Smudges and spots on a Brother laser point to toner that is not fusing or a dirty drum or paper path. Check the paper type: heavy, coated or label stock needs the matching media type in the machine's paper settings so the fuser runs at the right temperature. Use dry paper, since damp paper smears. If marks repeat at the same spacing down the page, the drum or a roller is dirty or damaged:
The checks in more detail
replace the drum and reset the drum counter as Brother describes (front cover open, hold OK for two seconds, press the up arrow or 1), and clean the corona wire with the green tab. Brother's drum error pages note that Replace Drum and Drum End Soon messages continue until the counter is reset, and that resetting it during the life of the drum makes the remaining-life display inaccurate. Check the toner cartridge for leaks or damage and replace a leaking one.
Clean inside the machine with a soft dry lint-free cloth only when it is off and cool. On inkjets, smears mean wet ink or a dirty paper path, so let pages dry, use the right paper and clean the paper feed rollers. Print a test page and compare. Keep the machine level and dust free, and use genuine Brother supplies, which are matched to the machine. Store paper flat in its wrapper, away from humidity, and wipe the visible paper path only when the machine is off and cool.
A clean path and dry paper prevent most marks. Check the output tray for toner that transferred from earlier pages, and wipe it clean before the next test page. If the smudge is the same on every page in the same place, the cause is fixed in the machine, such as the drum, a roller or the fuser; if it moves, look at the paper or the file.
Differential
Likely causes of “Brother printers leaves smudges, spots or repeated marks”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A wrong media setting
What separates it The toner smears because the media setting is wrong for the paper
How to confirm Set the right paper type in the driver, and print again
- 2
A dirty or worn drum
What separates it There are repeating marks because the drum is dirty or worn
How to confirm Replace the drum, and reset its counter, then print again
- 3
A leaking toner cartridge
What separates it There are spots on the page because a toner cartridge is leaking
How to confirm Replace the leaking toner cartridge, and clean up any spilled toner
- 4
Damp paper
What separates it The pages smear because the paper is damp from humid storage
How to confirm Use dry paper, taken from a fresh pack, and print again
- 5
A dirty paper path
What separates it There are marks on the back because the paper path is dirty
How to confirm Clean the paper path, when the machine is off and cool
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where the marks appear and how often
- The status of the drum unit and the toner
- Whether it began after a supply change
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the paper type
ReversibleCheck the paper type, and match the setting in the driver to the paper, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Look for a pattern
ReversibleLook for a pattern, since repeating marks mean that the drum is at fault, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Clean the corona wire
ReversibleClean the corona wire, using the green tab, on the drum unit, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Replace the drum, and reset its counter, then print again
ReversibleReplace the drum, and reset the counter, after you fit the new drum, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the toner
ReversibleCheck the toner for leaks, and wipe up any toner around the drum area, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Use dry paper, taken from a fresh pack, and print again
ReversibleUse dry paper, taken fresh from the pack, and keep it flat, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Test again
ReversibleTest again by printing a page, and compare it with the earlier prints, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Laser
- Toner smudges relate to fusing and the drum.
- Inkjet
- Ink smears relate to drying and rollers.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models L8905CDW, L3295CDW, L2460DW, L2640DW, J1010DW, J4535DW, J5855DW, QL-820NWB label printer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If marks continue with a new drum and correct paper, contact Brother
- !If toner leaks, stop and replace the cartridge
- !If inkjet smears continue, clean the rollers with a slightly damp cloth
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Resetting the drum counter.
New toner, installation, drum and corona wire.
Resetting the drum counter.
Power, connection, Recover WLAN and Windows checks.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why do I get repeating marks?+
Repeating marks come from a worn or dirty drum, so clean or replace it.
Can a leaking toner smudge?+
Yes, a leaking toner cartridge can smudge the pages, so replace it.
Can damp paper smear?+
Yes, damp paper can smear, so use dry paper.
Should I use genuine drums?+
Brother recommends genuine drums, since others can cause faults.
Can I clean inside?+
You can clean inside, but only when the machine is off and cool.
Do inkjets smear?+
If ink is wet or rollers are dirty.
Should I level the machine?+
Yes, level the machine, since a tilted machine can spill toner.