How to Clean the Nozzles on a Dell Printer

1. Make sure there is paper in the printer.
2. On the operator panel, press the 'Options' button. After a moment, 'Cartridges' will appear on the display.
3. Press the '+' button. After a moment, 'Clean' will appear on the display.
4. Press the 'Select' button. This should clean the nozzles. Do a couple of test prints. If the problems persist, try the next technique.
Clean Nozzles With Printer Software
1. Make sure there is paper in the printer.
2. On your computer, click on the 'Start' menu.
3. Locate and click 'All Programs.'
4. Locate 'Dell Printer,' then select your specific printer model.
5. Select 'Dell Printer Solution Center.' A window will appear on your desktop.
6. Click on the 'Maintenance' tab.
7. Select the option to clean.
8. Click 'Print.' This should clean the nozzles. Do another couple of test prints. If the problem persists, move on to the manual technique.
Clean Nozzles Manually
1. Remove the printer cartridge from the printer.
2. Dip a Q-Tip in rubbing alcohol. Squeeze the cotton to remove excess alcohol.
3. Look at the cartridge. You should see dried ink built up on the cartridge head. Carefully and lightly wipe the ink buildup with the Q-Tip until you have removed as much ink as possible. Put the cartridge down and allow it to dry.
4. Return the cartridge to your printer. Go through Section 1 again.