5 Unexpected Copier Maintenance Tips

Submitted by Melissa Michels on Wed, 06/29/2022 - 10:08
business person preparing a document to copy on copy machine

You probably know how important it is to take good care of your machines--but do you know all the best ways to perform copier maintenance? Here are a few tips to make your life easier, your copier maintenance better, and your machines even happier!

Top Copier Maintenance Tips

Want to know how to show your copiers some real TLC? Here are a few of the best copier maintenance tips to add to your schedule:

#1 Shut the machines down when not in use.

Leaving for the night? Heading off for a long weekend? One of your first priorities should be to shut down the copiers. This keeps the machines from running unnecessarily, which adds to the everyday wear and tear that eventually forces you to buy new copiers. Better yet, shutting down means you'll save on your energy bill, too.

#2 Be patient when you start them up.

Copiers are just like people: They usually need a minute or two to wake up in the morning. Be patient when you first boot up your machines, and don't start pushing buttons or tapping the screens until you've given your copiers a chance to warm up. It's also smart to run a few test copies if the machines are acting particularly slow or if they've been off for a few days.

#3 Get smart about paper.

Paper is an often-overlooked part of copier maintenance. However, it's key to the health of your machines. That's why you should always read the user's manuals to make sure you're using the correct paper type and size for your copiers. You should also check up on your storage area to be sure your paper is safe from moisture, humidity, and other variables that could cause wrinkles, tears, and folds (which your copiers don't like).

#4 Clean everything.

Although it's important to clean the copier glass on a regular basis, that's not the only thing you should pay attention to. Remember to carefully open your machines and check for any ripped paper, dust, or debris as well. Clean the copiers inside and out--just stay away from the more delicate parts as much as possible. You can use a soft cloth and glass cleaner for the copier glass, but never use liquid detergents on the inside of the machines.

You should also clean around your copiers. Dusting and vacuuming helps keep debris from getting into your devices, which can cause copy quality issues and shorten the lifespan of the machines.

#5 Know what you can and can't fix.

Copier maintenance can be simple, but that's not always the case. If you run into a larger problem or find yourself scratching your head, don't feel like you have to figure things out on your own. The truth is that your copiers will always benefit from an expert hand when it comes to bigger or more significant issues--so know what your limits are and don't be afraid to call your copier maintenance partner for assistance.

The Real Secret to Copier Maintenance

There's a secret to copier maintenance, one that a lot of companies tend to overlook. It's simple, but it has a lot of power.

Here it is: The most important part of copier maintenance is having a schedule.

Why? Let's find out:

  • Regularity: A schedule helps you make sure you're making copier maintenance into a long-term habit. If you just do the odd task here and there, you won't be getting the real benefits--and you might end up spending more time and money than you save in the long run.

  • Quality: When you have a copier maintenance schedule, you'll always know which task needs to happen when. This keeps you from unnecessarily repeating jobs, which isn't just wasteful--it also means you're probably skipping other important parts of your overall copier maintenance routine.

  • Efficiency: Many companies procrastinate on copier maintenance because they don't want to deal with downtime. A schedule gives you the opportunity to plan around maintenance tasks--that way, you always know what to expect and when. Better yet, with the visibility provided by a schedule, you can change maintenance tasks around in case a huge project comes down the pipeline.

Long story short, a schedule keeps your copier maintenance routine on track. It helps you get all the benefits with none of the frustration--and that's especially true if you work with copier maintenance experts who know exactly what your machines need and when.

Contact an Expert

In conclusion, copier maintenance is a big deal--but it doesn't have to be a big problem. Just create a schedule, brush up on a few key tips, know your limits, and remember to partner up with a maintenance expert for extra help whenever you need it.

Want to learn more about copier maintenance? Looking for a service partner? Contact us today!