How to Clean and Oil a Fellowes 79Ci Shredder

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Identify the symptom and disconnect for hand cleaning

Check the indicator before turning the machine off. An overheat light, open bin and blocked paper detector require different responses, so note what you see instead of starting with oil. Turn the shredder off at its disconnect switch and unplug it. Keep the plug visible while handling the bin or sensors. Do not assume SafeSense substitutes for unplugging: it is an operating safety feature, not a maintenance lockout. Let a hot machine complete its recovery before any powered test.

Step 2: Empty the bin without disturbing the cutting head

Pull out the waste bin and empty it before shredded paper builds up against the underside of the machine. Remove loose scraps around its accessible rim and seating surfaces with a dry cloth. Keep hands out of the cutting mechanism and do not remove the fixed head to chase paper fragments. Fit the appropriate bag, if used, so it does not prevent the bin from closing correctly. A bin that looks nearly shut but does not seat can explain a non-running shredder without any sensor defect.

Step 3: Locate the paper sensors using the diagram

The 79Ci manual's maintenance diagram identifies two paper-detection sensors near the center of the entry. With the machine still unplugged, use good lighting to locate the accessible sensing surfaces. Do not confuse them with the SafeSense touch area around the opening. The task is wiping those surfaces, not inserting a tool into the cutters. If their location does not match your unit, check its CRC-specific manual before proceeding.

Step 4: Wipe the sensors and allow evaporation

Moisten a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol without leaving it dripping, then gently remove contamination from the identified paper sensors. Keep the swab on the accessible surfaces shown in the manual. Do not spray alcohol into the slot or flood the machine. Leave the shredder unplugged until the alcohol has evaporated and no moisture remains. Remove the swab and inspect for shed fibers before closing up. Routine dust removal does not require dismantling the optical assemblies or adjusting their alignment.

Step 5: Prepare the correct lubricant separately

Use the specified long-nozzle, non-aerosol shredder oil. Fellowes' maintenance FAQ separates cutter lubrication from ordinary household spray lubrication. Do not use WD-40, aerosol products, petroleum-based lubricant or canned air around the shredder. After sensor cleaning is dry, refit the bin and clear the work area. Keep the machine off while applying oil across the paper entry; do not leave cloths, swabs or a bottle nozzle inside the opening.

Step 6: Use the 79Ci forward-cycle oiling sequence

Reconnect only for the prescribed operating step. The referenced 79Ci diagram calls for oil across the entry followed by holding Forward for two to three seconds; it instructs repeating the procedure twice. Use that matching diagram rather than a generic reverse-only routine from another model. Keep hands and the bottle away from the entry while the motor runs, and switch off between applications. This is controlled lubrication of the assembled machine, not permission to work on moving cutters.

Step 7: Test with a modest paper load and review the lights

After lubrication, feed a small ordinary-paper load within your unit's rated capacity. Do not use adhesive labels or other prohibited material as a cleaning test. If an empty machine still runs continuously, or a fault returns immediately, stop repeated cycling and use model-specific troubleshooting. For a Remove Paper indication, the manual directs reverse and a reduced load; for overheating, allow recovery. Build oiling into bin-emptying time, but do not use extra oil to conceal a persistent mechanical or electrical problem.