A good multifunction printer, or MFP, is going to be the hub of the whole office. We’re always told that print is a thing of the past, but every day we’re being handed a stack of papers to scan, copy and file. Obviously, a good MFP is an integral piece of office equipment, combining printing, scanning, copying, email, document storage, and fax in a single device, and like any piece of equipment, it requires some maintenance if you want it to keep humming like new for years to come.
Office Equipment Best Practices
- Safety, safety, safety. Never open a device unless it’s unplugged and you’ve removed the battery. Don’t plug it back in until it’s closed. Use gloves and goggles when necessary and never put a repair before safety.
- Keep it clean. Usually, a technical problem with an MFP comes down to the device just needing to be cleaned. Keep your office equipment free of dust and debris. Clean the printer heads regularly and make sure that they’re not clogged. White lines running across pages often point to a dirty printer head. And make sure the scanning screen is clean. A cotton swap and purified water will help clean ink cartridges, but before you do anything, read the manual for every piece of office equipment you have and make sure that you’re cleaning it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- If you can’t fix it, call in the professionals. Some fixes are easy to do with a simple maintenance kit. Others, not so much. If you’re not sure whether you’re up to the task, don’t risk voiding your warranty. Workaround the problem until you get it taken care of.
- Replace components when they need replacing. You can keep a piece of office equipment running for a while without its cooling fan, but you can keep it running for far longer with a new one. Check your user manual so that you know what to watch out for, and don’t hesitate to replace old components.
That last point goes for the equipment itself, as well. MFPs are getting more advanced every year, so if you have a model from 2005 that’s running on fumes, it might be a good idea to invest in a new device. If you’re looking to maintain or upgrade your office equipment, contact On Demand today.