Written by Dave Nash | Mar 27, 2024 12:13:34 AM
Every piece of office equipment will last longer if it is well looked after. From printers to multifunction printers to copiers and more, these devices are critical to keep workflows moving forward. Regular preventative maintenance will ensure they function optimally during their lifespans, ultimately saving you time and money. Here are a few top tips on how to preserve and protect your office equipment.
Pick a good location for your equipment: Printers and other machines do not function at their best in hot environments. Therefore, keep them away from heat sources such as radiators or vents. Also, position them in a discreet corner away from busy and narrow corridors where they're in danger of being knocked into time and again.
Regularly clean your printer: Like your car, home, and office, your printer will get
dirty. The more often you use it, the more you'll need to clean it. Offices are also very dusty places, which can be harmful to your imaging devices. So, what can you do?
- Frequently wipe down the surface of the printer to help prevent dirt from getting inside.
- Transfer rollers tend to pick up dust and should be cleaned with a lint-free cloth.
- Print heads collect ink, which can cause streaks on printed pages. Clean them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol and make sure they're dry before using the printer again.
- Cover your printer at night when it’s not in use.
Use recommended ink and toner: Printer consumables can be costly, so many people try to save by purchasing the cheapest supplies available. However, this can be a false economy, especially if a discounted cartridge damages your printer. Only source consumables from reputable companies as a key factor in maintaining your devices.
Be Gentle: Your printer may look robust and rugged, but like any sophisticated piece of equipment, it should be handled with care. For example, if there are paper jams, tease out the paper delicately rather than yanking at it with all your strength. You wouldn't roughly treat your laptop or smartphone. The same should apply to your printers.
Print a blank page: Periodically run a blank page through your printer to pick up dust particles and stray toner.
Keep food and drink away from all office equipment: Spilt liquids can cause electric shocks, and food particles may jam moving parts.
Give your printers regular TLC, and you'll be rewarded with optimal performance. If in doubt, contact us to ensure your devices are maintained properly and run at peak performance.