HP printers are known for reliable performance and high-quality printing. However, sometimes users may notice streaks or lines on printed pages even after running a printhead cleaning cycle. If your HP printer is still producing streaked prints, don’t worry.
What Causes HP Printer Printing Streaks After Cleaning Printhead?
Printing streaks after cleaning the printhead usually indicate that the problem is not fully resolved. Common causes include:
- Partially clogged printhead nozzles
- Low or dried ink cartridges
- Incorrect printhead alignment
- Outdated printer drivers
- Dirty paper rollers or internal components
- Firmware or software issues
Even after cleaning, ink residue or air bubbles inside cartridges can still affect print quality.
Perform Deep Printhead Cleaning
HP printers provide multiple cleaning levels. If the standard cleaning did not fix the streaks, try a deeper cleaning cycle.
Steps to Perform Deep Cleaning:
- Open HP Printer Control Panel.
- Navigate to Setup or Tools.
- Select Printer Maintenance.
- Choose Clean Printhead.
- Run Level 2 or Deep Cleaning option.
After cleaning, print a test page to check improvement. Avoid running cleaning cycles repeatedly, as this consumes ink.
Check Ink Cartridges and Replace if Necessary
Low or damaged cartridges often cause streaking.
- Remove ink cartridges carefully.
- Inspect for dried ink around nozzles.
- Ensure protective tape is fully removed.
- Reinstall cartridges securely.
If cartridges are low or expired, replace them with genuine HP cartridges to ensure optimal performance.
Align the Printhead Properly
Misalignment can cause horizontal or vertical streaks.
Steps to Align Printhead:
- Open printer settings from your computer.
- Select Printer Maintenance.
- Choose Align Printhead.
- Follow on-screen instructions.
- Print alignment test page.
Alignment ensures ink is distributed evenly across the page.
Update HP Printer Drivers and Firmware
Outdated drivers may cause printing inconsistencies.
How to Update:
- Open Device Manager on Windows.
- Locate your HP printer.
- Select Update Driver.
- Install the latest available version.
You can also update firmware directly from the printer settings menu if supported.
Updated drivers improve compatibility and fix printing bugs.
Clean Paper Rollers and Internal Components
Ink streaks may come from dirt or excess ink inside the printer.
- Turn off and unplug the printer.
- Open access panels carefully.
- Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water.
- Clean rollers and accessible internal areas.
- Allow to dry completely before restarting.
Avoid using harsh chemicals.
Reset HP Printer to Factory Settings
If streaking continues, resetting the printer can resolve internal errors.
- Go to Setup Menu.
- Select Printer Maintenance.
- Choose Restore Factory Defaults.
- Confirm reset.
After reset, reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi and test printing.
Check HP Printer Login and Activation Status
Some HP printers connected to smart services require proper account activation.
- Ensure you are logged into your HP account in HP Smart app.
- Verify printer is properly registered.
- Confirm printer firmware is activated and updated.
Improper registration may sometimes cause printing inconsistencies in network-enabled printers.
Reinstall HP Printer Software
If software corruption is causing streaks:
- Uninstall HP printer software from your computer.
- Restart your device.
- Download the latest version from HP official support page.
- Install and reconnect printer.
Fresh installation eliminates configuration conflicts.
When HP Printer Is Not Working After Cleaning
If your printer still produces streaks:
- Try printing in Best Quality Mode instead of Draft.
- Check paper type settings.
- Use recommended paper.
- Perform nozzle check pattern.
Persistent streaking may indicate a failing printhead that requires professional service.
Contact HP Customer Support and Service
If none of the above steps fix the issue, contacting HP support is recommended. Provide the following details:
- Printer model number
- Error messages (if any)
- Troubleshooting steps already performed
- Firmware version
HP service centers can inspect or replace defective printheads if necessary.
Prevent Future Streaking Issues
To maintain print quality:
- Print at least once a week to prevent ink drying.
- Use genuine HP ink cartridges.
- Keep printer covered when not in use.
- Avoid frequent power interruptions.
- Update firmware regularly.
Routine maintenance reduces long-term issues.
Conclusion
If your HP printer is printing streaks even after cleaning the printhead, the issue could be related to ink cartridges, alignment, outdated drivers, or internal dirt buildup. By performing deep cleaning, aligning the printhead, updating drivers, reinstalling software, and checking activation status, most streaking issues can be resolved easily.
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