problem, it could point to a rare electrical issue in the carriage, but this is unusual.

---

Summary: On your model, the “printhead” is actually part of the cartridges. If cleaning doesn’t work, replacing the black cartridge normally resolves faint or missing print.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777