How to Clean Zebra P120i Printer

Maintaining your Zebra P120i printer is crucial to ensure its longevity and print quality. Regular cleaning helps prevent common issues like printhead damage and card feed errors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to properly clean your Zebra P120i printer using a cleaning card and cleaning swab.

Why Cleaning Your Zebra P120i Printer is Important

Regular maintenance of your Zebra P120i printer helps maintain high print quality and extends the life of the printer. Dust, debris, and ink residue can accumulate inside the printer, causing malfunctions and poor print quality. Cleaning your printer regularly ensures optimal performance.

Tools Needed for Cleaning

Before you begin, gather the following cleaning supplies:

• Zebra cleaning card

Zebra Cleaning Card Kit 105912-912

• Cleaning swab
• Lint-free cloth
• Isopropyl alcohol (if needed)

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Zebra P120i Printer

1. Use the Cleaning Card

Take the cleaning card from its packaging. Follow these steps:

• Hold the control button on your printer for several seconds. This will eject any card that may be stuck inside.
• Remove the printer cartridge and close the lid of the printer.
• Take out any remaining PVC cards from the card feeder and close the printer cover.
• Feed the long cleaning card by inserting the smaller end into the card exit slot. The card will feed through to clean the internal components.
• Next, open the card feeder and pull back the blue card guide. Insert the short t-shaped cleaning card into the slot to clean additional areas.
• When the LCD screen prompts you, open the lid, push the card guide open, and remove the cleaning card.
• Once the screen displays “ready”, you can reload your cards and ribbon to resume printing.

2. Clean the Printhead with a Cleaning Swab

The printhead is a delicate component that requires careful cleaning. To clean it:

• Take a cleaning swab and gently swab the printhead in a single direction. Avoid scrubbing back and forth, as this can damage the printhead.
• Ensure that the cleaning solution from the swab covers the entire printhead area.

3. Clean the Exterior of the Printer

Using a lint-free cloth, wipe down the exterior surfaces of the printer. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol to remove stubborn stains or residue. Ensure the printer is completely dry before plugging it back in.

4. Allow the Printer to Dry

After cleaning, let the printer air dry for a few minutes before closing the cover and plugging it back in.

5. Run a Test Print

Once the printer is dry and reassembled, turn it on and run a test print. This ensures that the cleaning process was successful and that the printer is functioning correctly.

Tips for Regular Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your Zebra P120i printer at least once a month or after every 1,000 prints.
• Proper Storage: Store your printer in a clean, dust-free environment.
• Use Genuine Supplies: Always use genuine Zebra cleaning supplies to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you experience any issues after cleaning, such as streaks or misprints, repeat the cleaning process. Persistent problems might indicate a need for professional servicing.