- If smudged stains appear at the top center of the printed page:

• Make sure the paper is not too thick or curled.
  Also, verify that the appropriate paper is being used and that the paper type set in the machine matches the media used.

- If smudged stains appear on the reverse side or at the bottom of the page:

NOTE: Illustrations shown below are from the representative product and may differ from your Brother machine.

• Make sure the printer platen is not dirty with ink.
  
  How to clean the machine's printer platen
  
  

  Be sure to unplug the machine from the AC power outlet (electrical socket) before cleaning the printer platen to avoid an electrical shock.

   

   

  1. Place both hands under the plastic tabs on both sides of the machine to lift the scanner cover into the open position.
      
  2. Clean the machine's printer platen (1) and the area around it, wiping off any scattered ink with a dry, soft lint-free cloth.
     
     
     

   

  DO NOT touch the encoder strip (2). Doing this may cause damage to the machine.

   
  3. Lift the scanner cover to release the lock. Gently push the scanner cover support down and close the scanner cover using both hands.
      
  4. Re-connect the power cord.

   

• Make sure you are using Genuine Brother Ink.
  > Brother Genuine Supplies information
  
   
• Make sure the paper feed rollers are not dirty with ink.
  
  

  How to clean the machine's paper feed rollers
   

   

  1. Unplug the machine from the AC power outlet (electrical socket). Pull the paper tray (1) completely out of the machine.
     
     
     

   

  If the paper support flap is open, close it, and then close the paper support.

   
  2. Clean the Paper Feed Rollers (1) with a soft lint-free cloth moistened with water, using a side-to-side motion. After cleaning, wipe the rollers with a dry, soft lint-free cloth to remove all moisture.
     
     
     

      

  3. Put the paper tray firmly back in the machine.
      
  4. Re-connect the power cord.

   

  Do not use the machine again until the rollers are dry. Using the machine before the rollers are dry may cause paper feed issues.

   

   

• Make sure you are using the paper support flap.
  
  To use the paper support flap, pull out the paper support (1) until it locks into place, and then unfold the paper support flap (2).
  
  
  

   

  DO NOT use the paper support flap for Legal size paper. (Only available for some countries.)