Are your sublimation prints looking streaky, faded, or missing colors entirely? You're not alone. If your Epson EcoTank is clogged, don't panic. Because sublimation ink is thicker than standard ink, it's prone to drying inside the tiny nozzles of your printer, but most clogs can be fixed at home.
The good news? Most clogs can be fixed without expensive repairs or a trip to the service center. I've dealt with my fair share of clogged print heads, and I've learned exactly what works (and what wastes your precious ink).
This guide will walk you through my tried-and-true cleaning process to get your ink flowing again so you can get back to creating beautiful sublimation projects.
New to Sublimation? If you haven't set up your printer yet, check out my step-by-step video: Epson EcoTank: The Best Budget Sublimation Printer – Conversion Guide.
Table of Contents
Identify the Problem: The Nozzle Check
Before you waste expensive sublimation paper, grab a sheet of plain copy paper.
- Go to your printer's Settings or Maintenance menu
- Select Nozzle Check
- If the printed lines are broken or missing, you have a clog
Pro Tip: Label this sheet “Test 1” so you can track your progress throughout the cleaning process.
The Secret Weapon: The Purge Sheet
Instead of jumping straight to “Head Cleanings” (which waste a lot of ink), try a Purge Sheet first. This is a simple document with solid blocks of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.
Why it works: It forces a heavy, consistent flow of ink through every nozzle without using your printer's cleaning cycles.
How to do it: Print a printer purge sheet!
Where to get one: Don't have a printer purge sheet handy? No Problem! Sign up to my newsletter and I'll send you one free! You'll also get updates on my latest videos and posts, along with money saving coupons on craft equipment and blanks!
Pro Tip: Set your paper type to “Premium Presentation Matte” but keep the plain paper in the tray. This “tricks” the printer into pushing even more ink through the lines for better results.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
If the purge sheet doesn't clear the clog after 2–3 prints, follow this process to save your ink and protect your printer's lifespan.
Step 1: Run a Print Head Cleaning
Go to your printer's Maintenance menu and run one cleaning cycle. Print a Nozzle Check afterward to see if it improved.
Tip: Don't run multiple cleanings back-to-back. Each cycle uses a significant amount of ink.
Step 2: Try the “Wait” Method
If 2-3 cleanings don't work, turn the printer off for 12–24 hours. This gives air bubbles time to settle and allows dried ink to soften.
After waiting, print another purge sheet before trying more cleanings.
Step 3: Power Cleaning (Last Resort)
This option uses a massive amount of ink and fills your maintenance pads quickly. Only use Power Cleaning if:
- The printer has been sitting for 24+ hours
- Regular cleanings haven't worked
- You've tried the wait method
Warning: Overusing Power Cleaning can shorten your printer's lifespan. Save it as a true last resort.
How to Prevent Future Clogs
The best maintenance is movement. Here's how to keep your sublimation printer running smoothly:
- Print Weekly: Even if you don't have a project, print one CMYK purge sheet every 3–7 days
- Keep it Covered: Dust can settle on the print head. Keep your printer in a clean, lint-free area or use a dust cover
- Watch Ink Levels: Never let your EcoTank reservoirs fall below the bottom line. Sucking air into the tubes is much harder to fix than a simple ink clog
- Room Temperature: Store your printer in a climate-controlled space. Extreme temperatures can affect ink viscosity
FAQ
Q: How often should I print to prevent clogs? A: I recommend printing at least once every 3–7 days. Even a simple purge sheet keeps the ink flowing and prevents dried ink from building up in your nozzles.
Q: Can I use regular Epson ink in my sublimation printer? A: No! Once you convert your EcoTank to sublimation, you should only use sublimation ink. Mixing ink types can cause major problems and void any warranty.
Q: How do I know if my clog is too severe to fix at home? A: If you've tried multiple purge sheets, several head cleanings, the wait method, AND a Power Cleaning with no improvement, you may need professional help or a new print head.
Q: Why are my prints missing one specific color? A: This usually means one color channel is clogged. Focus your cleaning efforts on that color by printing purge sheets and checking nozzle patterns after each attempt.
Q: Is it normal for sublimation printers to clog more than regular printers? A: Yes, sublimation ink is thicker and dries faster than standard ink. That's why regular printing and proper maintenance are so important for converted EcoTanks.
Free Purge Sheet Download
Get Back to Printing
Now it's your turn! Print a nozzle check and see how your printer is doing. Prevention is so much easier than fixing a stubborn clog, so set a weekly reminder to print that purge sheet.
Have questions or want to share your success story? Tag @KerriCraftsIt on Instagram or join the Kerri Crafts It Facebook Group to connect with other crafters!
Beyond Sublimation: Is DTF for You?
Sublimation is amazing, but it does have limitations—like needing high-polyester, light-colored fabrics. If you want to print on any color or any fabric (like dark cotton), Direct to Film (DTF) printing might be your next step!
I use both the xTool Apparel Printer and the Procolored F13 Panda in my craft room. Discover which one is right for you in my comparison guide: Best DTF Printer: xTool vs. Procolored F13.
