| By :
Mark Etinger
Keeping a copy machine clean is one of the easiest ways to help keep it running smoothly. One of the most common problems copy machines face is a paper jam, which can occur for a number of reasons -- one of which is the paper getting caught up on some wayward ink. (Another way to prevent a paper jam is by making sure the paper tray is filled to the proper level; oftentimes too little or too much paper can negatively affect the way the paper is fed.) Follow the steps below to properly clean and maintain a copy machine, for maximum efficiency. Before you do anything, unplug the machine to avoid electrocution. Do not plug it back in until you're completely done cleaning it. Keep the exterior clean. This will indirectly keep the copy machine in good running order, because people are less likely to abuse (slam or hit out of anger) a machine that looks new. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior to remove particles like dust, then use a damp, lint-free cloth to get rid of dirt and fingerprint smudges. You can also use a mixture of liquid or dish soap and water and gently scrub at the fingerprints. Do one last wipe-down with a lint-free cloth and spray-on furniture polish. Use a lint-free cloth and a small amount of water to wipe down the platen glass, or, if you feel something strong is necessary, try regular glass cleaner rather than water. Don't use any all-purpose products, as the chemicals can do severe damage to the anti-static coating on the platen glass. Use a dry, lint-free cloth for the final wipe-down. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the interior of the copy machine and purge it of paper dust and toner residue. Open the inner-access panels and wipe the visible areas; you can also use a can of compressed air for the tight spots you can't fit the cloth into, but don't go crazy with it, otherwise you may end up just moving the dust around rather than actually removing it. Use the compressed air lightly, and then do another once-over with the cloth. The rollers that move paper through the copy machine can accumulate a large build-up of paper dust and toner residue that cannot only make it harder for paper to move through the machine (causing jams) but also leave unwanted traces of ink on the paper. Run a damp, lint-free cloth over the rollers -- do NOT use alcohol or any other chemical cleaners on the rollers unless the copy machine's manufacturer or service company has authorized it. These chemicals can cause the rollers to dry out, or damage their surface, thereby shortening their life. Follow these steps and your copy machine will be sure not to give you much trouble.
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