Top Printer Performance Hacks Every Office Should Know

Nothing is more irritating in a hectic office than a slow or malfunctioning printer. It may be something simple like a paper jam or miserable print quality, but regardless, it can disrupt productivity quickly.

The good news is that with a little maintenance and a few good habits, you can ensure that your printer operates effectively day in and day out -- saving you time, money, and resources.

Here are the top hacks for printer performance that your office should adopt.

1.Go for High-quality, Compatible Toners

The toner cartridge really keeps your printer running. When you use good compatible cartridges, you get steady results and don't have to worry as much about smudges, leaks, or prints that don't look right.

Premium Toners provides compatible cartridges made to be reliable and spot-on. This helps your printer make clear, pro-looking documents each time, but without the big cost.

Quick tip: Keep your toner cartridges in a cool, dry spot. Keep them out of direct sunlight.

2.Keep Your Printer Clean

Dust can gather inside your printer, causing streaks, paper jams, and sensor errors. Cleaning it regularly can help stop these problems and make your printer last longer.

• Wipe the outside with a soft cloth.
• Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust from the paper trays and inside parts.
• Clean the rollers with a slightly wet, soft cloth to keep paper feeding smoothly.

Try to clean your printer once a month to keep it working well.

3.Optimize Your Printer Settings

Default print settings often aren’t the most efficient. Adjusting your printer preferences can save both toner and time:

• Use “Draft Mode” for internal documents to reduce toner use.
• Print double-sided (duplex) to save paper.
• Select “Black & White” printing when color isn’t needed.
• Set default paper type to match what’s loaded in your tray for faster, smoother printing.

These small tweaks can improve performance and cut down on office costs.

4.Keep Firmware and Drivers Updated

Like anything else, printers can benefit from software updates. Installing the latest version of the firmware will ensure your printer works smoothly with new operating systems or patches designed to improve security or speed. 

In most cases, you can check for updates directly from the control panel of a printer or through software installed on a connected laptop or computer. 

Updating everything along the way will allow your devices and printer to communicate better and maintain a lower incident rate of unexpected errors.

5.Avoid Overloading Your Printer

Each printer has a recommended monthly print volume. Consistently exceeding that limit can lead to overheating, jams, or worn-out components.

If your office prints heavily, consider rotating usage among multiple printers or upgrading to a higher-capacity model. Balanced printing keeps all machines running efficiently.

6.Schedule Routine Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is far easier (and cheaper) than emergency repairs. Create a maintenance calendar that includes:

• Cleaning and inspection days
• Cartridge replacement checks
• Paper quality reviews
• Firmware updates

A little planning goes a long way in maintaining print quality and preventing downtime.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your printer doesn't need to be a chore. With good toner, smart settings, and regular care, you can keep your printer running well for a long time.

At Premium Toners, we want to help offices print in a better way. Check out our line of quality toner cartridges made to be reliable and give you great value for every print.