Horizontal or vertical streaks on your printed pages are one of the most common complaints with laser printers, and the HP LaserJet Pro M118dw is no exception. Whether you're seeing faint gray bands, dark streaks, or repeating defects at regular intervals, these print quality issues typically stem from toner cartridge problems, drum unit wear, or internal contamination. This troubleshooting guide walks you through proven printer repair steps to restore clean, professional output from your M118dw.
Common Causes of Streaking on the M118dw
The HP LaserJet Pro M118dw uses a single integrated toner cartridge (HP 94A or 94X) that combines the toner supply and imaging drum. This design simplifies maintenance but means that cartridge-related issues account for most print quality problems. Environmental factors like high humidity, low toner levels, and paper dust accumulation can also contribute to streaking. Before you fix printer issues with costly replacements, work through these diagnostic and cleaning steps.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1
Print a Supplies Status Page: Press and hold the Resume button (triangle icon) on the control panel until the Ready light begins blinking, then release. Review the printed report for toner level and cartridge health. If the page itself shows streaks, note their pattern—horizontal streaks often indicate drum damage, while vertical streaks may suggest a contaminated transfer roller or fuser issue.
2
Remove and Inspect the Toner Cartridge: Open the front access door, grasp the blue handle on the toner cartridge, and pull it straight out. Examine the green imaging drum surface carefully—do not touch it with bare fingers. Look for scratches, scuff marks, or toner clumps. Gently rock the cartridge side-to-side five times to redistribute toner evenly, then reinstall until it clicks firmly into place.
3
Clean the Drum and Internal Paper Path: If you see toner buildup on the drum, use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface in one direction only—never use circular motions. For the paper path, access the rear door by pressing the two blue tabs and removing it. Use compressed air to blow out loose toner and paper debris from the fuser area and transfer roller. Avoid touching the black spongy transfer roller directly, as oils from skin contact can cause permanent print defects.
4
Run the Built-in Cleaning Function: From the HP Smart app or HP Printer Assistant software on your computer, navigate to Printer Maintenance › Clean Page. The M118dw will print a cleaning page that uses internal pressure to remove excess toner from the fuser and paper path. Run this function up to three times if streaking persists, allowing 30 seconds between cycles for components to cool.
5
Adjust Print Density and Paper Type Settings: Incorrect density settings can exacerbate streaking, particularly with recycled or heavy paper. In the printer driver, go to Printing Preferences › Paper/Quality tab. Set the paper type to match your actual media (Plain, Heavy, Recycled, etc.) and reduce print density by 1-2 levels if dark streaks appear. For the M118dw specifically, the EconoMode setting under Finishing can reduce toner laydown and minimize banding on draft documents.
6
Replace the Toner Cartridge: If streaks persist after cleaning, the imaging drum inside the cartridge is likely worn or damaged. Install a genuine HP 94A (CF294A, ~1,200 pages) or HP 94X (CF294X, ~2,000 pages) toner cartridge. Third-party or refilled cartridges frequently cause streaking due to drum quality inconsistencies. After installation, print 5-10 calibration pages to allow the printer to adjust voltage settings for the new supply.
⚠️ Important: Never expose the imaging drum to direct sunlight or bright office lighting for more than a few minutes—UV exposure permanently degrades drum sensitivity and causes recurring print defects. When inspecting the cartridge, work in dim light and cover the drum surface with paper when not actively cleaning. Also avoid using ammonia-based or alcohol-heavy cleaners inside the printer, as these can damage plastic components and the transfer roller coating.
Still Need Help With Your HP Printer?
If these troubleshooting steps didn't resolve the issue, our certified HP printer technicians are standing by. Get expert support in minutes.
Why does my HP LaserJet Pro M118dw print streaks only on one side of the page?
One-sided streaking typically indicates localized drum damage or toner accumulation on one end of the imaging drum. Remove the cartridge and inspect the corresponding side of the drum for scratches or fused toner deposits. If cleaning doesn't resolve it, the cartridge needs replacement—drum damage cannot be repaired, only the entire toner cartridge assembly.
Can low humidity cause printing streaks on the M118dw?
Yes, very dry conditions (below 20% relative humidity) increase static electricity, which can cause uneven toner transfer and streaking. HP recommends operating the LaserJet Pro M118dw in 30-70% relative humidity. If your environment is consistently dry, consider a humidifier near the printer location and avoid storing paper in extremely dry areas before loading.
How do I know if the fuser is causing streaks instead of the toner cartridge?
Fuser-related streaks often appear as repeating defects at 37.7mm intervals (the fuser roller circumference on this model) or as smeared, glossy streaks that rub off the page. Unlike drum streaks, fuser defects may worsen with heavier paper stocks. If you suspect fuser failure after eliminating the cartridge, printer support from an authorized HP service provider is recommended—the fuser in the M118dw is not user-replaceable and operates at high temperatures that present burn hazards.