Ink cartridges can be expensive, and wasting money is never fun! That’s why it’s important to learn how to store ink cartridges correctly. As inkjet printers require liquid ink to print, it’s vital we ensure this ink does not dry out too fast and is usable for as long as possible.
Ideally, you’ll want to store your ink cartridges in their packaging, and in a cool, dry spot. When you get a new printer and begin using new ink cartridges, it’s best to read the manual for both the machine and the ink required, to see how to best store the specific ink you will be using. Familiarising yourself with the correct storage of your ink cartridges ahead of time could help prevent them from drying too soon.
Today, we take a look at how to store ink cartridges in different situations, from how to store ink cartridges when not in use through to the storage of opened cartridges.
General rules for storing ink cartridges
Whether you are storing ink cartridges in their packaging or ones that have been opened, some general rules apply.
Store your cartridges in a cool and dry spot
Keep your cartridges in a cool location (easier said than done in Australia!), away from direct sunlight. One good spot for storage could be the back of a desk drawer.
Don’t place cartridges on their side
Cartridges should be kept in an upright position for optimal storage. If placed on their side or upside-down, ink could begin to leak, and no one wants to be cleaning up a mess like that. If you have a multi-coloured cartridge, an ink leak could also mean a mixing of colours that shouldn’t be mixed.
Reduce air exposure
Place cartridges in a sealed plastic container or bag to reduce the amount of air they are exposed to. Air can cause the issues for cartridges, such as drying up the ink.
In its packaging
If your ink cartridges are still in their packaging, leave them in there for as long as possible (ideally until you need to load them into the printer to use). Storing ink cartridges in their original packaging can help protect them. The ink cartridge manufacture may have a recommended storage method, so always be sure to read the box and apply the storage method that is suggested, where possible.
As a general rule, an ideal way to store your unopened cartridge would be upright, in a sealed plastic bag, at the back of a desk draw that doesn’t get direct exposure to sunlight.
In the printer
One of the best methods of ensuring a cartridge doesn’t dry up too quickly in a printer is to print regularly. If you don’t have any pictures or documents that require printing, then printing a test page can be a good way of using some ink and keeping things moving.
Know you’re not going to be printing for a little while? It could be best to remove the cartridges from your printer and store them as opened cartridges (we go into more detail about the storage method for this below).
Make sure to place your printer in a spot away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can be damaging to a printer, so place your machine in a sheltered spot.
Storing ink cartridges that have been opened
If your cartridge is open and out of its packaging take a look on the manufacturer website to find out what the best storage method is. As a general rule, if your ink cartridge has been taken out of its original packaging, a good way to store it is in a small, airtight plastic container. Place the ink cartridge inside in an upright position. Make sure not to touch the cartridge nozzles. Put a damp piece of paper or cloth in with the cartridge. Do not use a plastic bag in lieu of a container for storing your cartridge. Protect the nozzles of the cartridge by ensuring nothing is rubbing against or touching them.
Using a cartridge after storage
Be sure to check your stored cartridge before placing it into the printer. If a cartridge has been in storage for a while, then issues may have developed, and you don’t want to introduce these to the printer when an easy check could have detected them.
When you’re checking your cartridge, make sure you unseal it and have a look at the product. Are there any ink spills? Has dust accumulated? Gently wipe any ink spills and dust away. The print head should be moist. Check the print head to make sure it hasn’t dried up by carefully wiping a tissue across the head. Make sure the contact terminals look how they should. If you need a point of reference, have a quick search online to see how they should be looking. If all this is done, place the cartridge into your printer and print a test page. Does it look okay? Then you should be all good to print to your heart’s content!
Where possible, cartridges should be stored in their original packaging. Where this can’t happen, there are a few techniques that can be followed to help extend the life of the cartridge. Before following any of these methods, be sure to check the manufacturer’s manual or website for instructions on how to store their cartridges correctly.