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HP 218: streaks or smears on the print
The pattern says a lot: a line in one color points to that color's cartridge, smears more often to paper or fusing. HP's first fix is a cleaning page.
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HP's first fix: a cleaning page
For specks, smears, streaks, lines or repeating marks, HP's first step is a fuser cleaning page, printed from the printer's Embedded Web Server: type the printer's IP address into a browser, then Print Quality → Tools → Fuser Cleaning.
If that does not help, turn the printer off, take the cartridge out and inspect it. HP says a damaged memory chip, or scratches and fingerprints on the green imaging drum, mean the cartridge must be replaced. Never touch the drum. HP adds that with non-HP cartridges its steps may not solve the problem.
Read the pattern
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| One vertical line in one color | Scratch or dirt on that color's imaging drum | Print only that color to confirm; inspect the cartridge (never touch the drum) and replace it if the drum is marked |
| Repeating mark at a fixed distance | A mark on a roller or drum that repeats each rotation | Print a cleaning page; if it stays, inspect and replace the cartridge of that color |
| Smeared or loose toner that rubs off | Paper not suited to LaserJet printers, damp paper, or toner not fusing | Use fresh, dry LaserJet paper; match the paper type in the print settings; print a cleaning page |
| Light, wide bands | Toner unevenly spread or nearly used up | Gently rock the cartridge to spread the toner; otherwise replace |
| Loose toner specks all over the page | A leaking cartridge or toner residue in the paper path | Check the cartridge for leaks; print a cleaning page; replace a leaking cartridge |
Steps that almost always help
- Print a few pages; light marks after a cartridge swap or a long idle period often disappear.
- Take the cartridges out, check for visible damage or leaks, put them back in their matching slots.
- Print a cleaning page from the Embedded Web Server.
- Load a fresh, dry ream of paper made for LaserJet printers.
- Find the color: a streak in one color points at that color's cartridge.
Frequently asked questions about streaks and smears
My prints have streaks or smears. What now?
HP's first fix for specks, smears, streaks, lines or repeating marks is a fuser cleaning page, printed from the printer's Embedded Web Server (Print Quality > Tools > Fuser Cleaning). If that does not help, turn the printer off, take the cartridge out and inspect it: a damaged memory chip or scratches and fingerprints on the green imaging drum mean the cartridge must be replaced — never touch the drum. Streaks in one color point at that color's cartridge. HP adds that with non-HP cartridges its steps may not solve the problem.
Why are my prints faded or light?
HP's print-quality checklist for this printer family, in order: use genuine cartridges; use paper made for LaserJet printers (not inkjet paper) that is clean, flat and not too rough; check the print settings for the job; check the toner levels; print a cleaning page; inspect the cartridge; update the firmware; then replace the cartridge. Faded output with a low level usually means the cartridge is simply near its end — HP notes that gently rocking it can redistribute the toner for a while.
How do I replace an HP 218 toner cartridge?
HP's steps: open the cartridge access door, pull out the toner drawer by its blue handle, lift the empty cartridge straight up, rock the new one gently to spread the toner, remove all packing material, and set it in the slot whose color chip matches. Push the drawer in and close the door. Hold the cartridge by its ends and never touch the roller.
How do I tell a chip problem from a toner problem?
A chip problem shows up as a message before or right after installing: "not recognized", "unsupported", "used or counterfeit" or a cartridge problem — often while the print itself looks fine. A toner problem shows on paper: streaks, faded areas, a missing color — with no chip message.
Test it: install a cartridge you know is good (preferably Original HP). If the message disappears, the previous cartridge's chip was the problem. If print quality stays poor with a known-good cartridge, work through HP's print-quality steps (cleaning page, paper, settings) — the problem may be in the printer.
I spilled toner. How do I clean it up?
HP's replacement guide says to wipe toner off clothing with a dry cloth and wash in cold water — hot water sets toner into fabric. On surfaces, avoid blowing it around; pick it up with a damp cloth rather than a household vacuum.
Why is my toner not recognized?
Start with the physical checks: remove the cartridge, make sure all packing tape and the protective cover are off, and reseat it firmly in the slot whose color chip matches the cartridge. A dirty or damaged chip contact can also cause it.
If it is a compatible or remanufactured cartridge that stopped being accepted after an update, the likely cause is dynamic security — contact the seller for a replacement or refund. An Original HP cartridge that is still rejected needs HP support.
Sources (1)
- Manufacturer · support HP Color LaserJet Pro 2200, 3200 Printers — Print quality issues — HP Support (U.S.)
HP's ordered checklist for smeared, fuzzy, dark, faded, loose or missing toner output.
Checked: September 24, 2026
Facts from HP, retailers and standards bodies are labeled as such. Calculations (cost per page, yearly cost) are estimates by 218toner.com. Last reconciled on .