1. The Automatic Document Feeder Strip (ADF)

The ADF strip is the narrow strip of glass on your copier or multifunction printer that's used exclusively by the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).

Here's what it does:

When you place pages in the ADF (instead of lifting the lid and placing a page on the large scanner glass), the machine pulls the pages across this thin strip of glass, which acts as the scanning surface for those fed documents.

Why it matters for streaks:

Because the strip is so small, even a tiny speck of dust, dried correction fluid, toner, or a fingerprint on that strip will cause a long, straight streak down every copied or scanned page that goes through the ADF.

How to find it:

When you open the scanner lid:

• You'll see the large flatbed glass-that's the main scanner glass.
• Next to it (usually on the left or front edge), you'll see a thin, rectangular glass strip about 1 inch wide and the full length of the bed.
• That's the ADF reading glass (the ADF strip).

2. The Glass Itself

If the ADF strip has been wiped clean, and you're still having issues, it's time to clean the glass.

What You'll Need

• A soft microfiber cloth
• A small amount of glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol
• A dry cloth (optional)

Never spray cleaner directly onto the glass. Spraying can cause liquid to seep into the machine and damage internal components.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Power off your device

This ensures safety and prevents accidental scans while you clean.

2. Lift the scanner lid

You'll see:

• The large flatbed glass
• The narrow ADF strip running along one edge (usually the left)

Both need regular cleaning.

3. Apply cleaner to your cloth (not the machine)

Lightly dampen your microfiber cloth with a couple of sprays of glass cleaner.
It should be slightly moist, not wet.

4. Wipe the flatbed scanner glass

Gently wipe the large glass surface in smooth, even strokes.
Pay special attention to:

• The center area where most pages sit
• Edges, where dust collects
• Any visible smudges or fingerprints

6. Dry the glass completely

Use a clean, dry section of your cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
Any leftover streaks or residue can affect scan clarity.

7. Check for stubborn spots

Sometimes dried correction fluid, ink, or toner dust can stick to the glass.
For these, use a bit of isopropyl alcohol on your cloth and gently buff the area.

How Often Should You Clean It?

If you scan frequently-especially multi-page documents through the ADF-aim for:

• Weekly cleanings in busy offices
• Every 2-4 weeks in lower-volume environments
• Immediately after scanning dusty, old, or damaged papers

Regular cleaning prevents streaks and reduces wear on the scanning components over time.

That's it!

Now you can comfortably clean and maintain great quality scans.

But what if the issue is print quality, not scan quality? Click below to read our article on our easy fix to streaks on your prints.

Read More