Epson 1500 - Manual (Page 60)

Print Quality Problems
Dark or dirty background
Change the DENSITY option in SelecType Level 2 for light
print.
Clean the paper path inside the printer using a clean, soft, dry
cloth.
Clean internal printer components by printing three pages with
only one character per page.
There may be a problem with the imaging cartridge. Remove
the cartridge, shake it from side to side, and then reinstall it. If
this does not solve the problem, replace the imaging cartridge
as described at the end of this chapter.
3-8 Troubleshooting