HP LaserJet Quality Issues

If you own an HP LaserJet printer, you know that they are capable of printing very high-quality documents with every print. However, there are things that can affect the output quality of your LaserJet, causing printed documents to look less precise than they should. Perhaps the colors are lighter than desired or printing in the wrong color.  Below are some troubleshooting steps to take when the output quality is not what you expect.

Check the Toner Cartridges

First, remove the toner cartridge from the printer and shake it gently back and forth a few times. Some of your toner could be clumped up due to the temperature or environment. This will cause the clumps to loosen up. Check for signs of damage and the level of toner remaining. If you suspect that your cartridge is empty or may be faulty, replace it with a new one.

Check the Output Settings

Also, you may want to check your LaserJet’s settings. When you click the Print option within any software, you are given the choice between different quality modes. For the highest quality output, you want to make sure you have chosen Best or Maximum for the highest quality output instead of Draft or other options. Also, if your printer is in Toner Save mode this can affect the quality of documents as well.

Check the Paper

High-quality output requires good quality paper, and especially paper that is compatible with the type of printing you are doing. Make sure that your paper is designed for use with a laser printer, and that is dry, not sticking together, and is not bent or creased. For more tips on caring for paper, see our article on Preventative Paper Care.

Clean the Printer

If you are experiencing smears, smudges, streaks, or other similar quality issues, you may want to try cleaning the inside of the printer. Open the access panels and check for any loose toner that might be transferring to the page, and be sure to clean the rollers.

With a little luck and maybe even a little elbow grease, these tips should help you get your LaserJet output quality back up to par. If you are still experiencing problems, consult the manual or the HP Support page for specific troubleshooting based on the exact issue you are having.