Brother Printers How to Fix Paper Jams by Cleaning Feed Rollers

Those seemingly insignificant rubber components can accumulate dust and paper debris over time, reducing friction and eventually causing paper jams. This guide will walk you through cleaning the pickup rollers on your Brother MFC-J775DW printer, helping it regain optimal performance and say goodbye to paper jams.

The Pickup Roller: The Unsung Hero of Your Printer

Imagine your printer as a busy factory, with pickup rollers serving as the critical component that feeds raw materials (paper) into the production line. These rollers rotate to generate sufficient friction that feeds sheets of paper into the printer one by one. However, dust, paper particles, ink residue and other contaminants gradually accumulate on the roller surface, reducing friction and causing feeding problems that lead to paper jams.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation: Safety First

Before beginning the cleaning process, prioritize safety with these preparatory steps:

1. Power off and disconnect: This is the most crucial step! Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet to prevent electric shock or other accidents.
2. Prepare cleaning tools: Gather the following materials:
   • Soft, lint-free cloth: Avoid abrasive materials that might scratch the roller surface.
   • Distilled or purified water: Don't use tap water as it may contain minerals that could leave deposits on the rollers.
   • Cotton swabs (optional): Useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide: Revitalizing Your Printer

Follow these detailed steps to clean the pickup rollers on your Brother MFC-J775DW printer:

1. Open the paper tray: Locate the printer's paper tray, typically at the bottom of the unit. Open it and remove all paper.
2. Remove the tray completely: Pull out the paper tray entirely to better access the rollers.
3. Clean the base plate (if needed): If your printer frequently feeds multiple sheets when the tray isn't full, clean the base plate. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth slightly with water and wipe the base plate (marked as area "1"). For models with photo trays or bypass trays, clean the photo tray base plate (marked as area "2") using the same method. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
4. Locate the pickup rollers: Inside the paper tray compartment, you'll find several rubber rollers - these are the pickup rollers. They're typically black or gray and positioned along the paper feed path.
5. Clean the rollers: Gently wipe the rollers with a slightly dampened, soft lint-free cloth. Rotate the rollers manually while cleaning to ensure complete surface coverage. For stubborn stains, use a cotton swab lightly moistened with water.
6. Dry the rollers: Use a dry, soft cloth to remove all moisture. Residual water could cause slipping and affect paper feeding.
7. Reassemble: Replace the paper tray, ensuring it clicks securely into position.
8. Reload paper: Insert paper into the tray, making sure the edges are aligned properly.
9. Power on and test: Reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer. Perform a test print to verify the paper jam issue is resolved.

Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Issues

What if paper jams persist after cleaning?

• Check your paper: Ensure you're using compatible paper that isn't damp or damaged.
• Inspect the rollers: Examine the pickup rollers for cracks or excessive wear. Severely damaged rollers may need replacement.
• Clean the printer interior: Dust and debris elsewhere in the printer can also cause jams. Use a vacuum or compressed air to clean internal components.

How often should I clean the pickup rollers?

Frequency depends on usage and environment. For heavy use or dusty conditions, monthly cleaning is recommended. For light use, quarterly cleaning may suffice.

Can I use alcohol to clean the rollers?

Alcohol isn't recommended as it may cause rubber components to harden and deteriorate prematurely.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Beyond regular roller cleaning, these practices can help minimize paper jams:

• Use high-quality paper: Cheap paper produces more dust and debris, requiring more frequent cleaning.
• Maintain printer cleanliness: Regularly clean both exterior and interior surfaces to prevent dust accumulation.
• Avoid humid environments: Moisture can cause paper to swell, affecting feed performance.

Conclusion: Enjoy Smooth Printing Again

By following this comprehensive guide, you've learned how to effectively clean the pickup rollers on your Brother MFC-J775DW printer. Regular maintenance not only resolves paper jams but extends your printer's lifespan and improves print quality. Take action today to restore your printer's performance and enjoy hassle-free printing.