Printer roller leaving mark, tried cleaning already

[B123K]

I have an HP MFP 281dw. It leaves these marks when I print or copy something. I have opened the back of the printer and cleaned the black roller. What else should I do?

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @B123K,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your HP MFP 281dw is leaving marks on your printouts despite cleaning the rollers, there are a few more steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and fix the problem:

1. Inspect and Clean the Fuser and Paper Path

Clean the Fuser:

1. Power Off: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Access the Fuser: Open the printer's front door or cover to access the fuser unit. Refer to your printer's manual for specific instructions on how to reach the fuser.
3. Clean the Fuser: Gently wipe the fuser rollers with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be cautious as the fuser can be hot if the printer was recently in use.

Check the Paper Path:

1. Open All Access Doors: Open all access doors, including the paper tray and rear panel, to inspect the paper path.
2. Clean Paper Path: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean any visible toner or debris from the rollers and paper path areas.

2. Check and Clean the Transfer Roller

Clean the Transfer Roller:

1. Locate the Transfer Roller: The transfer roller is typically located inside the printer, near the toner cartridge area.
2. Remove the Transfer Roller: If your printer model allows, gently remove the transfer roller.
3. Clean the Roller: Wipe the transfer roller with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using any liquids or abrasive materials.

3. Inspect and Replace Consumables

Check Toner Cartridges:

1. Inspect Cartridges: Remove the toner cartridges and check them for any leaks or damage.
2. Reinstall Cartridges: Ensure that cartridges are correctly installed and secure.

Replace Toner Cartridges (if necessary):

1. Test with New Cartridges: If the problem persists, try replacing the toner cartridges with new, genuine HP cartridges.

4. Perform a Printer Calibration

Run Printer Calibration:

1. Access Printer Settings: Go to the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app.
2. Find Calibration Option: Look for an option related to calibration or alignment in the printer settings.
3. Follow the Instructions: Run the calibration or alignment process as instructed to ensure proper printing.

5. Check for Firmware Updates

Update Firmware:

1. Visit HP Support Website: Go to the HP Support website.
2. Search for Your Printer Model: Enter your printer model and navigate to the firmware section.
3. Download and Install Updates: Follow the instructions to download and install any available firmware updates.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[B123K]

The problem was on the toner cartridge itself. After vicious scrubbing, I got the many black stains off the middle of the blue roller on the toner cartridge.