Cleaning your ID card printer regularly is the key to ensure it runs well and produces quality cards. The cleaning process requires few special products and takes only minutes, and we recommend you clean the printer every time you change the ribbon.

Dust and dirt can settle into your printer, causing problems in several ways: it can block sensors that detect ribbons and cards, build up on the printhead causing streaks and smears and even damage to the printhead – a several hundred dollar repair!

What Comes in a Cleaning Kit?

The exact products in your cleaning kit will vary depending on your printer model, because each ID card printer manufacture creates a cleaning kit specific to the printer’s needs. The most common items include:

• Alcohol-soaked large cleaning cards
• Pens and swabs
• Adhesive cleaning rollers
• Cleaning pads or wipes

Not sure which cleaning kit you need? Try the AlphaCard Supply Finder to quickly see all the parts for your specific printer. Need a guide to cleaning your printer? The Technical Support site has videos and guides for most major ID card printer models.