# Streaky, Faded, or Missing Colors on a Canon PG-285 / CL-286 — How to Fix Print Quality

> Streaks, faded text, or a missing color on a Canon PIXMA TR7820/TS7720/TS7722? Run a nozzle check and print-head cleaning — step-by-step.

Source: https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/streaky-faded-or-missing-colors-on-a-canon-pg-285-cl-286-how-to-fix-print-quality-r1txFKJbzg

Last updated: 2026-06-05T22:21:34.143Z

**Quick answer:** Streaks, faded text, or a missing color on a PIXMA [TR7820](https://www.ldproducts.com/ink-and-toner/canon/pixma/tr7820), [TS7720](https://www.ldproducts.com/ink-and-toner/canon/pixma/pixma-ts7720), or [TS7722](https://www.ldproducts.com/ink-and-toner/canon/pixma/pixma-ts7722) usually mean a clogged print head. Run the printer's **print-head cleaning** from the maintenance menu, then print a nozzle check. One or two cleaning cycles clears most issues. If a color is still missing after that, the cartridge may be empty or seated poorly.

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## Try these in order

1.  **Run a nozzle check.** From the printer's Setup / Maintenance menu, print the nozzle-check pattern. Gaps or missing lines point to the clogged cartridge (black = [PG-285/XL](https://www.ldproducts.com/remanufactured-canon-pg-285xl-hy-black-ink-cartridge), color = [CL-286/XL](https://www.ldproducts.com/remanufactured-canon-cl-286xl-hy-color-ink-cartridge)).
2.  **Run print-head cleaning.** Choose Cleaning from the maintenance menu and print another nozzle check. Repeat once if needed.
3.  **Run deep cleaning.** If standard cleaning doesn't fully clear it, run Deep Cleaning once. (Deep cleaning uses more ink, so don't overdo it.)
4.  **Reseat the cartridge.** Remove and reinstall the affected cartridge, checking that the protective tape is gone and the gold contacts are clean. See [how to install](https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/how-to-install-canon-pg-285-cl-286-ink-cartridges-Sk0XgKyWMg).
5.  **Check ink level.** If a color simply stopped, the cartridge may be empty — see [the low-ink article](https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/low-ink-or-empty-warning-on-a-remanufactured-canon-pg-285-cl-286-is-it-normal-B1FuOtJbfx).
6.  **Let it rest.** If the cartridge sat unused, leave the printer on for an hour after cleaning so ink can rewet the nozzles, then retry.

## Preventing clogs

Cartridges can dry out if a printer sits idle. Printing a page or two every couple of weeks keeps the nozzles primed. Store spare cartridges upright, sealed, in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

## Still poor after cleaning?

If quality doesn't recover after a deep clean and reseat, replace the affected cartridge. LD Products remanufactured cartridges are tested for quality and page yield and backed by our lifetime guarantee — contact support at **888-321-2552** if you need help.

_For the full series guide, page yields, and replacements, see [Canon PG-285 / CL-286 Ink: Compatible Printers, Page Yields & Buying Guide](https://www.ldproducts.com/blog/canon-pg-285-cl-286-ink-series/)._