How to Clean an Epson Scanner Safely

Cleaning an Epson scanner can remove dust, fingerprints, smudges, and debris that show up as spots or streaks in scans. The instructions below suit many flatbed models, but Epson makes different scanner types and designs. Check the user guide for your exact model before cleaning any document feeder, film holder, or internal part. You generally need only a clean cloth and a small amount of suitable cleaner.

What You’ll Need

A clean, soft, lint-free microfiber cloth. Use separate cloth areas for the glass and exterior if possible.
Clean water or a cleaner specifically labeled safe for glass. If the manual permits it, a small amount of mild glass cleaner can be used.
A dry, lint-free cloth for finishing, if the first cloth leaves moisture.
The scanner’s user guide or model number, especially if you need to clean an automatic document feeder (ADF) or transparency unit.

Avoid paper towels, tissues, abrasive pads, powdered cleaners, and solvents such as acetone. These can scratch surfaces, shed fibers, or damage coatings and plastic.

Step-by-Step

Save work and remove documents. Take originals, film, and accessories off the scanner bed. If a scan is running, let it finish and close the software before cleaning.
Turn the scanner off and unplug it. Switch it off using its power button, then disconnect the power cord. If it connects to a computer, disconnect that cable too if it gets in your way. This reduces the chance of accidental operation and keeps cables clear of moisture.
Open the cover carefully. Raise the scanner lid without forcing its hinges. On models with a transparency unit, document feeder, or removable mat, consult the manual before moving or removing anything. Do not touch a lamp, sensor, or internal mechanism.
Remove loose dust first. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to lift dust from the flatbed glass and the inside surface of the lid. Wipe gently rather than pressing hard; grit trapped under pressure can scratch the glass. Do not use compressed air, which may drive dust into the scanner.
Dampen the cloth, not the scanner. If fingerprints or smears remain, lightly moisten a clean cloth with water or an appropriate glass cleaner. The cloth should be damp, not wet. Never spray or pour liquid onto the glass, lid, seams, buttons, or openings.
Wipe the glass in gentle passes. Move the cloth across the flatbed surface with light, even strokes. Pay attention to smudges and the edges, but do not push liquid into the frame. If your model has a narrow calibration strip, clean it only as directed in its manual; some scanners rely on this area for alignment.
Clean the lid and exterior separately. Wipe the white backing on the inside of the lid and the outer case with a clean cloth. If the backing is removable, do not remove it unless the user guide says it is designed to come off. Use a different cloth area so dust or cleaner from the casing does not transfer to the glass.
Dry and inspect. Use a dry lint-free cloth to remove any remaining moisture or streaks. Check the glass under good light for fibers, haze, or spots. Let all surfaces dry completely before closing the lid or reconnecting the scanner.
Reconnect and test. Reattach the cables and turn the scanner on. Make a test scan of a clean, blank sheet. If a mark remains in the same place on every scan, inspect the glass and any model-specific feeder glass again.

Common Mistakes

Spraying cleaner directly onto the glass: liquid can run into the frame and reach electrical or optical components. Put cleaner on the cloth instead.
Using rough or disposable paper products: paper towels and tissues may leave lint or cause fine scratches. Choose a clean microfiber cloth.
Scrubbing hard: pressure will not help with ordinary dust and may damage the glass or coatings. Use gentle strokes and repeat with a clean cloth.
Using household products without checking: ammonia, alcohol, solvents, and other ingredients may be unsuitable for a particular scanner. Follow the manual and the cleaner’s label; when unsure, use a barely damp cloth with water.
Cleaning while the device is powered: unplugging first prevents accidental movement and keeps wet cloths away from powered equipment.
Assuming every Epson scanner opens the same way: feeder rollers, calibration areas, and transparency accessories differ. Do not dismantle parts just to reach them.

Tips

Keep the lid closed when the scanner is not in use to reduce dust buildup.
Store originals in a clean place and brush loose dust from them before scanning; dirt on a document can transfer to the glass.
Use a clean cloth. A cloth used on a desk or screen may carry grit or cleaning residue.
If you scan often, inspect the glass when streaks appear rather than using a fixed cleaning schedule.
For an ADF, clean only the areas identified in the model’s instructions. Some models have a separate, narrow strip of glass where feeder marks can collect.

Troubleshooting

Streaks or spots remain: Turn the scanner off and unplug it again. Check for fingerprints, dried cleaner, lint, or dust on both the flatbed and the document. Wipe the glass with a clean, lightly damp cloth, then dry it. If marks appear only when using the feeder, check its designated glass and rollers using the manual.

Scans look hazy after cleaning: The surface may still be damp or have cleaner residue. Let it dry fully, then buff gently with a clean dry microfiber cloth. Avoid adding more product unless needed.

A mark appears in the same spot on every scan: Inspect the glass closely, including the feeder strip if your model has one. If the glass looks clean but the mark persists, the issue may need software checks or service rather than more cleaning.

The scanner will not power on: Confirm the surfaces and your hands are dry, reconnect the power cable securely, and try the normal startup procedure in the manual. If liquid may have entered the device, leave it unplugged and contact Epson support or a qualified repair provider; do not open the casing.

You cannot reach a dirty internal part: Stop rather than forcing a cover, roller, or glass panel. Consult the model-specific guide or arrange service, particularly if the part is inside the scanner housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Windex or another glass cleaner?

Only if the scanner’s user guide allows that type of cleaner. Apply a small amount to a lint-free cloth, never directly to the scanner, and avoid products with ingredients the manual warns against.

Can I use alcohol to clean Epson scanner glass?

Do not assume alcohol is safe for your model. It may damage coatings or nearby plastic, so use it only if Epson’s instructions for that exact model explicitly permit it.

How often should I clean my scanner?

Clean it when dust, fingerprints, or scan artifacts appear, and inspect it before important jobs. Keep the lid closed between uses to limit dust.

How do I clean an Epson scanner’s document feeder?

Follow the model’s instructions for its feeder glass and rollers; parts and approved methods vary. Do not pour liquid on rollers or use a cleaning method meant for the flatbed without checking the guide.

Why are lines still showing after I clean the glass?

Check the original, feeder glass, and any calibration strip identified in the manual. A persistent line may come from a damaged surface or another scanner issue, so contact Epson support if careful cleaning does not resolve it.

Further reading: Epson Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.