To maintain good print quality, the machine automatically cleans the print head when needed. But sometimes this isn't sufficient. If there is a print quality problem, start the cleaning process manually. Clean the print head if there is a horizontal line or a blank space in the text or graphics on printed pages. Depending on the problem color, select to clean Black only, three colors at a time (Yellow/Cyan/Magenta), or all four colors at once. If you aren't sure how to do the cleaning cycle there is always Mr Google, he is very helpful!! The cleaning process does use some ink. But I advice doing this regularly because if you don't there is a chance that you can ruin the printer. I equate it to doing oil changes on your car. If you ignore it for too long you are going to have big problems!!