Cleaning a Canon printhead manually

This is a comprehensive guide to how we, at OctoInkjet, clean our Canon inkjet printheads when we've found that the Canon "Printhead clean" functionality has not successfully cleared it. Usually this is when a printer has been sat unused for 6 months or more.

This guide is intended for end-users who have tried the normal printhead cleaning function and let the printer sit for at least 24 hours before trying anything else. Using this guide does have potential risk for damaging the printhead and as a result your printer so it is something you should only do if you are willing to accept the risk and responsibility for your choice to continue.

It works for us, using our cleaning solution and tools but we have learned the hard way, numerous times by doing a lot of things wrong.

If you wish to purchase any of the tools and solutions used in this video then you can find those here:

[lettersteve]

Hi Martin. Thanks for making such a great video. I actually used to work for a common printer manufacturer. It made me sick the number of times I had to suggest replacing a print head. I've recently taken a Canon MP 620 out of storage and was not surprised that it's heads were clogged. I honestly almost gave it the boot to the e-waste curb. I've been watching video's all day on how to resurrect the print head and your video is by far the best. Thanks for helping the community in keeping stuff out of the landfill.

[RobertMosenfelder]

You saved my printhead. The 3 days of patient soaking on paper towel worked. My neglected pixma pro 10 thanks you.

[TannahMae]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I have had a Canon MP640R sitting up in storage with all of their old ink cartridges sitting in there. After seeing the PGBK wasn't working, I went down a rabbit hole and I found out way too much about printers than I ever wanted to. With ink all over my sore fingers from deep cleaning the printer heads by hand, I'm thankful. It still isn't working but I haven't given up. I'm going to try with an actual cleaning kit. A Windex soak wasn't enough. It did help the other colors though - they looked great. If all else fails - This particular printer head piece is available on Amazon for $36. But now... this is a battle I want to win and I think that's just for the error code that can show up with bad printer heads. My point is, your video made me feel less alone. Plus all the comments listed as well. I'm grateful to you.

[brianbailey]

Great video, and a great result on my CanonTS9550 printhead, which had given up the ghost. Bought the Printhead cleaning kit, followed your in depth instructions, and it worked. Thanks.

[tibidonjacques]

The most complete video on this matter i've seen. Thank you.

[BG-xhrb]

Great video. I've always used canon printers. When my print head requires cleaning, I used Windex, hot water, and slight compressed air. Has always worked.

[jaxjaguarz]

This works. The only thing I would suggest is after saturating the paper towel with cleaning solution, to heat it in the microwave for 15 seconds or so to get it hot. This will help break down any clogs quicker. Reheat as necessary to keep the cleaning solution warm/hot.

[tamsynsimmonds]

thank you so much for your clear concise how to, I've now managed to save my printer! Any plans for a video for replacing the waste ink pads in a Canon MG5750?

[SemihFatihAdem]

I shorted my printer head while applying pressure and also ink cleaning solution got into the printer and disolved few circuits. Do not forget to apply minimal pressure. Otherwise you can burst the pipe and the solution can go into the printer like I did.

[timd]

I have 3 MX922's.

Used the hell out of them for years.

1 of them all of a sudden Cyan no longer prints. Did a deep clean, now the Magenta Yellow and dye black no longer work at all in head test print. Pigment blacK works only.

I have a brand new genuine Canon printhead.

Changed it out, same thing. No CMY and dye black. Just pigment blacK works.

Almost seems electrical maybe? I made sure good connections.

Wonder what is causing none of the colors and dye black no longer firing at all?

I am going to put the head in another printer to see if the same problem persists.

[doreenpalmer]

Thank you, easy to follow and problem sorted!!!

[KenZaner]

Hi - Really liked your video. I would appreciate if you could please tell me what is in the solution that you use? Thanks very much!

[surotmiah]

The first method i am looking to try. Do i need to rinse with water before putting head back into printer.

I was going to also leave the head socked in the solution overnight what are your thoughts on this.

[thefaceexchange]

Thanks for this video... Once the print head is cleaned what to do with the ink cartidges that have
been sitting in the printer unused for the past two years. Will they still work with a clean head; can I clean out the opening or are they toast? Thanks,

[martincregg]

Very thorough. What would happen if I don’t dry fully before putting back in the printer?

[kenz]

Hi - It was a great video! I was wondering if you could tell me in rough terms what is in the cleaning liquid you use and if you know who sells it in the USA. Thanks very much! Ken

[mopac]

In the US and tried going to the Inkowl site you mentioned below for US. Their cleaning solution mentions loads of Canon printers as compatible but specifically calls out that it is NOT compatible with Canon Maxify printers. Which, as it happens, is exactly what I have. (Maxify GX4020) I know its inks are pigment inks. A call to Inkowl indicated they had no other solutions available. And idea why the GX4020 can't use a regular cleaning solution". Any other options for cleaning solutions in US you can recommend for this Canon Maxify printer?

[roxeslinn]

Tkx it's was very illuminating - I'm going to give go Rox

[robertrindasu]

Is this technique also good for the b600 error on the Canon MX870?

[orfeous]

I have the Pro-10. Not used it for some years and both the inks and head are dried. What cleaning solution is it? IPA?