Embodiments herein begin by sensing first document presence data of a media sheet in a media path using a scanner. Then, the embodiments calculate a background correction factor for scanning the media sheet based on input from the scanner. Second document presence data is obtained from this background correction factor. If the second document presence data indicates that no media sheet is present (which is contrary to the first document presence data), there is a possibility that the first document presence data was false. In order to check if the first document presence data is false, the embodiments obtain third document presence data relating to alignment of the media sheet within the media path, again using the scanner. If the third document presence data also determines that no media sheet is present, this indicates that the media path is in need of cleaning. In other words, if the first document presence data indicates that the media sheet is present, but the second document presence data and third document presence data both indicate that no media sheet is present, the embodiments provides a notification that the media path needs cleaning.