How to Maintain Your Office Copier (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s be honest—your office copier probably doesn’t get much love… until it stops working. Whether it’s spitting out wrinkled paper, jamming halfway through a big print job, or flashing error codes no one understands, copier problems are frustrating. But here’s the thing: with just a little bit of regular care, you can keep your copier humming along like a champ.
At Associated Business Technologies, we help businesses all over the Salt Lake City area keep their copiers in top shape. And today, we’re sharing some super practical tips on how you can do the same. No tech jargon, no fluff—just the stuff that works.
Why Bother Maintaining Your Copier?
You might think, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But trust us, skipping maintenance is the fastest way to end up with a copier that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Here’s what regular upkeep does for you:
- Saves you money on repairs
- Keeps your documents looking sharp
- Cuts down on annoying downtime
- Helps your machine last way longer
1. Keep It Clean (Yes, Really)
It’s not glamorous, but it makes a huge difference. Dust, fingerprints, and stray paper bits can mess with your prints and even damage the internal parts of your copier.
Quick Cleaning Tips:
- Wipe the outside with a soft cloth (nothing rough or scratchy)
- Use a little glass cleaner on the scanner bed—spray the cloth, not the machine
- Blow out the paper trays gently with some canned air if you’re feeling ambitious
2. Use the Good Stuff (Supplies Matter)
It’s tempting to grab the cheapest toner or paper you can find, but low-quality supplies can wreak havoc on your copier. Think smudges, jams, or worse—repairs.
At Associated, we carry genuine toner and top-grade paper for all the major brands: Xerox, Kyocera, Canon, KIP, HP, Zebra, Formax—you name it. Using the right stuff just makes everything work better.
3. Load Your Paper the Right Way
It sounds simple, but a lot of copier headaches come from how the paper is handled.
Do this:
- Store paper somewhere dry (paper and moisture don’t mix)
- Fan the stack before loading it in
- Don’t shove too much in the tray
- Make sure you’re using the right paper type for your copier model
4. Don’t Ignore the Low Toner Light
We get it—when your copier says it’s low on toner, it still prints for a while. But running it too long on empty can cause problems like poor image quality and extra wear on your machine.
If your copier’s running low, go ahead and replace the toner. Or better yet, talk to us about automatic supply replenishment—so you never run out when you need it most.
5. Update the Software
Your copier isn’t just a copy machine anymore—it’s a full-on piece of office tech. And like any smart device, it needs occasional updates to stay secure and work right.
Not sure how to update your copier?
No worries. When you’re on a service plan with Associated, we take care of that for you.
6. Get It Checked Out Regularly
Even if everything seems fine, it’s smart to have a pro take a look now and then. Just like your car needs an oil change, your copier needs a tune-up.
We offer preventative maintenance for businesses across Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan—you name it. Our techs know exactly what to look for and can spot small issues before they turn into big problems.
7. Make Sure Your Team Knows What They’re Doing
A lot of copier problems aren’t really the machine’s fault—they’re just user error. Make sure your crew knows the basics.
Teach them:
- How to load paper correctly
- What to do when there’s a jam
- When to call for service instead of guessing
We can even help you train your team if needed!
8. Watch for Red Flags
Weird noises? Jams all the time? Blurry prints? These are all signs your copier needs some love.
If your machine is acting up, don’t wait. Give us a call at Associated and we’ll send someone out to take care of it before things get worse.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your office copier doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little regular attention—and the right support—it’ll keep running smoothly and save you from a lot of headaches down the road.
And when you need help, that’s what we’re here for. At Associated Business Technologies, we’ve been helping businesses across the Salt Lake City metro keep their office equipment in peak shape for years. Whether you’re using a Canon imageRUNNER, a Xerox VersaLink, or a Kyocera TASKalfa, we’ve got the supplies, service, and know-how to keep it running like new.
Need a Hand?
If your copier could use a check-up (or if you just want to make sure you’re doing things right), give us a call or visit abtyes.com. We’re local, we’re fast, and we’re friendly—and we’re ready to help.
