Understanding the Two Cleaning Options
If you’re reading this, you’re likely trying to clarify the difference between the various types of cleaning options available for your Sawgrass Printer. You may be wondering when each one should be done and what specific issues they address. This guide will help clarify the distinction between the commonly used head clean and the more thorough head flush.
Performing a Head Cleaning
Let’s start with the head cleaning. This is a simple and commonly used cleaning option designed to fix issues with missing nozzles, which you might see on your nozzle check. It’s important to note that a nozzle check itself isn’t a cleaning tool—it’s more of a diagnostic method to assess the health of your print head. A head clean is the actual cleaning process that helps resolve nozzle issues.
We typically begin with a head cleaning because it’s the easiest and gentlest way to clear any ink blockages that may be obstructing the nozzles or lines.
Both the head clean and head flush give you the option to select which print head you want to clean. The black and cyan nozzles are separate from the magenta and yellow nozzles. While it’s normal to push ink through the print head with either cleaning process, you don’t want to perform a cleaning or flush on a head that isn’t experiencing problems, as it can cause unnecessary wear. You can choose to clean one head at a time or both, depending on your needs.
When a head cleaning is in progress, your printer will display the process on the LCD screen. Each cleaning generally uses a small amount of ink, and you can perform up to 2 or 3 head cleans. If problems persist after that, it’s time to reach out to the care team to determine whether a head flush or another step is necessary.
Performing a Head Flush
A head flush is similar to a head cleaning but is a more intensive process that targets the inside of the print head. It floods the head with ink to help remove any dried or coagulated ink, making it ideal for solving nozzle issues and print banding. You can perform up to 5 consecutive head flushes, though most issues are resolved long before reaching that number. If the care team instructs you to perform all 5, it’s important to follow those directions.
The printer will remind you that a head flush will use a considerable amount of ink—about 4-5% of each cartridge. While this is a significant amount of ink, it’s not as excessive as some sources suggest (not 20-50% of a cartridge). After each flush, it’s recommended to print another nozzle check to verify whether the issue has been resolved.
The Difference Between Head Clean and Head Flush
To explain the difference, think of it like cleaning your carpets. A head clean is like vacuuming—it picks up dirt and debris from the surface of the carpet. It’s effective for clearing blockages near the surface. A head flush, on the other hand, is more like using a carpet cleaner. It goes deeper into the fibers, thoroughly cleaning the area and removing any trapped dirt.
In simple terms, a head clean clears debris on the surface to prevent clogs, while a head flush thoroughly cleans the head and eliminates deeper blockages.