How to Clean Printheads on HP Smart Tank Printers: Step-by-Step Guide

If your HP Smart Tank printer is experiencing poor print quality, such as faded colors or streaky prints, it may be time to clean the printheads. Follow this step-by-step guide to restore your printer’s performance.

Step-by-Step Printhead Cleaning Process

Step 1: Print a Print Quality Report

Begin by printing a print quality report to identify which colors need cleaning.

Step 2: Review the Print Quality Report

Examine the report to determine which colors are not printing correctly.

Step 3: Print Another Print Quality Report and Unplug the Printer

While the second report is printing, unplug the printer to proceed with manual cleaning.

Step 4: Open the Printer's Top Compartment

Lift the top cover of the printer to access the printhead.

Step 5: Remove the Printheads

  • Some models have a blue tab that releases the printhead carriage.

  • Have a plastic container ready to place the printheads inside.

Step 6: Release the Printhead

On HP Smart Tank models, use the designated blue tab to release the printhead.

Step 7: Clean the Printheads Using the Best Printers Cleaning Kit

Focus on cleaning the color(s) that are not printing well.

Step 7A: Connect the yellow piece from the cleaning kit to the silicone tubing attached to a 20 mL syringe.

Step 7B: Push 20 mL of cleaning fluid into the affected color.

Step 7C: Dry off the printheads with a paper towel and dispose of the ink and cleaning solution in a plastic container.

Step 8: Check for Air Clogs in the Supply Lines

Inspect the ink supply lines and use the cleaning kit to clear any air clogs if necessary.

Step 9: Replace the Printheads

Carefully reinstall the printheads into the printer.

Step 10: Wait 24 Hours Before Powering the Printer Back On

Ensure the printheads are completely dry before reinstalling them.

Step 11: Refill the Ink

Top off the ink tanks before turning the printer back on.

Step 12: Perform a Printhead Cleaning Cycle

Run the printhead cleaning cycle until the print quality report is 100% correct.

Compatible HP Smart Tank Printer Models

This guide applies to the following HP Smart Tank printers:

  • HP Smart Tank 500 Series (500, 515, 516, 519, etc.)

  • HP Smart Tank 600 Series (600, 615, 6001, 6002, 6003, etc.)

  • HP Smart Tank 700 Series (700, 720, 750, 790, 7301, 7602, etc.)

  • HP Smart Tank Plus Series (550, 570, 650, 655, etc.)

  • HP Smart Tank Wireless Series

  • HP Smart Tank 210, 520, 530, 670, 750, 760, 790, 6000, 6100, 6300, 7000, 7300, 7600 series, and more.

Kit Used