Cleaning your scanner is a simple process that needs to be done regularly to ensure you get the best clarity and quality possible from it. Below are some cleaning tips for one of the most popular types of scanners on the market, a flatbed scanner.
Supplies:
Before you begin, you’ll need to round up a few supplies. You’ll need a lint-free cloth or cotton swab, rubbing alcohol, and a can of compressed air. For the cloth, it’s best to use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the scanner’s glass surface.
Preparation:
Before you start cleaning your scanner, you’ll want to make sure it’s unplugged and powered off. Once that’s done, you can open up the scanner lid and locate the glass plate. Gently lift up the lid and prop it open using the support arm. Make sure the arm is securely in place so there are no chances of it accidentally falling and causing damage.
Cleaning the Scanner Glass:
Start by dampening the cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. It’s best to use a fresh cloth for each cleaning session just to ensure that no dirt or dust gets spread around from previous cleanings. Then, use the dampened cloth to gently clean the glass surface of the scanner. Make sure to move in a circular motion starting from the center and working your way outwards. This will ensure that any remaining debris is evenly removed.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the glass surface, use the can of compressed air to blow away any dust particles that might have been missed. Be careful when doing this as the force of the air could potentially scratch or damage the surface. After that, use a dry cloth or cotton swab to give the glass a final polish.
Cleaning the Rollers:
Once the scanner glass is looking good, the next step is to clean the rollers that are located beneath the glass surface. If you look closely, you should see two rollers situated along the long sides of the scanner. Start by using a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe down the rollers and surrounding areas.
Then, use the compressed air to dislodge any dirt particles or dust that might have settled into the gaps between the rollers and their respective mounts. Again, be careful here as the force of the air could cause damage if it’s not directed correctly. When you’re done, you can use a dry cloth to wipe down the rollers and their mount for a final polish.
Conclusion:
With that, you should be all set! Cleaning the scanner glass and rollers regularly will help ensure the best quality and clarity when scanning documents. Just remember to be careful with the force of the compressed air and to always use a dry cloth when wiping down or polishing the scanner’s surfaces. Happy cleaning!