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Brother Unable to Clean XX: Mechanical problem, debris or dirty encoder strip

Also shows as: Clean Unable XX

🧭 Fixable with care

Brother groups "Unable to Clean", "Unable to Init.", "Unable to Print" and "Unable to Scan" together: the machine may have a mechanical problem, a dirty encoder strip, or a foreign object such as a clip or ripped paper inside.

What to try

  1. Unplug the machine and lift the scanner cover.
  2. Without touching the clear encoder strip, look for jammed paper or objects and slide the print head aside to check underneath.
  3. If the head is parked at the right, plug in, hold Stop/Exit about 5 seconds until it moves to the middle, then unplug and check the right corner.
  4. Close the cover and plug the machine back in.
  5. If the message continues, wipe both sides of the encoder strip gently with a dry lint-free cloth, 2 or 3 passes each way.

When it needs a technician

If the message still appears after removing debris and cleaning the encoder strip, Brother says the machine requires repair.

Which models show Unable to Clean XX

Brother documents this code for models including DCP-165C, DCP-385C, DCP-585CW, DCP-6690CW, MFC-5890CN, MFC-6490CW, MFC-790CW, MFC-990CW.

First steps for any printer error

  1. Write down the exact code before you do anything else — similar-looking codes often mean completely different things.
  2. Power the printer off, unplug it for a couple of minutes, then power it back on. A surprising number of transient errors clear here.
  3. Open the covers and check for paper scraps, packaging material, or anything blocking the carriage.
  4. Check the cartridges or tanks are genuine, correctly seated, and not empty.
  5. Confirm the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension lead.
  6. Check your model’s own manual — codes are model-specific, and the manual is the authority for your machine.

Source: Brother Support FAQ - How do I clear the message "Unable to..." (DCP-6690CW). Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.

Still showing Unable to Clean XX?

Tell our printer technician your model and what you've tried. You'll find out whether it's fixable at home or worth repairing at all.

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Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician

Related Brother codes

Unable to Clean 46 — Ink absorber pad fullUnable to Print 4F — Print head problemUnable to Print 48 — Print head problemUnable to Print 30 — Paper jam stopping the machineUnable to Print 31 — Paper jam stopping the machineUnable to Print 32 — Paper jam stopping the machineUnable to Print 36 — Paper jam stopping the machineUnable to Print 6F — Paper jam or sensor problemUnable to Clean 50 — Paper jam or sensor problemUnable to Init 1A — Duplex unit problemUnable to Init XX — Machine could not initializeUnable to Print 46 — Ink absorber almost full

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