![Hands typing on a laptop, with coffee cup, glasses, smartphone, and pen at the side](http://images.ctfassets.net/ao073xfdpkqn/411IaUoFEIsEiV4UKj0vsf/2125f95ed8132e77629ae8c7228e02a3/laptop-coffee-1200x440.jpg)
14 TLC maintenance tips to keep your printer in tip top shape
Follow our 14 easy printer maintenance tips to keep your printer performing at its best for years to come.
![Plug Icon Blue](http://images.ctfassets.net/ao073xfdpkqn/5prd7B1x1lYXpRwydipL6O/97a5cd11fb6ef4c8105ea3461fff712a/icon-plug-blue-175x175.png)
Power:
Ensure an adequate source of power by plugging your printer into a properly-grounded electrical outlet (not a power strip).
Reboot the printer after a power outage, firmware update or maintenance issue.
![Tools icon blue](http://images.ctfassets.net/ao073xfdpkqn/1Z70JkCysDZKZ1wWmLQiF2/86e1b83e0b0ec28a6b84a6a73a4fc2ad/icon-tools-blue-175x175.png)
Maintenance:
Clean your printer on a regular basis; follow these tips for your product.
Make sure to keep up with the latest operating system updates and driver and security patches.
Consider an after your one-year service coverage expires to continue excellent servicing.
![Paper stack icon blue](http://images.ctfassets.net/ao073xfdpkqn/1ArM8NHldFXRXGscBILUFj/f3eb0639765121b5449a1cec3e3f7a84/icon-paper-stack-blue-175x175.png)
Paper:
Store paper in a dry location.
Only use clean, undamaged paper: no curled, wrinkled, torn, moist, creased, or folded sheets.
Flex, fan, and straighten the paper before loading into your printer.
Don’t load more than one type, size, or weight of paper in the same tray at the same time.
Use the right kind of paper stock for your printer – every printer has its own specifications for paper types, sizes and weights.
![Ink cartridge icon blue](http://images.ctfassets.net/ao073xfdpkqn/2iXx9c3ROVh9lbsuZdKzQz/edfc7c4861b9dd5094399e2d53261d17/icon-ink-cartridge-blue-175x175.png)
Toner:
Use Genuine Xerox® Toner - cheap bargain brands can damage your printer.
Insert new toner cartridges only, and gently shake the toner before placing in the machine.
![Printer icon blue](http://images.ctfassets.net/ao073xfdpkqn/1pFL35BrfS5IvZa0avJYOo/ded5408ff004d7d48bf5f8638c13b264/icon-printer-blue-175x175.png)
Printer:
Do not place anything on top of your printer.
Don’t open covers or doors during printing. Light exposure can damage the drum cartridges so don’t leave the covers and doors open for any length of time, especially in well-lighted environments.
For more helpful tips, visit Xerox Support FAQs for more information specific to your printer model.
![Delivery person handing 3 boxes of Xerox toner to an office manager](http://images.ctfassets.net/ao073xfdpkqn/7LLPcmDg24LWXbFQ4LEsu4/13d8ecb3baa753913ceb797a872897c0/xerox-toner-suppliues-02-hero-1200x440.jpg)
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