--- title: "Scanner maintenance guide: all you need to know" description: "Step-by-step large format scanner maintenance: clean the glass, re-color calibrate and remove streaks. With videos for HD Ultra X, IQ Quattro X and SD One+." image: https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/scanner-maintenance/Contex-scanner-maintenance_Topimg.webp --- [Skip to content](https://contex.com/insights/contex-scanner-maintenance#main-content) [Partner area](https://contex.com/partner-area) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/contex-as/) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/ContexScanners) [![Contex — When imaging matters](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=225&height=48&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png)](https://contex.com/) [Products](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner) [Applications](https://contex.com/) [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) [Support](https://contex.com/support-faq/) [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) [CONTACT US](https://contex.com/contact-us/) [Products](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner) [Applications](https://contex.com/) [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) [Support](https://contex.com/support-faq/) [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) [Contact us](https://contex.com/contact-us/) 1. [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) 2. [Scanner care](https://contex.com/insights/tag/scanner-care-support) 3. Contex scanner maintenance: how to keep your large format scanner in good shape Guide # Contex scanner maintenance: how to keep your large format scanner in good shape [Part of: **Scanner care & support: Guides for scanner owners**](https://contex.com/insights/tag/scanner-care-support) In short Streaks on large format scans are usually caused by dust on the scanner glass. Open the lid, wipe the glass with a lint-free cloth in one smooth motion, then re-color calibrate the scanner. Clean and recalibrate periodically, more often if you scan a lot or your originals are dusty. ![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=48&height=48&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png) [Contex team](https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team) Published July 31, 2024 · Updated October 21, 2026 · 3 min read Share [mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EContex+scanner+maintenance%3A+how+to+keep+your+large+format+scanner+in+good+shape%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fcontex.com%2Finsights%2Fcontex-scanner-maintenance](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EContex+scanner+maintenance%3A+how+to+keep+your+large+format+scanner+in+good+shape%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fcontex.com%2Finsights%2Fcontex-scanner-maintenance) ![Cleaning the glass of a Contex large format scanner](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/insights/scanner-maintenance/Contex-scanner-maintenance_Topimg.webp?width=1400&height=600&name=Contex-scanner-maintenance_Topimg.webp) In this article **Need help?** Find answers in the Contex support FAQ. [Go to support](https://contex.com/support-faq/) **Keeping your large format scanner clean is essential for ensuring optimal performance and high-quality scans.** Dust and debris can transfer from your documents to the scanner glass, leading to streaks that appear as colored or light lines on your scans. Regular cleaning and periodic re-calibration can help you avoid these issues and prolong the life of your scanner. ## Why regular care is crucial Take care of your scanner in the best way to get the best results. Here are the three main reasons: - **Image quality.** Dust and debris on the scanner glass can cause streaks and lines on your scanned images. These imperfections can distort your digital documents, making them less accurate and professional. Cleaning the glass regularly ensures that your scans remain clear. - **Consistent performance.** A clean scanner operates more efficiently. Dirt and dust can interfere with the scanner’s mechanisms, potentially causing jams or slow performance. Regular maintenance helps keep your scanner running smoothly. - **Prolonged equipment life.** Keeping your scanner clean reduces the wear and tear on its components, which can extend its operational lifespan and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements. ## How to clean your scanner Clean your scanner if you see a streak on your scan. If a colorless, light streak appears even after cleaning, this could be due to dirt on the glass during a previous calibration. This dirt can get embedded in the calibration settings, causing persistent streaks. In any case, follow these steps: 1. **Open the scanner lid.** Carefully open the scanner lid to access the glass. 2. **Wipe the glass.** Use a lint-free cleaning cloth to gently wipe the glass. End with one smooth motion from one side to the other to ensure all dust and particles are removed. 3. **Re-color calibrate the scanner.** Follow your scanner’s instructions for re-calibration. This process involves running a calibration routine provided by the scanner’s software, which adjusts the scanner’s settings to account for any changes. If the streak is gone, the issue is resolved. ## Maintenance videos Watch Dan Bennett from Contex Support Service explain why and how to maintain the [HD Ultra X](https://contex.com/product/hd-ultra-x-large-format-ccd-scanner/), [IQ Quattro X](https://contex.com/product/iq-quattro-x-large-format-cis-scanner/) and [SD One+](https://contex.com/product/sd-one-plus/). ### HD Ultra X Open the scanner lid, wipe the glass, and re-color calibrate the scanner. ### IQ Quattro X Open the scanner lid, wipe the glass, and re-color calibrate the scanner. ### SD One+ and SD One X Open the scanner lid, wipe the glass, and re-color calibrate the scanner. ## Routine scanner maintenance To maintain optimal scanner performance, it’s recommended to clean the glass and recalibrate periodically. The maintenance frequency also depends on how many daily scans you perform, and how dirty or dusty the originals are. By following these guidelines, you can maintain your large format scanner’s performance and ensure your digital documents are always of the highest quality. ## Need more help? Find answers in the [support FAQ](https://contex.com/support-faq/), get [software and downloads](https://contex.com/technical-support/), or contact your local distributor through our [contact form](https://contex.com/contact-us/). Using an HD Apeiron/42? See the [HD Apeiron/42 tips and guidelines](https://contex.com/insights/hd-apeiron-42-tips-and-guidelines), including calibration. Using Nextimage 7? Watch the [Nextimage 7 video tutorials](https://contex.com/insights/nextimage-7-video-tutorials). ## Frequently asked questions Why do I get lines or streaks on my scans? Dust and debris from your documents can transfer to the scanner glass and show up as colored or light lines on your scans. Why is there still a light streak after cleaning? Dirt may have been on the glass during a previous calibration, so it is embedded in the calibration settings. Re-color calibrate the scanner after cleaning to remove it. How often should I clean my large format scanner? Clean the glass and recalibrate periodically. How often depends on how many scans you make each day and how dirty or dusty your originals are. What should I clean the scanner glass with? Use a lint-free cleaning cloth and wipe gently, ending with one smooth motion from one side to the other. Topics [Guides](https://contex.com/insights/tag/guides)[Scanner care & support](https://contex.com/insights/tag/scanner-care-support) ![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=64&height=64&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png) About the author Contex team The Contex team shares news and practical know-how on large format scanning. Contex has made large format scanners for decades and sells them through distributors worldwide. [More from Contex team](https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team) ## Keep reading [All scanner care insights](https://contex.com/insights/tag/scanner-care-support) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/insights/nextimage-7-tutorials/NextImage-7_How-to-video_1920x1080_Tour.png?width=700&height=438&name=NextImage-7_How-to-video_1920x1080_Tour.png) Guide Nextimage 7 video tutorials: How to master large format scanning March 4, 2025](https://contex.com/insights/nextimage-7-video-tutorials) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tips-and-guidelines_2400x1030.png?width=700&height=438&name=Tips-and-guidelines_2400x1030.png) Guide Tips and guidelines for optimal scanning results with HD Apeiron/42 April 29, 2024](https://contex.com/insights/hd-apeiron-42-tips-and-guidelines) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Large-format-scanner_Successful-large-format-scanner.webp?width=700&height=438&name=Large-format-scanner_Successful-large-format-scanner.webp) Guide What determines a successful large format scanning process? January 20, 2020](https://contex.com/insights/large-format-scanner-image-quality) ## Do you want to know more? We share useful guidance on scanner technology, workflow improvements, image quality, digitization trends and real-world applications — straight to your inbox. [SIGN UP FOR NEWS](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner-newsletter/) Products [CCD scanners](https://contex.com/large-format-ccd-scanner-guide/) [HD Apeiron/42](https://contex.com/product/large-format-art-scanner-hd-apeiron-42/) [HD Ultra X](https://contex.com/product/hd-ultra-x-large-format-ccd-scanner/) [ScanStation Pro (with HD Ultra X)](https://contex.com/product/scanstationpro/) [CIS scanners](https://contex.com/large-format-cis-scanner-guide/) [IQ Quattro X](https://contex.com/product/iq-quattro-x-large-format-cis-scanner/) [IQ FLEX](https://contex.com/product/iq-flex-large-flatbed-scanner/) [SD One X](https://contex.com/product/sd-one-x/) [SD One MF](https://contex.com/product/sd-one-mf/) [MFP Repro](https://contex.com/product/mfp/) [ScanStation Pro (with IQ Quattro X)](https://contex.com/product/scanstationpro/) [SD One+ (Legacy)](https://contex.com/product/sd-one-plus/) [IQ Quattro 24 (Legacy)](https://contex.com/product/iq-quattro-large-format-cis-scanner-24/) Software [Nextimage](https://contex.com/product/nextimage-large-format-scanning-software/) [Nextimage Apeiron](https://contex.com/product/nextimage-apeiron-art-scanner-software/) Support [Contact distributor](https://contex.com/contact-us/) [Restricted support](https://contex.com/distributor-password-protection/) [Software download](https://contex.com/technical-support/) [License and activation](https://contex.com/support/license-and-activation/) [Tenders](https://contex.com/tender-support/) About Contex [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) [Jobs and careers](https://contex.com/jobs-careers/) [News](https://contex.com/insights/tag/news) [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) [Contact us](https://contex.com/contact-us/) [![Contex](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=187&height=40&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png)](https://contex.com/) [Green initiatives](https://contex.com/greener/) [Cookie Policy](https://contex.com/cookie-policy/) [Privacy Statement](https://contex.com/privacy-statement/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Contex team", "url" : "https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-21T18:21:36.345Z", "datePublished" : "2024-07-31T13:24:00.000Z", "headline" : "Scanner maintenance guide: all you need to know", "image" : [ "https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/scanner-maintenance/Contex-scanner-maintenance_Topimg.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-scanner-maintenance", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://contex.com/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png" } } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://146955308.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146955308/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png" }, "name" : "Contex", "parentOrganization" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Global Scanning Denmark A/S" }, "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/contex-as/", "https://www.youtube.com/user/ContexScanners" ], "url" : "https://contex.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/#website", "@type" : "WebSite", "inLanguage" : "en", "name" : "Contex", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://contex.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/#blog", "@type" : "Blog", "description" : "Practical guides, customer stories and news on large format scanning from Contex.", "inLanguage" : "en", "isPartOf" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/#website" }, "name" : "Contex Insights", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://contex.com/insights/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-scanner-maintenance#webpage", "@type" : "WebPage", "breadcrumb" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-scanner-maintenance#breadcrumb" }, "inLanguage" : "en", "isPartOf" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/#website" }, "name" : "Scanner maintenance guide: all you need to know", "primaryImageOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-scanner-maintenance#primaryimage" }, "url" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-scanner-maintenance" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-scanner-maintenance#article", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "about" : { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Scanner care & support: Guides for scanner owners", "url" : "https://contex.com/insights/tag/scanner-care-support" }, "abstract" : "Streaks on large format scans are usually caused by dust on the scanner glass. 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