Identify Your Streak Problem
Different streak patterns indicate different problems. Identify your issue to find the right fix.
Horizontal Lines/Bands
Lines running across the page (left to right)
- Cause: Clogged printhead nozzles
- Fix: Run printhead cleaning cycle
- Printer type: Inkjet
Vertical Streaks
Lines running down the page (top to bottom)
- Cause: Dirty/damaged drum or fuser
- Fix: Clean or replace drum unit
- Printer type: Laser
White Streaks (Missing Ink)
Gaps or white lines in printed areas
- Cause: Severely clogged nozzles or empty cartridge
- Fix: Deep cleaning or cartridge replacement
- Printer type: Both
Smudged/Blurry Streaks
Ink or toner smearing on the page
- Cause: Excess ink, dirty rollers, or fuser issue
- Fix: Clean rollers, check fuser temperature
- Printer type: Both
Fix Streaks on Inkjet Printers
Inkjet streaks are almost always caused by clogged printhead nozzles. Here's how to fix them.
1 Run Automatic Printhead Cleaning
This is the first and most effective solution for inkjet streaks.
HP Printers
- 1. Settings → Tools → Clean Printhead
- 2. Wait for cycle to complete
- 3. Print test page
- 4. Repeat up to 3 times if needed
Epson Printers
- 1. Setup → Maintenance → Head Cleaning
- 2. Select cleaning level
- 3. Print nozzle check pattern
- 4. Run Power Cleaning if needed
Canon Printers
- 1. Setup → Maintenance → Cleaning
- 2. Select ink group to clean
- 3. Print nozzle check pattern
- 4. Try Deep Cleaning if standard fails
Brother Printers
- 1. Ink/Maintenance → Cleaning
- 2. Select color to clean
- 3. Print test page
- 4. Repeat if necessary
Tip: Wait 5-10 minutes between cleaning cycles to let ink settle. Running too many cleanings back-to-back wastes ink without improving results.
2 Check and Replace Low Ink Cartridges
Low ink is a common cause of streaky prints. Even if the printer says there's ink remaining, cartridges below 20% often cause quality issues.
- ✓ Check ink levels on printer display or software
- ✓ Replace any cartridges below 20%
- ✓ Use genuine or high-quality compatible cartridges
- ✓ Check expiration dates - old ink clogs nozzles
Recommended: High-Yield Ink Cartridges
High-yield cartridges save money and reduce the frequency of replacements that can introduce air into the system.
3 Manual Printhead Cleaning
If automatic cleaning doesn't work, manual cleaning removes stubborn clogs.
Warning: Only do this if your printer has a removable printhead. Some printers (many Epson models) have permanent printheads that shouldn't be removed.
- 1 Turn off printer and unplug it
- 2 Remove all ink cartridges
- 3 Unlatch and remove the printhead (HP/Canon typically)
- 4 Soak the nozzle plate in warm distilled water for 10-15 minutes
- 5 Gently blot (don't wipe) with lint-free cloth
- 6 Let dry completely (20-30 minutes)
- 7 Reinstall printhead and cartridges
- 8 Run one automatic cleaning cycle, then print test page
Recommended: Printhead Cleaning Kit
Professional cleaning kits include the right solutions and tools for stubborn clogs.
Printhead Cleaning Kit - $12.994 Print a Nozzle Check Pattern
A nozzle check shows exactly which colors/nozzles are clogged.
How to Read a Nozzle Check:
- Complete lines: Nozzles working properly
- Broken/missing lines: Clogged nozzles - run cleaning
- Faded lines: Low ink or partially clogged
- Missing color entirely: Empty cartridge or severe clog
Fix Streaks on Laser Printers
Laser printer streaks have different causes than inkjet. Here's how to diagnose and fix them.
Vertical Streaks (Lines Running Down the Page)
Vertical streaks indicate a drum unit problem.
Solutions:
- 1. Clean the drum: Remove drum unit, gently wipe with dry lint-free cloth. Never use liquid on the drum surface.
- 2. Check for scratches: Inspect drum surface for scratches or marks. A scratched drum must be replaced.
- 3. Clean the corona wire: Use the cleaning tab (if your printer has one) to gently clean the corona wire.
- 4. Replace the drum: Drums wear out over time (typical life: 10,000-50,000 pages).
Replacement Drum Units
If cleaning doesn't help, the drum likely needs replacement.
Horizontal Bands or Repeating Marks
Repeating marks at regular intervals indicate a specific roller or component issue.
Measure the Distance Between Marks:
- ~3.75" apart: Drum unit issue
- ~2" apart: Transfer roller issue
- ~3" apart: Fuser roller issue
Solutions:
- Clean the fuser: Open fuser access, wipe rollers with dry lint-free cloth
- Replace the fuser: Fusers wear out (typical life: 50,000-200,000 pages)
- Replace toner cartridge: Some marks are caused by defective toner cartridges
Toner Smudges or Smearing
If toner smears when you touch it, the fuser isn't properly bonding toner to paper.
Solutions:
- Check paper type setting: Heavy paper needs higher fuser temperature
- Use correct paper: Laser-compatible paper only (not inkjet paper)
- Clean the fuser: Debris can prevent proper heating
- Replace the fuser: A worn fuser won't reach proper temperature
- Check toner cartridge: Defective toner can cause poor adhesion
Tip: Always use paper labeled for laser printers. Inkjet paper can damage laser printers and causes smearing.
Faded Prints or Light Streaks
Faded prints with light areas usually indicate low toner.
Quick Fixes:
- 1. Shake the toner cartridge: Remove cartridge, gently rock side to side 5-6 times to redistribute toner
- 2. Check toner level: Most printers show toner level on display or in software
- 3. Replace toner: If shaking doesn't help, the cartridge is empty
High-Yield Toner Cartridges
Save money with high-yield toner that lasts longer.
Prevent Future Streaks
Inkjet Printers
- ✓ Print weekly: Prevents ink from drying in nozzles
- ✓ Use quality ink: Cheap ink clogs nozzles faster
- ✓ Monthly cleaning: Run auto-clean even if prints look fine
- ✓ Keep printer on: Modern printers run maintenance cycles when idle
- ✓ Store properly: Avoid dusty or humid locations
Laser Printers
- ✓ Use quality toner: Off-brand toner can damage drums
- ✓ Clean quarterly: Wipe down paper path and rollers
- ✓ Replace drum on schedule: Don't wait for quality to degrade
- ✓ Use laser paper: Never use inkjet paper in a laser
- ✓ Avoid humidity: Moisture causes toner clumping
Test Your Fix
Use our free test pages to verify the streaks are gone:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my printer leaving streaks on the page?
Streaks are caused by clogged printhead nozzles (inkjet) or a dirty/damaged drum unit (laser). Low ink/toner, debris in the paper path, and worn components can also cause streaks. Running the automatic cleaning cycle fixes most inkjet issues.
How do I fix horizontal lines on my prints?
Horizontal lines on inkjet prints indicate clogged nozzles. Run the printhead cleaning cycle 2-3 times from your printer's maintenance menu. If that doesn't work, manually clean the printhead by soaking the nozzle area in warm distilled water.
Why does my laser printer leave vertical streaks?
Vertical streaks on laser prints are caused by a dirty or damaged drum unit. Clean the drum with a dry lint-free cloth. If there are scratches, the drum must be replaced. Also check and clean the corona wire using the built-in cleaning tab.
How often should I clean my printhead?
Run automatic cleaning monthly for regular use, weekly for heavy printing. Avoid excessive cleaning as it wastes ink. The best prevention is printing at least one page weekly to keep nozzles clear.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my printhead?
Use 90%+ isopropyl alcohol or distilled water. Avoid rubbing alcohol with additives and never use tap water (minerals clog nozzles). For stubborn clogs, dedicated printhead cleaning solutions are most effective.