How to unclog a Canon Pro 100 Printhead

Waterpik amzn.to/2yi01uo
Through trial and error and some help from Mike at precision colors I've learned how to clear an ink starved printhead from a Canon Pixma Pro-100 printer. I also cover steps and tips to avoid getting another clog.
Printhead cleaning solution: 10 Parts distilled water, 2 parts Isopropyl Alcohol, 1 Part Ammonia (can be increased for stubborn clogs).

[@grodz437]

For people that own the Canon Pixma Pro-10, this works, too! I had problems with mine where it would not print a single color and I was at a point where I was going to throw the printer in the trash. Luckily, I saw this video and resurrected my printer! I cant thank you enough for sharing this video, man! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@RickF-dw8cl]

I have the same printer that has been inactive for awhile. I am going to try it.

[@jennifertan]

just wanted to leave an updated comment - it worked for me! i've been away at college so my old canon pixma pro 100 dried up. made the solution and let it soak overnight, and then used the water flosser as well (that gets pretty messy if you don't have one with adjustable settings lol). i let it dry for a few hours with a fan blowing on it, then put the cartridges back in the printer and let it sit for a while so the sponges could soak back up. it took a couple restarts but it works great!

[@cheo1949]

Did I see Refillable Cartridges and NOT OEM Modified for refilling ones???? Yes CYAN IS going to fail if anyone is going to fail. So I am glad you now know and have figured out what the problem was. Mike is a genius!!!!

[@HillBrosTech]

Thanks Jose! Yeah, those were non-OEM refill-ables and they are garbage. I did a video reviewing them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4W1lq2aaLx4oJY I've enjoyed your content for years, I'm actually a patreon supporter of yours, thanks for stopping by my channel!

[@kingsmustrise]

YOU SAVED ME!!! Thank you so much for this thorough process

[@HillBrosTech]

Glad to, You're welcome!

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

Very, very brave man ! Cleaning ink cartridges with a white dress shirt in the bathroom sink. Must not be married !

[@HillBrosTech]

Ha ha, and wouldn't you know I didn't get a single drop of ink on my shirt! I am married, I think she's resigned herself on matters like this though. lol.

[@francisgagneart]

I used a Airbrush in the final step & it works perfectly fine. Thank you for your help Andrew!

[@DrydenDraws]

Is it safe to rinse out the printhead even when it touches the gold piece in the back? I've seen videos where they let it sit in distilled water/iso Alcohol but recommend that you don't get water on the golden plate in the back

[@peterfarago4408]

Andrew! Thanks for this EXCELLENT tutorial - saved me a ton of money. Your awesome cleaning recipe and a cheap WaterPik clone are now a permanent part of my Canon tool kit.

[@renatocataldo7969]

I appreciate the insights. I printed 4500 sheets (many large format prints) before I had my first print head clog. First, the Cyan acted up then the Yellow. I opened the lid and unplugged the printer. I removed all my cartridges and then the print head. In a glass beaker, I added 300 ml of distilled water and 30 ml of isopropyl alcohol (no ammonia laying around). Rather than soak the board, I slowly poured the liquid over my ink screens a few times until all the solution was used. I then rinsed with distilled water. Getting the water out of the print head was a bit of a challenge. I basically tried to use a much centrifugal force as possible by holding on the cartridge in a plastic bag and then making arching/circular motions. Once the water seemed to be out, a used a paper towel to dry up any external spots of water. The reason I did this is that I do not want my electronics to be wet for very long. Using this basic process, the print head cleaned up nicely. I simply replaced the print head and cartridges and did a print test. I was back in business printing in less than 15 minutes. Note: My Pro-100s are always powered on with battery UPS power sources and my print heads have never dried out. Hope this helps someone.

[@makinworks]

so can you explain, I was under the impression that they evaporate if they are not used over time. And after watching this video I think my issue is EXPIRED inks on my shelf. (the OEM) kind which the sponge maybe also the culprit, but the vendor replaces these no problem so I am not worried about that. Im just glad I have figured something out. Also Renato, when you say you dried them out, I was under the impression that to save ink cartridges you can place a piece of tape over the air hole to keep them from evaporation. As some teachers I advise were having issues over summer break or winter break and the ones who did this tape fix, saved ink compared to the ones who did not. This was when I learned that issue solved. But you are mentioning about electronics and drying out? I am paranoid about this issue, and static electricity too. So you are mentioning Battery UPS power sources? I only use UPS systems on important Harddrives and computers. Printers I have turned off, in between jobs. But again I am not printing heavy or when I do the printer stays on anyway. But in your feedback, it sounds as if and I do know ON OFF routine WASTES INK !!! Geez today I learned the DEEP CLEANING really does WASTE INK, and I wish there was an OPTION to DEEP CLEAN the ONE and ONLY ONE that is giving the problem. But then again, choosing one SECTION proves that they really do TRY TO UNCLOG INK by WASTING INK? how does that work? In my case the PHOTO CYAN was the one CLOGGED. After two DEEP CLEAN software processes. and I gave up to follow this thread? I noticed that all others were rather white, but the PHOTO CYAN looked like it had a HARD BUBBLE over the screen!!!! So indeed, running the DEEP CLEAN to fix a CLOG does not make sense in these situations ...in fact those software processes might work for new printers, but the older they get the ONE out of 7 or 8 gives you most of the trouble. thanks for the info I am grateful

[@SpaceCityExposures]

A few years later and this video saved my PIXMA Pro 100! Thank you for the tutorial and for sharing your cleaner solution. Mixed up my own. Soaked for a few hours and had to clean out the clog. I don’t have a water pick so I used an oral syringe to force the liquid through the clog (water pick definitely seems worth it if your print head clog was as bad as mine). I was able to print a few photos after cleaning. Thank you so much for your time and effort for this helpful video!

[@SpaceCityExposures]

My printer had been off for about two years since my last print and ink change. Don’t give up on your printer before trying this out first!

[@nitrousman8882]

great video! Of course, anyone can forget to wear gloves... but seriously... a white shirt? a WHITE shirt? :)

[@HillBrosTech]

And not a drop of ink! Not a stain! Honestly I feel most comfortable in a suit and tie, so that was normal for me. But I was really pushing my luck! ha ha

[@stanleysjogren3544]

Very good video - other youtubers look and learn! Some questions: 1. How do you prevent the cartridges you remove to dry up? 2. How long must the cartridge-holder dry before you can put it back in the printer?

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

I was wondering the same two things

[@ytiraann]

My Canon Pro-100 have been revived thanks to your excellent tips ... your video was right on. About a year ago I abandoned the printer due to a sudden need to move. Leaving it behind, I made a critical error and left the printer unplugged. Last month I retrieved the printer, but the black port was fully clogged ... not even a hint of black ink on the cleaning printout. I ordered a Waterpik on Ebay for about $30 and got down to business. The printhead cleaning went smoothly and 3 days later I trialed it. Accept for a bit of streaking on on the PC ink printout, everything looked good. I printed a photo today and the colors look great. Thanks again! [Btw, leave some detailed instructions on how to use your tip jar.]

[@debsb4568]

Thank you SO much for this video. I was having issues with a clog (yes, in the cyan port) - and I had an extra print head. I subbed out the new print head, and am soaking the old one to use as a backup. I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to explain things so well.

[@mee8647]

This was awesome! Completely unclogged the PC, which was not printing on the test page at all. I used generic Windex and made sure it had amonia (Jose Rodriguez recommended Windex for a different method of cleaning the nozzles because of the ammonia). Soaked the printedhead for an hour and it rinsed clean. Test print came out perfect.

[@antoniosolano5023]

RN my yellow is not printing anything and was wondering did you only soak it in generic windex or did you make the exact mix he did? thank you

[@mee8647]

@@antoniosolano5023 I just soaked it in generic windex that I bought from the dollar store. I did not mix it with anything.

[@antoniosolano5023]

@@mee8647 thank you so much. I just got finished and yeah you were right just the windex did the job. what I did was put the printer head on a soaked paper towel and took a syringe filled with windex and filled each head. let it sit for the suggested hour and printed the biggest F*****G yellow square. Thanks again for your help

[@mee8647]

@@antoniosolano5023 that's great to hear! So glad it worked! What a relief, right? That's an awesome idea with filling the head. I'll have to try that next time (probably less waste). I'm happy that your yellow is working again!

[@antoniosolano5023]

@@mee8647 not only less waste but also more accurate to what it is you want to accomplish and safe as to not wanting to over flood it and messing up the printer head. overall great tips from you and the video much appreciated saved me a good chunk of money tonight

[@ferretface]

I've had my Canon 100 for 5 years, and it's been a fantastic printer. Earlier this year, I tried using refillable cartridges with success. But after letting it sit for a few weeks, I came back and prints were banded all over. So I'm trying this method to clean the print head. I don't have a waterpik, so I might see how a simple soak and rinse will go, come tomorrow. Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@adamthomas8966]

Hi Scotty - did the soak work? I'm in the same boat!

[@makingastardestroyer3066]

me too.

[@ChicagoHOG27]

​@@adamthomas8966 me three

[@juanjcampos1351]

After the printheads were cleaned, how many hours the get dry? the same of flushing the cartridges, how many hours to be ready and be filled with new ink? Thank you for the info you shared!

[@philmorse]

Thanks! I came to this after looking at a print head cleaner that costs $89 for an 8 oz bottle. Great video, clear, concise, no BS.

[@eduardomartindehijas437]

Hi andrew, how should you dry the printhead after the cleaning?

[@dhlamoslee]

Really impressed demonstration! This is a good guiding cleaning way for all Canon PIMAX serious print heads. I have both Pro-100 & IP7270, I will definitely follow you way to clean the IP7270 print head as it is clogged now. Blessing from Hong Kong!

[@dawgrules1]

Good information, thanks ! I'd rinse the clean head in IPA instead of H20 to displace and water in and around the PCB and also speed the drying process

[@cclare9062]

👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿Good to know some methods does work and able to avoid them.

[@maureenkeegan4670]

Great video. Very helpful. You mentioned that you would sell the water pic attachment you made to learn the printer cartridge. How might I do that? tcs

[@BatMan-hy6lj]

What ammonia would you recommend for DIY cleaner? Any links would be appreciated. Thanks

[@matthew_pike]

Worked perfectly for me! Black, cyan, and yellow wouldn't work despite 2 deep cleans. I made 130ml of the solution , poured it over the hole areas on top with a paper towel on the bottom, and let it soak for a few hours. After that I let it dry on a paper towel. Thank you so much!

[@koganinja777]

For your printhead solution,,, is the alcohol 70% alcohol or 90% alcohol?

[@JR-uy2nd]

wait, you brought another printer just because a print head from canon? There is a tip, canon sells print heads. For the canon pro 100 it costs +/- $200 on eBay or AliExpress.

[@cruikshank]

Hello 👋 I wanted to thank you for this video. Because of it and you I was able to save my Canon Pro-10 which was turned off for over a year. When I finally got it to do anything I had 3 color channels not working Red, Black & clear. I tried cleaning and deep cleaning and revived the clear & black but not the red. I made your mixture and soaked the head (2) x for 45 minutes plus spraying the blocked nozzles with a syringe 💉. But the red remained blocked. I even tried dropping ammonia directly on the red nozzle, but still no love. Finally I took it to WaterPic level. Despite aç the ll of my attempts to avoid it, I got spray all over my sink, but this cleared the red nozzle finally. Just to help others, when I put it all back together, the red channel still didn’t work. This turned out to be a bad Red Cartridge. The cartridge has liquid ink in it, but was not feeding the nozzle. I traded another red cartridge and it finally came to life. I got a good nozzle check and was able to print a calibration print. Unfortunately I’m very low on Red ink and Mike at Precision Color Ink in Canada 🇨🇦 is closed until May 17th. So I’ll just be printing nozzle checks to keep from clogging until I get a set of carts filled with fresh inks. BTW I used 99% Alcohol because that’s what we had on hand. Thank you again. Dave in PA

[@thefaceexchange]

After cleaning the print head, the OEM cartridges that have been sitting unused in the printer for the past 2 years are probably also clogged; can I use them or do I need to clean them out and refill? Thanks,joe

[@jochemvangalen9464]

still have issues with colors after cleaning anytips. replaced all cartridges

[@cruikshank]

Thank you sooooo much. Due to circumstances beyond my control I've had a Pro-10 and Pro-100 sitting unused for over a year. Today I got to the point on the Pro-10 where only 2 nozzles the Red and Black are blocked. I will be using this method. does the % of Alcohol matters meaning 70-90-99% Iso Alcohol? Also any advice on a type of ammonia to use? Could I try Windex? Finally, do you flush out your Waterpick and use it for your teeth after using your mixture? Thanks much. I'll let you know how it goes.

[@HillBrosTech]

I believe I used 90%, but I don't think it matters too much. I also used "off the shelf" Walmart brand ammonia. Windex is more or less an ammonia alcohol solution, but they add a colorant which you don't want. After rinsing the waterpick thoroughly, running clean water through the pump etc for a while it is fine to use for cleaning teeth.

[@cruikshank]

@@HillBrosTech Thanks for the very quick supply. I think we have ammonia I need to find it and a good measuring device.

[@r.h.0101]

Thank you for taking the time to record this. I was having trouble with the printhead and did the cleaning as you suggested and it brought my printhead back to life.

[@SchmingyYT]

My printer has been exhibiting a fainter band the same size as GY in the gray channel. There don't appear to be any fully missing nozzles, just a whole section ever so slightly lighter in the nozzle check. When printing I do see banding in the photos associated with the darker areas of photographs. One night, when trying to print a nozzle check, I received a B200 error. While I unplugged the printer, let it sit, then plugged/powered it back on and got it to print a check, I'm concerned about damage to the print head with that error. From what I can tell, your cyan, at the top and bottom edges of your nozzle check, were faded rather than completely gone. If I'm right, I'm hoping this may be the solution. I love my Pro 100 with PC42SE inks and really don't want to get another printer. Are there any gotchas to be aware of when doing this besides the obvious ones like being gentle with the ribbon, contacts, and so forth? Addendum question: Any reason a person couldn't use the cordless water flosser if it can be gotten cheap? Does the corded waterpik work better?

[@yannvallotton3463]

Hi! Thank you for the tips! I managed to clean the print head as well as all the cartridges, but after refilling, I noticed that the original filled cartridges are leaking... the ink is flowing... and as a result, my yellow cartridge, for example, is stained. I will redo the entire cleaning process, but do you have any idea why the cartridges are leaking?

[@seth8629]

Didn't work for me. Soaked in the solution, followed up with water pick. Still completely clogged.😢

[@michebre]

Andrew, can I use your cleaner recipe to get my cli42 cart 100% white clean if I inject your cleaner into it for 24 hrs. I have already tried 2 cycles of windex with ammonia D for 2 hours each and still cannot get the cyan stain out completely. thanks.

[@HillBrosTech]

I usually only use distilled water and that works fine. If you use the cleaner I'd follow up with a rinse of distilled water after 24 hours. If you used 3rd party cyan in the CLI42 I can't guarantee it will be white clean.

[@uhadonejob]

Thanks for this very helpful. One thing you don't mention is how you evacuate all the cleaning solution out of the cartridges. I assume you just shake it out.

[@Azothbade]

Hi there. I have a pre-owned pro-100 that consistently leaves streak marks and smudges on my prints. I've done bottom plate cleanings dozens (probably hundreds) of times and there is still ink smudge on the paper after doing said cleaning. I'm at an absolute loss--is there anything you know that could help?

[@07SATS]

@HBT - Did you create a video on how to make a cleaning cartridge clip as mentioned in the video @11:07. thanks

[@arijitkar6211]

How to preserve this kinda print heads / cartridges when im not using them for a while eg 2/3 weeks ???

[@MrLerocket]

print at least one page every week

[@kohanmike]

I guess no one here knows that there's a Canon Printer Utility that does two levels of cleaning. After watching this video, my remedy is to buy the new Epson EcoTank ET-8550 13x19 printer.

[@smilestorm2478]

How do you know when you need to preform this cleaning? i've only had and used my pixma pro 100 for 2 weeks and its clogged and wont seem to unclog with countless cleaning and deep cleaning cycles.

[@kcalla56]

I have repeated this process 3 times before trying to print, replaced all ink with Canon ink, and I STILL have lines. Is there something else that can be causing this issue? Thank you.

[@BiscoSnack]

I thought your printhead was toast if you get the copper contact wet? I'm worried that I killed mine by getting it slightly wet.

[@AkamaruLover2]

I thought so also...my printhead is basically non functional at this point and I'm planning on ordering a new printhead anyway. So I'll try out the soaking method and see how it goes.

[@AkamaruLover2]

I tried the soaking method. Copper contact was sitting in solution for 36 hours. The printhead is still totally functional so no worries there! (but just as clogged so I still need a new one)

[@ebbimage1]

I just completed this process and now printer is going to error with a 1405, print head damaged! NOW WHAT?

[@ebbimage1]

I just completed this process and now printer is going to error with a 1405, print head damaged! NOW WHAT?

[@TheRobsterUK]

Thanks for the video, very useful! One question - when you've finished cleaning the print head using the cleaning fluid, did you flush anything through the ink tubes such as distilled water? I would think there is some fluid in the feed tubes that might need removing, or do you just run a cleaning cycle / test print to get the ink flowing again? Thanks :)

[@chvydrptop]

For the alcohol portion, are you using 91%+ or anything less or more?

[@sybilh3996]

This video has saved me twice! Thank you Andrew. Clearly done. 👋

[@lindodansoh6267]

Hi there, please. i am newbie in these things. i tried to clean my printer heads - my tubes are still not sending ink through. Please help i am using g4411 canon printer.

[@robertmoreno7081]

Question . . . . can the Ammonia be lemon scented . . . . . ? It's all I found . . . . Thank you.

[@mohammadfz7185]

I clean the printer head but still my yellow ink doesn't work. All color back to normal except yellow one. Any idea??

[@kingrexcrow]

Hi Andrew, I hope you can help me. Do you know where the pads are located on this Canon Pro 100?

[@heatherjennings145]

How long does it take for the cyan print cartridge to dry so you can add ink back into it to print? I so hope your method works!

[@KuhlaShine]

Hi followed complete instructions and now printer does 5 flashes 'printhead is not installed/is damaged' any thoughts?

[@makinworks]

Andrew Thank You! This step by step helps a lot! I was having the same issue but specifically with PhotoCyan. It was getting worse over time, and I am drying the head now, and praying it will work. I will admit that I have been using OEM cartridges and after watching your inside sponge comparison, my jaw dropped! No wonder they always refund or replace them fast as can be, and especially when they leak! Question. I have been buying in bulk from a vendor who sells the OEM. I never noticed a problem until about one year ago, and I just assumed it was the end of life for the printer. But, now I am wondering what is the SHELF LIFE or EXPIRATION PERIOD for STORING UNOPENED INKS? Since Covid and lockdowns I did not print as much, and indeed my inventory has a hodge lodge of various inks at different ages. I never considered it might be also an EXPIRATION ISSUE as well? because it seemed to be intermittent when I was using what I think were NEWER INKS. but again I am guessing. I will know in the morning if this worked. But I will also be on the phone with the vendor to see if they can just REPLACE all the inks I have been storing? I usually keep 3 of each, but this was when I was printing a lot of PHOTOS for clients. As it is now, many of these might be OUT OF DATE. And could this also be an issue with PHOTO CYAN not draining fully? For on a pattern all PHOTO CYANS have about 5 to 10 percent ink still left but the INK REPORTS "REPLACE!!!!" and that is not an option like the others which allow you to milk out a few or hundred more before QUITTING . Thanks again, I look forward to any advice about the SHELF LIFE? and does anyone else put TAPE over the AIR HOLE when not in use to SAVE them from EVAPORATION? thanks

[@HillBrosTech]

I have used inks well past their expiration date without issue. I will say it probably matters how they were stored, in a 70 degree constant temperature vs baking in a hot car or garage and then freezing every winter. As for clogging. I don't have an issue ever when I use genuine Canon inks, I do if I use 3rd party. I've never put tape over the hole, I don't know how much that changes things. I live in Utah which is a ridiculously dry climate, almost never humid, even when snowing if you can believe that! I think climate, humiditiy, temperature etc affects the printer more than anything. Aside from cheap inks that is. It's tempting, but never worth it.

[@dianahanss4508]

Thank you, I followed your instructions and the problem was solved immediately!

[@legosandBeyond.]

How do you make the cleaning solution ? Please help

[@teijnabrahniuk4115]

Do people regular have waterpiks? lol never even heard of them could this work without the waterpik?

[@thenderaaa9252]

Will keep this in mind, but so far my PRO 100 seems invincible! It is about 3 years old. First 6 months used about 50% of the ink that came with the printer. Then it sat for OVER A YEAR without use. Fired it up, ran the nozzle check, perfect. Used up some of the ink colors and replaced them with OEM carts (at this point there is a mixture of older and newer ink carts). Sat for another 3-4 months without use, fired it up, ran the nozzle check, perfect. Printed a few 8.5 x 11 photos, perfect. I can only guess that because of the very low volume of ink that has passed through the printer I have avoided the clogging issues. The plan at this point is to print a full color gamut page and nozzle check once a week (if not used for real photo work).

[@makinworks]

indeed. this is the best case. PHOTO INKS. And in my case I think EXPIRATION of OEM inks is my issue. The PHOTO CYAN seems to have created an ABCESS on top of the screen. So all the photos I printed were magenta tone. If I printed regular CMYK or NON PHOTO images, the printer did not use this inks. But I pray this will work for balancing out the PHOTOS. And EXPIRATION DATES and REFUNDS from my OEM Vendor I pray they will be REPLACING all I have with NEW as they have in the past on a few, that leaked. But in this case, it appears to be my guess that I always had 3 of each on the shelf. Then lockdown and no use. Then no matter what you print it will look like crap and clog more and more over time.....just my guess.

[@jaiho314]

excellent video.

[@isaacrakolota3282]

Too surprised why my Canon pro 100 printing unclear colors

[@stanglakris]

What kind of ammonium? Sulfate or nitrater? Or does it matter? Anyone?

[@thienphoto8707]

I don't know where to buy canon pro 100 printer ink cartridge can anyone help me please

[@litehousekid1]

I have the exact same problem with my Cyan/Group 2 inks on my pro100. I use all OEM carts with PC inks but they could use a cleaning and conditioning. Ink starvation never occurred to me. I used printhead hospital cleaner on amazon and it unclogged everything for a day then clogged again.

[@HillBrosTech]

Are you using the Signature Edition inks? Or the older versions? Try my recipe for cleaning the printhead, I haven't had any problems for months now. Let me know how it turns out!

[@hairongning4099]

Can you show how to do that with your solution? Did you use any additional tube?

[@litehousekid1]

HBT I’m not using precision color signature inks, I got them a while ago. Is that bad?

[@robertunetic2551]

Do you have any suggestions on how often to hit the maintenance cleaning of the heads?

[@philippe4355]

bonjour à vous , je viens de nettoyer la tête de mon imprimant canon pro 100s comme vous faite , sa ne fonctionne pas , sa me dit erreur 2500 , buses bouchées , ou tête mal alignée , aucun résultat , que faire ? si vous savez m'aider ? bonne vidéo et merci , bien à vous , Phil

[@billkaroly]

I have a pro 100 where yellow is not flowing. I'll have to try this.

[@jackb9146]

Thanks for tuition. Very helpful in future.

[@samuelstarke5506]

How do you reset the chip on the refilled cathridge?

[@sundaramdesign]

This worked like a charm for me with no errors.

[@flowergirl9329]

What if I can’t take out the print head out how do you clean it?

[@MichaelRusso]

Is it safe to use Windex as a solution to soak the print head?

[@sashayosselani4767]

Thank you for this! Just one question, so as long as the gold contacts at the back of the head are dry( but the printhead still has some water on it) it's safe to put it back and try printing?

[@HillBrosTech]

You want to make sure the contacts are dry, I have never had a problem with the printhead portion still being wet, others would disagree with me though.

[@jodyw8713]

I just followed a different method that said the gold contacts must NEVER come in contact with water, so I’m pretty surprised by this method. So yes I would make sure they’re dry. Otherwise perhaps it can short circuit? I don’t know really I’m no electrician but I wonder if that’s it.

[@joepasquarello1273]

One of the better demonstration videos on KZbin. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Just a couple of comments: First off, Original Windex with some Isopropyl Alcohol will do the job. Secondly When you used the WaterPik on the bottom of the printhead, you are actually reverse flushing the nozzles, effectively forcing debris and/or old ink back in. Probably a better solution would be to gently run distilled water from the top and let it leach out by gravity. Your finished product looked great though!

[@makinworks]

I was curious about that too, but indeed only with serious clogs does the reverse process seem to be a must because there is no way of getting under the hood so to speak. My point was that after DEEP CLEANING using the software method I was actually making it worse. And the Ink Well that they don't mention resides way off to the right or left and that is supposed to be where the flossing and flushing happens...sorry pun intended. the point he is making I think that needs reverse cleaning is only after you have soaked and rinsed and allowed that method to dry. Then with the solution going upwards does it clean or clear out the ink that is clogged that the eye cannot see. The only way to experience this would be to destroy a print head or the screens? I mean ONE SCREEN and look with a scope camera and you will see that the solution and the waterpik with light pressure does flush out what cannot be flushed from the TOP DOWN. This I believe is only in WORSE CASE SCENARIO! Like mine PHOTO CYAN that was just collecting so much it created a HARD DOME on top of the SCREEN. I share this as I am more likely to FOLLOW YOUR METHOD than the WATERPIK because it is messy and only as a last resort! Yes. Thanks Windex has the ammonia without the hassles! Thanks for reminding me! But I also wanted to ask about is using TOO MUCH RUBBING ALCOHOL an issue? like 90percent/ because I thought it dried quicker and I am not sure if that might have caused my issue in the first place? But most likely I think I am learning INKS have a EXPIRATION DATE and the SHELF LIFE matters!!!

[@joepasquarello1273]

@@makinworks I assume it would be better than nothing. But thats 90% isopropyl and 10% water.

[@anastasiakorochanskaya2578]

Thank you so much for taking so much time and effort to put this video together and share it with us all. Extremely helpful information!

[@RobertShane]

Does any company sell 3rd party printheads for this printer? I bought the Pixma Pro 100 for $223 about 2 years ago and now the same listing is selling for over 700. And they're charging 300 for the printhead.

[@GabbyBites]

I just cleaned mine and am waiting for it to dry, so excited to see the results! I was having a hard time with my Yellow, every print I made came out purple-toned. Luckily, I saw a lot of yellow on the paper towel, so it should be fixed!

[@ivysnowwolf]

just wanna say thank you for this. I too have been using the same aftermarket inks as you almost since the day i got my printer over 5 years ago. Took a lot of research but they have been the highest rated inks for this printer and its been worth every penny. I think i lucked out bc when i bought the original ink refill kit the carts that came with mine were legit canon carts that just had to have the chips changed. haven't had any issues with the carts at all. this is the first time in 5 years ive had an issue and was never able to figure out WTH to do. Did this last night let it soak over night after changing out the cleaner a couple times to remove the old ink and now this morning printing great!! You literally saved my sanity after the last 3 months of shitty prints. super stressful.

[@TechnoJon96]

Any tips if the ink carriage won't even move into position? I've got a B200 error, which the internet seems to think is a clogged print head, but unfortunately it also prevents the printer from cooperating...

[@debbiemcnerney7524]

Hello Andrew. I bought a new waterpik on ebay and carefully watched your video after terrible nozzle tests. I soaked the print head for 2 days in your solution and then used the waterpik as you described EXACTLY. My nozzle test was not 100% satisfactory but much much better. I was missing the LGY almost completely. So I cleaned and purged a OEM Canon cart and refilled with PC ink (I have been doing this successfully for 2 years). Though the LGY is only faintly visible, I still have an issue . The GY color is also not completely solid. So, though I have improved the results greatly on the nozzle tests, it is not what it should be for the GY and the LGY. Would it be advisable to do this one more time? Soak the print head and then clean with the water pick? I am using your formula. All carts are OEM canon. Thanks for any advice. Its not worth buying. new print head at this point but sure would be interested in doing this process with the water pick again IF you think it is worth it...thanks!

[@DennisDaugherty-pq1ib]

Thank you for this informative video. I tried one time to use generic cartridges from Amazon and the end result was they clogged the printhead. I thought I'd ruined my printer because nothing printed. I found your video, watched it and then used your cleaning method on the printhead. Then, I replaced all cartridges with genuine CANON cartridges. My Pro-100 prints again and much better quality now!!!! Thank you! Thank you!

[@makinworks]

Oops. I tried the method but not the solution. So I’m soaking overnight to see if that makes the difference. But it might be expired ink and or I need to use Genuine Canon for the PhotoCyan. But I am asking because in this you said CYAN was the cart you used Genuine Canon. But in my case this Photo Cyan has been gradually getting worse until now the test bars show No Ink for PhotoCyan. Even after the simple water rinse which seemed to clean the head very good. But maybe it’s deeper inside I can’t see that is clogged? Lastly, has anyone noticed that on certain OEM cartridges the air hole is on the opposite side? So instead of being on the outside toward the end where your fingers push and you see PUSH with the arrow. It resides against the opposite edge. Now I’m perplexed because the PhotoCyan also has left over unused ink still in about 5percent? But it says Replace and will not allow even pressing the button to milk out as we sometimes can do? So does anyone have any ideas or think it might be the actual chip or connection for that PhotoCyan on the Head? Because no matter what New one I put in it still shows NO INK not even lines! Thanks for any help

[@SchonaKesslerBlogger]

WOW!!! So I didn't have amonia but I had water and alcohol. I mixed it swirled print head in it. Let it sit few minutes. Put a few drops right on yellow mesh screen since it was the only one not printing. Dried it off. Put in printer and WOW Yellow is back and more beautiful than ever!!!Thank you!!!

[@Explore-Gobal]

Thank you. Subbed.

[@monelleny]

Love this video, but you said you were going to show how to make the gadget for cleaning out cartridges, and you never did. :( I looked on your other videos and did not see it there, either. Does it exist somewhere?

[@ferretface]

I think my print head is worse now.

[@evankolpack]

I'm doing this process right now on my Pro 10 but using an ultrasonic cleaner instead of the Waterpik. I do have a Waterpik, but I have a feeling the ultrasonic will work better. If not, I may do the Waterpik as well. Thanks for the excellent, detailed video!

[@rodrigomendez6406]

Thanks!!! Great video and help for users that canon doesn't help (specially outside the US). If the cleaning solution touches the contacts of the printhead, could it generate problems? Do you have more recommendations for the Pixma pro 100? I haven't been able to refill original cartridges so I have bought the alternative ones. I always have problemas printing. I don't print too often. Also I'm having problems to access the wifi set up. I changed my wifi and haven't been able to connect to the new signal. Any sugestions? Thanks again.

[@hazadus2u]

Very thorough process!!!!! Got me to try and remove print head. Way easier than i thought with Canon Ts9020!!!!!!!!! Simple lever to pull up and it came right out. Before we do your full flush out, i would try just squirting 10/1 distilled water and IPA and dabbing cotton ball on head and soaking up and cleaning the resting plug cap inside printer with wet cotton ball so it can seal again!!! Worked got me printing again!

[@jeannemarieviggiano7337]

THANK YOU! This worked like a CHARM. Well, it did take a couple of times for my printer to stop giving me the error of death but, I unplugged the printer for a while and it started up again and has been so far so good! Thank you for sharing this video! (I do not have a water pick but I was able to use the spray feature on my sink to rinse out the print head (without the mixture) and it still worked for me. I'm not quite ready for a new printer soooooo HAPPY this WORKED!

[@beeteethdesings]

Worked for me! I didn’t have ammonia and used 90% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water (50:50) for 30 minutes and used the spray setting on my sink let air dry and it worked wonders! For stubborn clogs I imagine the ammonia is a must

[@debbiemcnerney7524]

Hello Andrew. I have an issue with my LGY grey that is not extreme but rears its ugly head by showing streaks on my images. I tried OEM LGY grey and same nozzle check shows slight lines in LGY patch. I will use your video to clean my print heads. However, other videos emphasize NOT allowing that gold board on the back of the print head to get wet in any way. But your video shows you spraying that gold board on the rear with the water pick or allowing it to get wet. So, its safe to get that wet?

[@MariannaFeldman782]

I followed these instructions and now my test print is coming out stripy within the color blocks whereas before all the blocks were solid and the cyan wasn’t coming out at all. Any advice?

[@PrettyPastelStudios]

So I thought I was using distilled water but I didn't read it and it says it has minerals for taste!!! Now my printer is worse then it was before... If I use distilled water (the correct one) and do this all over again will it fix it? I also didn't use the waterpik but if I get it will that work better? My printer also gave me an error code 5100... nothing was jammed so for now my printer is off :( (I use my printer for my art prints so I'm pretty upset and hope there will be a way to fix it, any help would be appreciated thank you!)

[@elias_nif]

Exellent video , thank you for sharing with us . I have the same printer. 5 years now and i never cleaned the printhead or any other part of my printer . I use mostly after market inks from amazon . Today my printer flashes yellow and white for 20 times and i can't find the cause of the error . Do you believe by cleaning the printhead will resolve my issue ? Thank you again .

[@JaneofArc]

Thank you for sharing. It's very generous of you to share the recipe also. I have the same printer and it's been sitting. I'm about to find out if I have same issue, but first I've been working on a brother laser printer that prints faded on left and an epson 1430 with ciss that got clogged and now, one colour is printing very faded after doing a manual clean of the nozzles. I think I'm going to have to take the printhead out, but it's scary because of all the plastic clips that can break. Ugh. Either that or maybe it's my capping station. It's been a week of headaches and I can't let it go until I fix it. I even made an external waste tank with aquarium tubing and a bottle because I've been doing so many head cleanings. Lol, this has become such a priority to me for my small business, that fixing it has even started to infiltrate my dreams. One thing I heard recently is that newer printers might be using copper in the printhead so ammonia might actually make things worse, but I feel good about using it on the machines I have. Thanks again. 😊

[@dannymendez]

Hello, excellent video. I do have Canon ImagePrograf Pro-300 and i didn't found third party ink supplier. I don't know about how to reset the ship of cartridge or if it's not possible at all. Thanks

[@oscarlopez2052]

Hello my friend. you mention that you have some pro. 100 I would like to ask you a question I would like to know if you can print in a neutral black and white with the pro100, I have tried for a long time and I cannot get a neutral b & w just a sepia or with a green tone. I would like to know if you could help me since you have more experience I use a Mac pro 2017 and Lightroom cc to be able to do the whole process to print thanks for your help.

[@eboeyoyooor7685]

Hi Andrew, great video. Have you encounter the error code 5C00 and the printer tray not lighting up after cartridges are installed? After cleaning as you'd demonstrated, the power/print light blinks 4 times, pauses and then repeats. Thank you for any possible suggestions to correct this.