Running a DTG printing business comes with its challenges, and one of the biggest headaches is dealing with a clogged print head. If you’re using a Ricoh RI 1000 DTG printer, you know how crucial proper maintenance is to keep your machine running smoothly.
Unfortunately, I recently encountered a white ink nozzle clog on my Ricoh RI 1000. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I fixed it, what caused it, and some essential tips to prevent it from happening to your DTG printer.
🚨 The Problem: White Ink Nozzle Clog
One day, after performing a weekly maintenance cleaning, I noticed my white ink wasn’t printing correctly. My nozzle check kept showing gaps in the same spot, no matter how many cleanings I tried.
Since white ink is notoriously prone to clogging, I always make sure to:
✅ Shake the white ink cartridges twice a day
✅ Perform regular cleanings (daily, weekly, and monthly)
✅ Keep the humidity levels stable
But despite all this, the clog still happened. After some troubleshooting, I reached out to Ricoh support for advice.
🔧 Step-by-Step Fix: Unclogging the Print Head
Ricoh’s tech support recommended a deep soaking method using lint-free wipes and cleaning solution. Here’s the exact process I followed:
1️⃣ Prepare the Cleaning Wipes
- Take lint-free wipes and fold them into four squares.
- Lightly soak them in cleaning solution, ensuring they are moist but not drenched.
2️⃣ Insert the Soaked Wipes into the Print Head
- Roll the wipes like small cigars and place them against the print head to help absorb and break down the clog.
- Let the solution sit for at least 7-10 days (longer is better).
3️⃣ Replace Cleaning Cartridges
- After soaking, replace the cleaning cartridges and shake the white ink cartridges thoroughly.
- Reinstall the ink and manually charge the white ink (this took about 26 minutes).
4️⃣ Run a Strong Head Cleaning & Nozzle Check
- Perform a strong head clean as recommended by Ricoh.
- Run a nozzle check to see if the clog has cleared.
✅ Success! After about 10 days, my white ink was finally flowing properly again!
🔍 What Caused the Print Head Clog?
After troubleshooting, I realized the main culprit was low humidity in my workspace.
Since my DTG printer is in a garage with an AC unit, I found that running the AC throughout the day dropped the humidity too low (down to 20%), causing the ink to dry up.
💡 How to Prevent DTG Print Head Clogs
To avoid future clogs, I’m implementing these best practices:
✔ Keep humidity above 40% (use a humidifier if needed)
✔ Shake the white ink cartridges twice daily
✔ Perform nozzle checks regularly
✔ Print frequently – even if you don’t have orders, print test designs to keep ink flowing
✔ Turn off AC when not needed to maintain optimal humidity
🏁 Final Thoughts
Fixing a clogged print head can be frustrating, but with proper maintenance and environmental control, you can prevent major downtime for your DTG business.
I hope this guide helps you keep your Ricoh RI 1000 running smoothly! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help fellow DTG printers.
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Have you ever dealt with a clogged DTG print head? Drop a comment below with your experience! 👇
