Cleaning the Thermal Head Epson recommends cleaning the thermal head periodically (generally every 3 months) to maintain print qual- ity. After printing, the thermal head can be very hot. Be careful not to touch it and to let it cool before you clean it. Do not damage the thermal head by touching it with your fingers or any hard object. Do not use water. Use an alcohol-based solvent only. CAUTION 1 Turn off the printer, open the roll paper cover. 2 Clean the thermal elements of the thermal head with a cotton swab moistened with an alcohol solvent (ethanol or IPA). Thermal head 3 Close the roll paper cover. 86