My printer is producing black smudges down the paper when printing.
If your printed pages have black smudges, streaks, or marks, it usually means the printer needs cleaning or the cartridge is faulty.
Run the printer’s cleaning cycle
Most printers include built‑in cleaning tools that can help clear excess toner or ink.
How to access cleaning tools (Windows 10/11)
- Open the Start menu and type Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer from the list.
- Click Printing preferences or Printer properties.
- Look for a tab such as Maintenance, Service, or Tools.
- Run the cleaning cycle or print head cleaning option.
If your printer came with additional software (installed from the manufacturer’s website or included setup tools), you may also find cleaning utilities there.
Tip: You may need to run the cleaning cycle more than once.
Try replacing the black ink or toner cartridge
If cleaning doesn’t help, the cartridge may be leaking, worn out, or damaged.
- Replace the black ink (inkjet printers) or black toner (laser printers).
- After replacing it, print a test page to check the result.
If the problem continues
Persistent smudging can indicate:
- A dirty or worn‑out drum unit (laser printers)
- A fuser issue
- Internal contamination from spilled toner
- A hardware fault inside the printer
In these cases, check your printer’s warranty or contact the manufacturer or supplier for further support.
Reviewed – 12/01/2026