Maintenance 187
Cleaning the print head
Although head cleaning can be performed from the computer or the printer, the cleaning
procedures differ as explained below.
OFrom the computer
All nozzles are cleaned.
OFrom the printer
You can clean all nozzles or select for cleaning only those nozzles for which the printed
nozzle check pattern indicates a problem.

Notes on head cleaning

Note the following points when performing head cleaning.
OClean the print head only if print quality declines; for example, if the printout is blurry or
the color is incorrect or missing. Ink is consumed when head cleaning is performed.
OCleaning all nozzles consumes some of each color of ink. Even if you are using only
black inks for black and white printing, color inks are also consumed.
OWhen repeating head cleaning in a short time period, the Maintenance Box may fill up
quickly due to a small amount of ink evaporation in the Maintenance Box. Prepare a
spare Maintenance Box if there is not enough empty space in the box.
OIf the nozzles are still clogged after cleaning the print head several times, we
recommend trying power cleaning.
OPower cleaning consumes more ink than normal head cleaning. Check the remaining
ink level in advance, and prepare a new ink cartridge before you start cleaning if the ink
is low.
OIf the nozzles are still clogged after performing power cleaning, turn off the printer and
leave it overnight or longer. When left for some time, the clogged ink may dissolve.
If the nozzles are still clogged, contact your dealer or Epson Support.

Cleaning the print head

From the computer
Explanations in this section use the Windows printer driver as an example.
Use Epson Printer Utility 4 for Mac OS X.