Keep your printers in top shape with the right maintenance

01/04/2026

Printers are like plants: neglect them, and they will slowly deteriorate until they eventually stop working altogether. That’s where the comparison ends, though—don’t water your printer every week, as that would be disastrous for its performance. There are, however, a few simple things you can do. With just a little time and care, you can ensure your device is always ready to print reports or invoices when you need it most.

Cleaning

It may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked: clean your printers regularly. Wipe the exterior with a dust cloth from time to time, but don’t forget the interior. Dust and dirt can gradually find their way inside and cause malfunctions. So every now and then, open up the device and gently clean it. For hard-to-reach areas, a can of compressed air—perhaps the same one you use for your keyboard—can be very helpful.

Choose the right location

Prevention is better than cure. Dust is one of your printer’s biggest enemies, so place your devices in a clean environment. Avoid positioning them near windows or doors where dust and sand can easily enter. Ideally, don’t place printers directly on the production floor or in a warehouse.

Use the right paper

Paper choice also matters, although standard printer paper is usually perfectly fine. More importantly, make sure the paper you load into the trays is still in good condition. Wrinkled pages can block the internal mechanism, leading to paper jams—often at the worst possible moment, when you urgently need those prints. Overfilling the paper trays can cause similar issues, so be mindful not to load too many sheets at once.

Install firmware updates

Don’t overlook the software side of things. Printers are often installed and then forgotten, but they are essentially small computers with their own operating systems. Manufacturers release firmware updates not only to improve security but also to enhance efficiency and fix occasional bugs. Keeping your printer up to date helps it perform at its best.

Start with a reliable partner

With the tips above, you can keep your printer in excellent condition. Choosing an expert partner like Konica Minolta from the start provides even greater peace of mind. Their printers are inherently reliable, with a minimal risk of issues.

Konica Minolta also helps you select the right devices tailored to your printing needs. In addition, they support you in maintaining your printers, for example, through service contracts that include maintenance. With RelaxRate, you can rent a printer for a fixed monthly fee that covers all maintenance needs. This way, your printers are always ready when you need them.