Recommended Cleaning Schedule
Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Component / Area
Recommendations
Printhead
Clean the printhead after printing every five rolls of media. See Cleaning the Printhead.
Standard platen (drive) roller
As needed to improve print quality. Platen rollers can slip causing print image distortion and in worst case scenarios not move the media (labels, receipts, tags, etc.) See  Cleaning and Replacing the Platen (Drive Roller).
Standard platen rollers come in two colors, black (203 dpi) and gray (300 dpi).
Media path
Clean thoroughly as needed with fiber-free cleaning swabs and cloths moistened with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Let alcohol evaporate completely. See Cleaning the Media Path.
Interior
Clean as needed using a soft cloth, brush or compressed air to wipe or blow dust and particles out of the printer. Use 99% isopropyl alcohol and a fiber-free cleaning cloth to dissolve contaminants like oils and grime.
Exterior
Clean as needed using a soft cloth, brush, or compressed air to wipe or blow dust and particles out of the printer. The exterior of the printer can be cleaned using plain soap and water solutions to moisten the cloth. Only use the minimum amount of cleaning solution to avoid getting solution in the printer or other areas. Do NOT clean connectors or interior of the printer with this method.
The latest healthcare printer models now include ultraviolet (UV) and disinfectant-ready plastics for hospital and other similar environments. The printer user interface controls are sealed so they can be cleaned with the rest of the printer’s exterior. See the ‘Guide To Disinfecting and Cleaning Zebra Healthcare Printers on the Zebra website at zebra.com/support for the latest information on tested and approved cleaning materials and cleaning methods.
Label dispenser option
Clean as needed to improve label dispenser operations. For details on operating the dispenser, see  Using the Label Dispenser Option.
Cutter option
The cutter is not a user-serviceable component. Do NOT clean inside the cutter opening or blade mechanism. However, you may use the exterior cleaning procedure to clean the cutter bezel (housing). For cleaning and maintenance of this option, call a service technician.
There are no operator serviceable parts in the cutter unit. Never remove the cutter cover (bezel). Never attempt to insert objects or fingers in to the cutter mechanism.
The blade has a special coating to resist adhesives and wear. Cleaning it may ruin the blade.
Use the recommended cleaning supplies listed in Recommended Cleaning Supplies. Using unapproved tools, cotton swabs, solvents (including alcohol), etc. may damage or shorten the cutter’s usable life or cause the cutter to bind.