the scanner glass on my epson all-in-one looks clean but every scan has faint smudges in the same spots.

Diagnosis

This issue is caused by "ghosting" or artifacts originating from the underside of the scanner lid, specifically the white plastic backing plate (the platen cover). While the scanner's CIS (Contact Image Sensor) reads the document through the glass, the white backing plate is designed to provide a neutral, reflective background that prevents light from leaking into the scan and ensures the edges of the page appear white rather than black. When dust, ink smears, or oils accumulate on this white surface, they create subtle shadows or smudges that are captured by the sensor as it moves across the glass. Because the lid presses the document flat against the glass, these contaminants make direct contact with the paper, leaving faint, repetitive marks in the exact same coordinates on every single scan. You can confirm this by scanning a blank white sheet of paper; if the smudges appear in the same spot regardless of the document's content, the contamination is on the lid or the glass, not the document itself.

How to Fix It

To eliminate these repetitive smudges, you must perform a deep clean of the platen assembly. Follow these exact steps:

1. Open the scanner lid to a full 90-degree angle.
2. Inspect the white plastic underside of the lid. Look specifically for gray streaks or small "pills" of dust that have adhered to the plastic.
3. Dampen a high-quality, lint-free microfiber cloth with distilled water or a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol (70%) and water. Do not spray any liquid directly onto the printer; apply it to the cloth first to avoid liquid seeping into the hinges.
4. Wipe the white backing plate using a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward to the edges. Pay extra attention to the corners and the area where the lid folds.
5. Next, clean the scanner glass using a dedicated glass cleaner or the same alcohol solution. Use a separate section of the cloth to avoid transferring debris from the lid to the glass.
6. Use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the glass and the white plate until there are no streaks or moisture droplets remaining.
7. Close the lid gently and perform a test scan of a plain white page to verify the smudges are gone.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Calibration Strip: Inspect the very edge of the scanner glass where the sensor begins its travel. If a small piece of debris or a hair is stuck on the white calibration strip (the narrow white border around the glass), it can create a vertical streak or "smudge" that persists across the entire page. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the edges of the glass frame.
• Inspect for Glass Pitting: Use a bright flashlight and hold it at an angle to the glass. Look for microscopic scratches or "pitting" in the glass surface. If the glass is physically scratched, no amount of cleaning will remove the mark; the glass platen (Part No: WF-2960-GLS) will need to be replaced.
• Verify Document Flatness: If you are scanning thick documents, the lid may not be applying even pressure, causing the paper to lift slightly and create a shadow. Place a heavy, flat book on top of the scanner lid to ensure the document is pressed firmly against the glass.
• Perform a Hard Reset: In rare cases, the image processing software can glitch. Power down the WF-2960, unplug the power cable for 60 seconds, and hold the power button for 15 seconds to discharge the capacitors before restarting.

Heads Up

• Avoid using paper towels or tissues on the scanner glass or the white backing plate, as these are abrasive and can leave microscopic scratches that permanently degrade scan quality.
• Never use ammonia-based cleaners or acetone on the white plastic lid, as these chemicals can dissolve the finish or cause yellowing, which will introduce new artifacts into your scans.
• If you frequently scan documents with ink or toner that may be "off-gassing" or smudging, wipe the white backing plate once a month to prevent buildup.
• Ensure the scanner lid is completely dry before closing it; trapping moisture between the lid and the glass can lead to condensation and streaks on your next scan.