How to Fix Print Quality Issues on Epson EcoTank and Expression Printers

Applies To

  • Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS
  • Hardware: Epson EcoTank and Expression Series Printers (e.g., ET-4950, L6390, XP-2200 and similar models)
  • Software: Epson Printer Driver

Description

If your Epson EcoTank or Expression printer is printing blank pages or has blurry text, run a Nozzle Check followed by Head Cleaning via the printer driver Maintenance tab. For severe clogs, a Power Cleaning may be required (for models where this feature is available).

Symptoms

Perform these steps if your printer exhibits any of the following issues:

  • Faint Output: Printed text or images appear faded or light.
  • Banding: Horizontal white lines or streaks appearing across the page.
  • Incorrect Colors: Specific colors are missing or look distorted.
  • Blank Pages: The printer runs, but no ink appears on the paper.
  • Broken Nozzle Pattern: A Nozzle Check printout shows gaps or missing segments.

Solution

1. Preparation and Safety

  • Check Ink Levels: Ensure all ink tanks are filled above the lower limit line. Running cleaning cycles with low ink can damage the printer.
  • Power Management: Do not turn off the printer or open the scanner unit during a cleaning cycle.
  • Paper: Load a few sheets of plain paper into the rear feed or paper cassette.

2. Accessing the Maintenance Menu

The cleaning utilities are located in the printer driver settings:

  1. Select Start.
  2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Select your Epson Printer (e.g. ET‑4950).
  4. Select Printing Preferences.

  5. Open the Maintenance tab.

    Printer Driver Maintenance tab
  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Go to Hardware and Sound > View devices and printers.
  3. Right‑click your Epson Printer (e.g., ET‑4950/L6390) and select Printing Preferences.

  4. Open the Maintenance tab.

    Printer Driver Maintenance tab
  1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Preferences (or System Settings in newer macOS versions).
  2. Select Printers & Scanners (or Print & Scan / Print & Fax).
  3. Choose your Epson Printer (e.g., ET‑4950/L6390) from the list.

  4. Click Options & Supplies, then go to the Utility tab.

    Printer Driver Utility tab

  5. Click Open Printer Utility to access Epson tools such as and (if available)

    Printer Utility button

    Nozzle Check,

    Nozzle Check Option

    Head Cleaning,

    Head Cleaning option

    Power Cleaning.

    Power Cleaning option

Cleaning Methods Overview

Cleaning Type When to Use Description
Nozzle Check Before & after cleaning Prints a test pattern to identify clogging.
Head Cleaning Mild/moderate clogging Standard cleaning cycle to clear blocked nozzles.
Power Cleaning (if available) Severe clogging or repeated failures Deep clean that uses more ink.

3. Cleaning Procedures

Step A: Run a Nozzle Check

  1. For macOS use the images from above for reference.

  2. In the Maintenance tab, click Nozzle Check.

    Printer Driver Nozzle Check button
  3. Click Print.
  4. For each colour, check the printed pattern to see if the print head nozzles are clogged. Refer to the image and matrix below to determine your next step.
Nozzle Check Pattern
Troubleshooting Matrix
Symptom Recommended Action
All lines are printed No further steps are needed
Some nozzles are clogged (image B) Perform Head Cleaning (Step B); Repeat up to 3x
Blank page or most lines are missing (image C - more than 50% missing) If option available perform Power Cleaning (Step C) otherwise perform Head Cleaning (Step B); Repeat up to 3x 
No improvement after 3 cleanings (Step B) If option available perform Power Cleaning (Step C)

Step B: Head Cleaning

  1. For macOS use the images from above for reference.

  2. In the Maintenance tab, click Head Cleaning.

    Printer Driver Haad Clean button
  3. Click Start and wait for the process to complete (the power light will stop flashing).
  4. Run another Nozzle Check. If the pattern is still broken, repeat this cleaning up to 3 times.
  5. If print quality does not improve after a head cleaning:
    1. If power cleaning option is not available:
      1. Turn the printer off using the printers' Power button. This ensures the print head is capped correctly to prevent it from drying out in the future.
      2. Wait 12 hours. 
      3. Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 for Head Cleaning.
    2. If Power Clean option is available continue to Step C.

Step C: Power Cleaning

  1. For macOS use the images from above for reference.

  2. In the Maintenance tab, click Power Cleaning (or Power Ink Flushing).

    Printer Driver Power Clean button
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts. Ensure you have enough ink (at least 1/3 full).
  4. Once finished, run a final Nozzle Check.
  5. If print quality does not improve after a Power Cleaning:
    1. Turn the printer off using the printers' Power button. This ensures the print head is capped correctly to prevent it from drying out in the future.
    2. Wait 12 hours. This allows trapped air to dissipate and dried ink to soften before trying one more standard cleaning.

How to Prevent Clogged Print Heads

  • Print Weekly: Print at least one color test page per week to keep ink flowing.
  • Power Down Correctly: Always use the Power Button on the printer. This "caps" the print head to prevent it from drying out. Never unplug the power cable whilst printer is on.
  • Environment: Avoid placing the printer in direct sunlight or near a heater, as heat evaporates ink in the nozzles.