Easy fixes for common printer problems

A home printer always seems to stop working at the most inconvenient times, but don't panic. Many common problems are easily fixed. Your documents will be printed in no time at all.

Trick your printer into delivering the document

Cartridges may still have ink stuck to their sides even though their built-in sensors indicate that they are empty.

• Remove the "empty" printer cartridge and find its sensor, which is usually a gold-coloured chip on its exterior. Cover the sensor with a piece of insulating tape, pop the cartridge back in and try printing again.
• Shake the cartridge from side to side.
• Reset the printer — shut it down and then switch on again.
• Remove the cartridge and heat it up gently with a hair dryer — this can help to loosen the thick ink within.

Clean the print head

The business end of your inkjet printer — the print head — can become clogged, especially if you use the printer infrequently.

• Try running the printer's built-in head-cleaning option. If you're using Windows, go to Control panel -> Printers and other hardware. Click on your printer's name to launch its software and select and run the head-cleaning utility. If you have a Mac, go to System preferences -> Print and fax and select your printer to activate its software.
• If the problem persists, try cleaning the print head manually. Remove the cartridges to access the print head — the unit that shuttles back and forth across the printer. Gently wipe it with a soft lint-free cloth, moistened with isopropyl alcohol.

Experiment with your paper

Use the printer's software to ensure that the toner levels are OK — most printers have lights or alerts to warn you when supplies are running low. Try experimenting with the paper you use. Some papers are too coarse, giving uneven prints, while others are too smooth or thick for the toner to bond with the paper.

Prepare your printer to beat the jams

A few simple checks to your paper, paper feeder and rollers will guarantee perfect results each time.

• Make sure the guide rails of the paper feeder are spaced correctly for your paper size. If not, the printer may misfeed and get in a jam.
• Before loading paper into the printer, fan out both ends of the ream to stop sheets sticking together and causing a pileup.
• Check the paper you've loaded into the printer. It should be dry and flat, with no rough or crumpled edges.
• Switch off the printer. Open all the panels on your printer and shine a flashlight on the rollers inside. Using a pair of tweezers, remove any paper scraps, sticky labels, paper clips or other debris.

Laser printer toner is nasty stuff.

• If spilled, pick it up with sticky tape immediately.
• Avoid breathing in toner. It poses a health risk, particularly if you suffer from bronchitis or asthma.
• Don't use a vacuum cleaner to pick up spilled toner — its fine particles can cause the motor to catch fire.
• Do not wash your hands or surfaces with hot water. The toner particles will melt and be much harder to remove. Use cold water.