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CLEANING THE ROLLER, MEDIA SENSOR, AND PRINT HEAD ON A ZEBRA ZT231

This article provides step-by-step instructions for cleaning the key components of a Zebra ZT231, including the platen roller, media (photo) sensor, and print head. Routine cleaning is critical to maintaining print quality, preventing label tracking issues, and extending the life of the printer.

When to Perform This Maintenance

  • As part of routine preventative maintenance
  • Poor print quality (faded or inconsistent printing)
  • Labels skipping or not aligning correctly
  • After every label roll change (recommended best practice)
  • Visible debris, dust, or adhesive buildup inside the printer
  • Media sensor errors begin to occur

Required Materials

  • Lint-free cloth
  • Isopropyl alcohol 
  • Cotton swabs
  • Zebra-approved cleaning pen (optional)

⚠️ Safety Notes

  • Power OFF the printer and unplug it before cleaning
  • Allow the print head to cool before contact
  • Do not use compressed air (can push debris further into components)
  • Do not use sharp or abrasive tools

1. Clean the Print Head

  1. Open the printer cover
  2. Open the print head lever
  3. Locate the print head assembly
  4. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth or cleaning pen with isopropyl alcohol
  5. Wipe across the print line in a single direction
  6. Allow the print head to fully dry (30–60 seconds)

Important:
Avoid applying excessive pressure or touching the print line with bare hands.

2. Clean the Roller



  1. Rotate the roller manually
  2. Wipe the roller using a lint-free cloth dampened with alcohol
  3. Clean the entire surface while rotating

Focus Areas:

  • Adhesive buildup from labels
  • Dust and debris causing slippage

Important:
Ensure the roller is completely dry before reinstalling media.

3. Clean the Media (Photo) Sensor

  1. Locate the media sensor along the label path
  2. Use a cotton swab (dry or lightly dampened with alcohol)
  3. Gently clean both sides of the sensor
  4. Remove any dust, label fragments, or residue
  5. Close the print head lever

Common Issues Caused by Dirty Sensor:

  • Label skipping
  • Misalignment or calibration errors
  • Failure to detect label gaps

Post-Cleaning Steps

  1. Close the printer cover
  2. Restore power
  3. Perform a test print to confirm proper operation

Recommended Maintenance Frequency

  • High usage environments: Monthly or per roll change
  • Moderate usage: Every 2 months
  • Low usage: Twice annually

Need Additional Support?

If the issue continues after performing the steps above, please contact Forney Product Support at 724-346-7400 or visit https://forneyonline.com/customer-service/. with the following:

  • Printer serial number
  • Description of the issue
  • Photos or video of the problem (if available)