If you are getting black ink smears on your prints this is why!

[@jvd2611]

Thank you so much! I figured out what is was but didn't know to fix it. Finally someone (YOU) gave the most important information about this subject which has been haunting me for two weeks nowI APPRECIATED

[@kathycooper6928]

Thanks for solving a long term problem for me!! Ive had two, maybe three Epson 630 expression premium printers over the years that eventually develop the black blobs of ink on the prints. Thanks to your great instructions, I was able to easily clean the purge pad and it cured the problem. I have been unable to find a solution from tech or anywhere so I am very happy!! I love this inexpensive printer for the Claria inks which produce beautiful pro-looking prints. Not many printers use this ink so I hope I can still find them as time goes by. Bravo for your help:)

[@utilitymaximizer9026]

My brand new ET-8550 is making smears in over half of the photo prints, and on a 4x6 paper (Epson glossy) it smears in the same area each time. Should I do the cleaning you suggested in this video?

[@fixitright9709]

My 8550 is doing the same thing and is also about two weeks old! 4 x 6 prints are smearing on the leading edge on the border, black ink, sometimes it moves from the border into the photo but always in the same spot, manufacturing is a junk process I believe.

[@TonySkeelz]

Thank you thank you and thank you!!! You just solved a problem that was costing me money.

[@pennypina3719]

So helpful. A million thank yous.

[@fredmuehter3307]

Jose, great videos as always. Do you know if there is way to gain access to the purge pad on a Epson P700? Blotches as you've shown on first print of the day but second print does not have them. Black ink has dripped on 3 sides of the maintenance box even though the epson monitor shows it as only half full. Looks like ink is leaking from above--purge pad clogged? Also noticing saturated sections of sponge area along bottom edge in front of paper rollers. I don't want to move the head carriage and break it but it doesn't seem to move much from the far right like the P800 and when you do the unplug demonstration in the video.

[@shawnarene]

After you do the purge pad with the Windex you recommended to do a cleaning are you talking about a purge cleaning or a printhead cleaning

[@cheo1949]

The pad when the print head parks itself.

[@peterdaye1033]

very informative and helpful. thank you.

[@utubeagainalready]

This is exactly what's happening to me and my Epson 3880. Black blob/smear on my prints. I so wish there was a video to show me how to clean! I'm mechanically inclined but never opened up a printer! I'm not quite ready to buy a new printer. Can you, or do you know a video that can help me with this?? Tim

[@nandamari]

Awesome tips, as always.

[@kenblair2538]

OMG ! Thanks so much Jose . Now question, I have a Canon Pixma IX6820, and can access the purge pads with 6 in. cotton tip applicator . But, what I'm seeing are foam pads . Should I just dab the foam pads (there are 2) with the Windex soaked tips , changing the applicators each time ? Thanks so much. KB

[@mrb9561]

OMG! thank you for explaining that! I have the epson ET-7750 and I have always had trouble with it clogging and not being able to be cleaned with nozzle cleaning process. Once I took a look at the landing perch - holy - what a mess!! I cleaned it and not only did I eliminated the spread of black ink, but I could finally clean the nozzles successfully. I think my cartridge is leaking or that gate thing isn't working, do you have a video that explains what to do in one of those situations please? Do I just have to replace the parts?

[@Kivanen]

Hello Jose, thank you for your common sense and wisdom around printing. I would like ask you, what third party ink you recommend to epson xp15000 ciss system? I live in europe. Thank you!

[@carlallison9530]

Jose you made a video, so show the people how to do what your are saying that we should do . Show and tell my friend , videos are visual.

[@loism7268]

he has an older video showing how to clean the area for an epson xp, but I can't locate it. :(

[@zathraspersonal]

very useful Joe - I have a problem with smudging when printing on A3 on a Pro100s - right at the end of the print it starts making a noise and black ink smudges at the back corner - is this a problem you have just described??

[@cheo1949]

Yes. Head strikes. The paper is curled a few thou upwards and it closes the printhead to paper surface gap.

[@TheOmbrejaune]

HELP!!! I bought a Epson Sure color P800 use, the display show error 031006, earlier it said something about bleeding or purging line??? Also the cleanup tray seem pretty heavy and the cartridge feel very light... like empty. Is anyone could help me? This is my first time whit this printer and to be honest I do not know much except the printer seem relatively new and some one had it before and run the cartridge DRY. I bought it for part repair...

[@lisacleary2472]

Mine is putting smears on 11x17 prints but not 8.5 by 11

[@cheo1949]

Smears where? Front or rear?

[@josephKEOarthur]

Purge pad! Ya

[@josephKEOarthur]

Nice thanks!

[@marlenahawkins2778]

Never discount the Baby Boomers! They know everything. Thank you sir. 🙂

[@topazl9593]

Instead of talking too much, show how to do it !!

[@cheo1949]

I can't show you since I am NOT suffering from smears. I would cause problems where none exist. So I have to explain what you can do instead.