Print quality

[jnaz]

I have cleaned and deep cleaned the print heads 3x over the last week and uninstalled/reinstalled printer, app, everything, but still have missing print areas with the black ink.  Any suggestions?

[Garp_senchau · Accepted solution]

@jnaz, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

It sounds like your HP ENVY 6055 is showing persistent black print issues even after multiple cleaning cycles. This usually points to either a clogged or defective black cartridge/printhead rather than software problems. Here’s the step-by-step recommended troubleshooting:

Check the Black Ink Cartridge

Open the printer’s cartridge access door and remove the black ink cartridge.

Inspect the nozzle area (bottom of the cartridge) for clogs or dried ink.

Gently wipe the copper-colored contacts with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water.

Check the cartridge expiration date — if it’s expired or old, consider replacing it with a new genuine cartridge.

Reseat the Cartridges

Reinsert the black cartridge first, then the color cartridge, making sure each clicks firmly into place.

Close the cartridge access door and try printing a test page.

Clean the Printhead Manually (if problems persist)

Since the ENVY 6055 has integrated printheads with the cartridges, you can try a manual cleaning pad method:

Remove the black cartridge.

Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water and gently wipe the nozzle area and contacts.

Let it dry completely before reinserting.

Avoid using excessive force or chemical cleaners — this can damage the cartridge.

Replace the Black Cartridge

If manual cleaning and deep cleaning cycles in HP App still result in missing black areas, the cartridge itself is likely defective or dried out. 

Replace it with a new genuine HP cartridge.

Test printing immediately after installation.

Print a Printer Status Report

On the printer, go to Setup → Printer Maintenance → Print Quality Diagnostic Report.

Examine if the black squares show gaps — if yes, the issue is confirmed to be the cartridge or printhead.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,

[jnaz]

Thank you, Garp_Senchau!  I did not know about manual cleaning.  Since my cartridge was just under a month past expiration, it needed just a little bit of wiping off.  It seems that was all it needed, as it appears to be getting better with the 2 machine cleanings.  Your help is so appreciated!

Joan Neshem