white lines in print even after being cleaned

[joshjk]

i have a smart tank 5102, and i have done EVERY cleaning/maintenance option within the app, and yet when i print i'm getting horizontal white lines within some of my lighter colors on the page (not an issue for darker colors). i print pretty frequently and use my printer for my small business so this has been pretty frustrating. any suggestions are appreciated 🙂

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @joshjk 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That’s incredibly frustrating—especially when you rely on your printer for your business and have already done all the right things. Since you’ve run every cleaning and maintenance cycle through the HP Smart app and the issue still persists in lighter colors, here are a few deeper steps you can try:

Check Ink Levels:

• Ensure that all ink tanks have adequate ink levels. Low ink levels can result in poor print quality.

Printhead Alignment:

• Sometimes, printhead misalignment can cause horizontal lines. Run the printhead alignment tool from your printer's app or software to correct any issues.

Printhead Cleaning:

• Even if you've done cleaning via the app, it might be worth performing a manual clean. Open the printer's access door and gently clean the printhead nozzles with a lint-free cloth.
• Use distilled water if necessary, but avoid using cleaning solvents other than those recommended by HP.

Check for Clogs or Debris:

• Inspect the printhead and ink lines for any dried ink or debris. Carefully clean these areas if you notice any blockages.

Test Different Paper:

• Sometimes, the type of paper can affect print quality. Try using a different brand or type of paper that is compatible with your printer (check the specifications for paper weight and type).

Driver Update:

• Ensure your printer driver is up to date. Visit the HP Support website to download the latest driver updates for your model.

Settings Adjustment:

• Experiment with different print quality settings in the print dialog box. Increasing the quality setting can sometimes help mitigate the appearance of white lines.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye