# How can I fix my laser printer’s streaking issue?

> Streaking is usually caused by a worn out drum unit or spent toner cartridge. Drum units are a consumable and only need to be replaced after the use of...

Source: https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/how-can-i-fix-my-laser-printer's-streaking-issue-BkqDmFy8D

Last updated: 2021-03-05T21:14:07.370Z

Streaking is usually caused by a worn out drum unit or spent toner cartridge.  Drum units are a consumable and only need to be replaced after the use of 3 or 4 toners.  Not all printers use a separate toner and drum unit.  Some printers use toners that have the drum unit incorporated into the toner cartridge and they function as one unit.  Consult your printer’s user guide to determine what products are correct for your machine.

First, we want to check the toner cartridge.

1.  Remove the cartridge and rock it back and forth a few times over a trashcan to evenly redistribute the toner powder.  Some toner powder may emit from the cartridge as you do this.
2.  Reinstall the toner cartridge and run a test print.
3.  If the quality does not improve, check your printer’s user guide to see if there is a cartridge cleaning function built into the machine. If you can’t find your manual, you can usually find a digital copy by searching for it on Google.
4.  Run the cleaning function and run another test print.

At this point, if your prints are not improving you might just need a new cartridge.

If it is a drum related concern, you might need to clean the drum, or simply just replace it.

1.  Clean the corona wire inside the drum unit by gently sliding the green tab from left to right and right to left several times.  Be sure to return the tab to the home position.

For a demonstration, watch the video below:

1.  Gently clean the drum roller by wiping it with a lint-free cloth.  Please note, the drum unit is very sensitive, do not touch the roller with your fingers.

For a demonstration, watch the video below:

2\. Some printers are equipped with a built-in drum unit cleaning function.  Consult your printer's user guide to see if this is an option for your machine.

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