How to Clean Up Spilled or Leaked Toner in Your Office Copier

Calendar Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

spilled toner on metal in many colorsCopy machines use toner cartridges that have large quantities of colored powder, which is very different from the liquid ink used in printers. Any time a toner cartridge cracks while someone is installing or removing it, powder can leak, resulting in a huge mess. The good news is that you do not need to call in the professionals to take care of the spill. As long as you deal with the mess quickly, there is very little risk of the powder staining desks, floors, or clothing.

Before you clean up a toner spill, gather the following materials: spoon, paper mask, plastic bag, disposable gloves, paper towels, toner vacuum, and dry-cleaning solvent.

Then take the following 7 steps to remove the mess.

  1. Put on the gloves and face mask before approaching the mess. If there is a window in the area that opens, go ahead and open it to enable ventilation.
  2. Use the spoon to scoop the toner powder. Load it into the plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and label it appropriately. Some cities and states let you dispose of toner in the regular garbage system while others have chemical disposal regulations. Check the regulations in your area before disposing of the toner.
  3. Wet the paper towel and wipe down any nearby solid surfaces, such as desks and floors, that have loose toner powder.
  4. Gather any stained clothing and other fabrics. Hold items over a trash can and shake them a few times to dispose of loose powder. If there is still any toner left, wash the items in cold water or have them dry cleaned.
  5. Apply dry-cleaning solvent to a clean towel. Use it to remove the stained areas of the carpet.
  6. Use the toner vacuum to remove any final powder particles that are left on the floor or other nearby surfaces. It is important to use a toner vacuum that is specially designed to clean up toner spills. Regular vacuum cleaners can agitate the toner particles, resulting in a fire or explosion.
  7. If your copier has a cleaning cycle, run it to get rid of any loose particles that spilled inside the machine. If there are large quantities of spilled toner, you may need to hire a technician to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the machine.

Are you in need of a reputable copier vendor in Amarillo? Look no further than UCI. For more than 10 years, our experienced team has been one of the leading copier companies in Amarillo. We are known for our fast, efficient, and friendly responses to all office copier service needs. If you have any questions regarding your copier, please feel free to call us today.