A-Class  91 
5.5.1  Cleaning the Printhead 
 
When bar codes become unreadable or if streaks appear in text and graphics, the printhead 
may need cleaning. Debris buildup, left unattended, can reduce the printhead service life. 
(See Section 4.2.1 to program cleaning prompts.) Depending upon the media and 
parameters used, different cleaning methods are recommended, as detailed below: 
 
 
 
 
Never use a sharp, hard or abrasive object on the printhead. 
 
 
 
 
 
;
 Streaks can indicate a dirty or faulty printhead.  
 
 
Proper cleaning is critical. To maintain peak 
performance of the printer, Datamax O’Neil offers a 
complete line of cleaning products including pens, 
cards, films and swabs. Visit our website at 
http://www.datamaxcorp.com/media/products/cleaning
 
to learn more. Certified Datamax – The worry free 
choice for optimal printer performance.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cotton Swab Procedure (for users of direct thermal media, or thermal transfer media with 
wax ribbon):
 
 
 
1.  Turn OFF and unplug the printer. Open the cover and raise the Head Lift Lever. Wait a 
minute for the printhead to cool.  Remove media and ribbon from the printer.  
 
2.  Using a Cotton Swab moistened (not soaked) with isopropyl alcohol, clean the Printhead 
and its Burn Line.