Your heat press is one of the most important tools in your shop. Whether you are pressing a handful of garments each week or running production daily, a little routine maintenance goes a long way in keeping your machine reliable. Just like a car or any piece of equipment with moving parts, your press needs occasional care to perform its best.
In this post, we will share the essential steps for cleaning, tightening, lubricating, and troubleshooting your HPN heat press. These tips apply to all HPN models, so no matter which press you own, you will be able to keep it in great condition.
Start With Safety
Before beginning any maintenance, always power off your heat press, allow it to cool completely, and disconnect it from any outlet. Only reconnect power if the specific task requires it.
How To Clean Your Heat Press
Keeping your press clean not only makes it look good but also protects your garments from stains and dust.
- Exterior cleaning: Mix warm water with a drop of dish soap. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside surfaces of your press. Pull out the lower platen if your machine has one so you can clean behind and underneath. Then wipe everything again with plain water and dry with a clean cloth.
- Cleaning the heating platen: Over time, adhesive or transfer residue can build up on the platen. To remove it safely, use EZ-Off platen cleaner. Apply a small amount of EZ-Off onto a heavy cotton cloth and gently rub the platen while it is heated to about 200°F. EZ-Off removes starch, soil, and foreign residue without damaging the surface. It is non-flammable and safe for iron, fabric, and skin. Important: do not confuse EZ-Off platen cleaner with Easy Off oven cleaner, which will damage the coating of your heat press.
- Control housing: Over time, dust can collect inside. Remove the back panel and use a small vacuum or air duster to clear out particles. Be careful not to loosen any wires while cleaning.
Checking for Loose Parts
Daily use can gradually loosen bolts, screws, and other connections. Inspect your machine from time to time and tighten anything that has shifted.
- Clamshell presses: Check the handle, lever, and arm joints. Tighten acorn nuts until the handle moves smoothly and opens on its own when released.
- Signature Series clamshell: Be sure the Allen screws on the handle are snug so the auto open feature works correctly.
- Lower platen alignment: If the platen is not perfectly aligned, loosen the pressure, adjust, and tighten the mounting bolt.
- Slide out rails: Make sure the mounting screws are secure so the drawer glides in and out properly.
- Swingaway presses: Inspect the heating element mount. Tighten the nut at the attachment point just enough for smooth action without overtightening.
Lubrication Tips for Heat Press Machines
Moving parts naturally create friction. Apply a light coating of lubricant as needed.
- Gas shocks: Quiet squeaks with WD40 or a similar spray. Place a rag underneath to catch excess liquid.
- Swingaway shafts and stabilizer bars: Use lithium grease on the main shaft and stabilizer bar for smoother operation.
Transporting and Storing Your Heat Press
When moving your heat press, power it off, let it cool, and release the pressure so it closes easily. Secure the handle with zip ties before lifting. For long term storage, leave the press covered and in the open position. If you must store it closed, keep the pressure fully loosened to prevent stress on parts.
Heat Press Troubleshooting Basics
Here are a few quick checks you can do before contacting support:
- Heating time: A 16x20 press should reach 300°F in about 20 minutes. Plug directly into a wall outlet on a 15 to 20 amp circuit. Do not use surge protectors, power strips, or light gauge extension cords.
- Temperature accuracy: Use a quality thermometer to measure across the platen. Readings should be within 10–15 degrees of the display.
- Common issues: Grinding drawers, faulty auto open functions, pressure problems, or timer malfunctions may require adjustment. If these steps do not resolve the issue, our support team is available to walk you through repairs.
Free Lifetime Support
Every HPN heat press comes backed by a one year warranty and free lifetime technical support. Our team is always ready to help you troubleshoot, order replacement parts, or guide you through adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Regular maintenance ensures your heat press stays dependable for years to come. A few minutes of care can prevent downtime, extend the lifespan of your machine, and keep your shop running smoothly. Watch the full video above for demonstrations of each step, and remember that our support team is always just a call or click away.
