How long to wait after cleaning out print head.

[Laddiemac55]

Cyan not printing . Cleaned cyan port with cleaning solution. Also used contact cleaner to spray out port to printhead.   Tried another cartridge. No luck. Do I have to wait some time for solution to dry? Thanks

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Laddiemac55,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

After cleaning the print head and the cyan port, it’s important to follow a few steps to ensure that the cleaning process does not affect the performance of your printer. Here's a detailed guide on what to do next and how long you should wait:

1. Allow Time for Drying

• After cleaning with a solution or contact cleaner, it’s crucial to allow sufficient drying time. Generally, you should wait at least 30 minutes to an hour to ensure that any cleaning solution or moisture has evaporated completely before reinstalling the print head and cartridges.
• Ensure that the printer and cleaned parts are in a well-ventilated area to speed up the drying process.

2. Reassemble the Printer

• Once everything is dry, carefully reinsert the print head into the printer. Ensure it is seated properly and securely.
• Insert the cyan cartridge (or other cartridges if needed) back into their respective slots.

3. Run Printer Diagnostics

• After reassembling, print a test page or a diagnostic page to check if the cyan ink is now printing correctly.
• Use the printer’s built-in cleaning utility to perform a print head cleaning cycle. This is usually found in the printer’s maintenance or settings menu. This can help clear any residual clogs.

4. Check for Residual Issues

• Examine the printed test page for any streaks, missing colors, or inconsistencies.
• If cyan is still not printing properly, you may need to perform additional cleanings. Be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive cleaning can sometimes lead to further issues.

5. Additional Steps

• Ensure that the cyan cartridge and print head are not damaged. If the problem persists despite cleaning, try using a new cyan cartridge.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Rachel571

HP Support