When and How to Perform a Power Clean

Applies To:

Epson EcoTank, Expression and Workforce Printers

Description:

This article explains what a Power Clean (Power Ink Flushing) is, when to use it, and how to perform it.

This function is not available on all models and is generally only found on EcoTank printers.

Solution:

1. What Is a Power Clean?

A Power Clean is a deeper cleaning cycle designed to clear stubborn clogs that standard printhead cleaning cannot resolve. It uses more ink and takes longer than a standard cleaning cycle.

2. Head Cleaning vs. Power Cleaning

Feature Head Cleaning Power Cleaning
Ink usage Low High
Purpose Light/regular clog removal Severe clog removal
When to use Minor gaps or faint print Blank nozzle checks, persistent missing colours

3. When to Use Power Cleaning

Use Power Cleaning when:

  • The nozzle check pattern is blank.
  • One or more colours are completely missing after several head cleans.
  • On EcoTank products where:
    • Ink has not fully charged, or
    • The ink delivery tubes appear empty.
  • You printed while ink levels were extremely low.

4. Important Notes Before Performing a Power Clean

Warning Power Cleaning uses a significant amount of ink. Try several standard head cleans before using this option.

Warning It may not run if:

  • Ink levels are too low
  • The maintenance box (where applicable) is near capacity
  • The printer displays warnings or errors

Note:

Wait at least 12 hours after your last head clean before performing a power clean. This allows the ink to settle and improves success rates.

5. Before You Begin

  1. Make sure the printer has no error lights.
  2. Check your ink levels:
    1. EcoTank Printers (ET-XXXX)
      Ensure ink tanks are at least one third full.
    2. Expression and Workforce Printers
      • Ensure cartridges on cartridge models show sufficient ink in:
        • The control panel, or
        • The Status Monitor (Windows), or
        • Options & Supplies → Utility (macOS)

6. How to Perform a Power Clean

  1. Printers With a Screen
    1. Open Maintenance on the printer’s control panel.
    2. Select Power Cleaning.
    3. Follow on screen instructions.
    4. Print a Nozzle Check after completion.
  2. Printers With a Screen
    Windows

    1. Open the Printer Driver window.
    2. Go to the Maintenance tab.
    3. Select Power Ink Flushing.
    4. Follow the on screen steps.

    macOS

    (Menu names may vary slightly depending on macOS version.)

    1. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Select your Epson printer.
    3. Choose Options & Supplies → Utility → Open Printer Utility.
    4. Select Power Ink Flushing.
    5. Follow the on screen instructions.

7. After the Power Clean

  1. Wait at least 12 hours before printing a nozzle check.
  2. Print a nozzle check pattern to confirm improvement.
  3. If the issue persists:
    1. Avoid repeatedly running power cleans.
    2. Contact Epson support for further guidance.