Share this article

Improve this guide

Printer is Leaving Black Streaks: How to Fix it

Discover solutions that worked for others!

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

ThePrinterleaving black lines or streaks on paper is a fairly common problem. It’s something that you are likely to come across even thebestprinters, be it any make or type, including laser or inkjet printers.

That said, resolving the issue is quite easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Keep reading to find out all about the problem and the solutions that worked for others!

What causes black lines on paper when printing?

Here are the primary reasons you find the printer printing black lines:

What can I do when the printer leaves black streaks?

1. Clean the rollers

Made of soft rubber material, rollers act to move the paper inside theprinterfor the print to take place. However, any dust particles here can be enough for black lines to appear on the prints. So, the thing to do here is to clean the rollers gently using a lint-free cloth.

You can also use a soft brush moistened with some isopropyl alcohol for the cleaning act, especially if it’s hard to reach with your hands. Also, clean the transfer belt as well if yourprinterhas one. You might also have to replace the roller if cleaning the same does not solve the issue.

2. Clean cartridge nozzles

If needed, you might have to opt for a more thorough cleaning (if such an option is available) or perform the cleaning act several times to fix things when the printer is leaving black streaks.

3. Replace the drum

This is more applicable to laser printers, where the drum is used to sort the print onto the paper. However, even a speck of dust on the drum can be enough to cause black lines as the print misses out on the portion where the dust is.

Replace the drum if you are able to, or replace the toner if the drum is part of it, as is sometimes the case. Unfortunately, this isn’t quite a simple job, and you should seek expert help if you can’t manage it on your own.

4. Clean or replace the fuser

A damaged fuser is also another reason for lines to appear on prints. So, the best option here is to go for a complete replacement of the fuser.

Again, seek professional help if needed. Both the drum and fuser or replaceable units are replaced during maintenance operations.

5. Extract, clean, and reinsert the cartridges

Sometimes, faulty installation of the cartridges or those with blocked print heads (especially in inkjet printers than lasers) can be the culprit too.

In that case, remove the cartridge and clean the print head using cotton buds moistened with isopropyl alcohol (or any light cleaning agent).

Take care to clean only the portion from where the ink is ejected and not the entire cartridge, especially the region where the circuit is located.

If everything else fails and the printer is still leaving black streaks, or things turn for the worse, seek professional help immediately.

Before you leave, check the mostreliable printer management softwareto seamlessly configure and access the device.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

Printer is Leaving Black Streaks: How to Fix it#

What causes black lines on paper when printing?#

What can I do when the printer leaves black streaks?#

1. Clean the rollers#

2. Clean cartridge nozzles#

3. Replace the drum#

4. Clean or replace the fuser#

5. Extract, clean, and reinsert the cartridges#