How To Fix Smearing and Duplicating Prints on Your Printer

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If you’re experiencing smearing or duplication issues with your HP Color LaserJet MFP 178nwg, don’t worry — there’s a straightforward way to fix it. These problems usually happen when the printer’s toner or paper isn’t aligning properly, or if the toner isn’t being applied evenly. Let’s walk through some simple steps to resolve the issue and get your printer printing clearly again.

First, start by checking the paper you’re using. Make sure it’s clean, smooth, and free of dust or curls. Using the right type of paper recommended for your printer can make a big difference. Then, open the printer and carefully remove the toner cartridge. Give the cartridge a gentle shake side to side to evenly distribute the toner inside before reinserting it.

Next, look at the drum unit, which transfers toner onto the paper. If it appears dirty or has toner buildup, carefully clean it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be sure to handle the drum with care to avoid scratches — damage to the drum can cause print quality issues.

After cleaning, check the paper tray to ensure it’s filled properly and that the paper guides are snug against the paper stack. Incorrect paper alignment can cause the toner to smear or duplicate. Also, make sure you’re using the correct paper type and recommended weight settings in the printer’s menu.

Once everything looks good, run a test print. If the smearing or duplication persists, it may be necessary to perform a calibration or cleaning cycle. Your printer’s settings menu often has a maintenance or calibration option. Follow the prompts to run this cycle, which helps realign internal parts and clean any residual toner.

If these steps don’t solve the problem, the toner cartridge might be worn out or damaged. Consider replacing it with a genuine HP toner cartridge to ensure optimal print quality.

Finally, if issues still continue after trying these steps, it’s a good idea to contact HP customer support or a local service technician. Sometimes the problem requires more in-depth repairs or replacement parts.

By keeping your paper clean, checking your toner cartridge, and running regular maintenance, you can reduce or eliminate smearing and duplication issues. With a little care, your printer will produce sharp, professional prints every time.