Laser drum dirty, can it be cleaned ?

[AmitBatz]

My hpcolor laaer 150nw after a year of not much printing, started to print dirty in black and color. Opened it noticed it is very dirty. In several tutorials could not find if the drum can be cleaned. It looks very dirty. Can it be cleaned.

The printing is not only dirty but also prints double. The vlack to.er is on 10%

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @AmitBatz ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand the drum in your HP Color Laser 150nw can be cleaned, but you must be very careful because the drum is sensitive to light, scratches, and harsh cleaning methods. A dirty drum can cause print quality issues like smudges, double printing, or uneven colors. Here’s how you can clean it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning the Drum

1. Gather Materials:

• Soft lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth.
• Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher, if available).
• A pair of gloves (to prevent oils from your hands transferring to the drum).

2. Prepare the Printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Allow the printer to cool down for about 15-20 minutes if it was recently in use.

3. Remove the Drum:

• Open the printer’s access panel and carefully remove the drum unit following your printer's user manual.
• Keep the drum away from direct sunlight or bright light, as exposure can damage it.

4. Inspect the Drum:

• Look for any visible toner buildup, dust, or smudges.

5. Cleaning Process:

• Lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
• Gently wipe the surface of the drum in one direction. Avoid scrubbing or using excessive pressure.
• If there’s stubborn toner or dirt, let the alcohol dissolve it for a few seconds before wiping it off.

6. Clean Around the Drum:

• Wipe down the inside of the printer and any areas where toner might have spilled.

7. Reinstall and Test:

• Reinstall the drum carefully.
• Plug in the printer, power it on, and print a test page.

When Cleaning Isn't Enough:

• Toner Residue: If the drum is heavily coated or damaged, cleaning may not fully restore its function.
• Double Printing Issue: Double printing can also be caused by worn-out rollers or fusers in addition to a dirty drum.
• Low Toner: A toner level at 10% might contribute to the print quality issues. Replacing the black toner cartridge can help improve print quality.Yes, the drum in your HP Color Laser 150nw can be cleaned, but you must be very careful because the drum is sensitive to light, scratches, and harsh cleaning methods. A dirty drum can cause print quality issues like smudges, double printing, or uneven colors. Here’s how you can clean it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning the Drum

1. Gather Materials:

• Soft lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth.
• Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher, if available).
• A pair of gloves (to prevent oils from your hands transferring to the drum).

2. Prepare the Printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Allow the printer to cool down for about 15-20 minutes if it was recently in use.

3. Remove the Drum:

• Open the printer’s access panel and carefully remove the drum unit following your printer's user manual.
• Keep the drum away from direct sunlight or bright light, as exposure can damage it.

4. Inspect the Drum:

• Look for any visible toner buildup, dust, or smudges.

5. Cleaning Process:

• Lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
• Gently wipe the surface of the drum in one direction. Avoid scrubbing or using excessive pressure.
• If there’s stubborn toner or dirt, let the alcohol dissolve it for a few seconds before wiping it off.

6. Clean Around the Drum:

• Wipe down the inside of the printer and any areas where toner might have spilled.

7. Reinstall and Test:

• Reinstall the drum carefully.
• Plug in the printer, power it on, and print a test page.

When Cleaning Isn't Enough:

• Toner Residue: If the drum is heavily coated or damaged, cleaning may not fully restore its function.
• Double Printing Issue: Double printing can also be caused by worn-out rollers or fusers in addition to a dirty drum.
• Low Toner: A toner level at 10% might contribute to the print quality issues. Replacing the black toner cartridge can help improve print quality.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!