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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- I have a HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP M281fdw. The printer hea...

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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
09-17-2023 07:49 PM
Hi @Zorro451,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
Poor print quality in a laser printer like the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw can indeed be caused by several factors, including issues with the printer's print heads. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem.
- Check Toner Cartridges: Ensure that the toner cartridges are properly installed and not empty. If the cartridges are old or damaged, they may need replacement.
- Clean the Print Heads: Laser printers don't have traditional print heads like inkjet printers, but they do have a laser scanning assembly and a transfer belt that can accumulate dirt and debris. Follow your printer's manual to find instructions on cleaning these components.
- Check for Toner Spills: Inspect the inside of the printer for any spilled toner. If you find any, carefully clean it up as it can affect print quality.
- Print a Cleaning Page: Most laser printers, including the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw, have a cleaning function. Print a cleaning page from the printer's menu to help remove any toner buildup on internal components.
- Adjust Print Quality Settings: Sometimes, print quality issues can be resolved by adjusting the print quality settings in your printer's software. Ensure that you have selected the appropriate print quality settings for your document.
- Check Paper Quality: Low-quality or damaged paper can impact print quality. Ensure you are using high-quality, compatible paper and that it is loaded correctly in the tray.
- Update Printer Firmware: Ensure that your printer has the latest firmware installed. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that can address performance and quality issues.
- Replace Consumable Parts: If the problem persists after trying the above steps, you may need to replace certain consumable parts, such as the imaging drum or transfer belt, as these can wear out over time.
- Consult the User Manual: Consult the user manual that came with your printer for specific troubleshooting steps and maintenance recommendations.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
Raj_05
HP Support Community Moderator
HP Support Community Moderator
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