How To Store Ink Cartridges

Jewel Bless Cortez
CompAndSave
Published in
4 min readSep 1, 2022

We all know ink cartridges don’t need to be installed and utilized within the same week or month in small businesses or homes. Printers are occasionally used in these places; as a result, ink cartridges typically last not more than four to six months. However, nothing is more frustrating than finding that the ink cartridge does not function properly and that you have to replace it without even having used it for a lengthy period of time.

Printer Ink Cartridges Without Packaging.
Photo by: myphotobuddy.com

This article will teach users how to store ink cartridges and how to get the most out of every last drop of ink. With a few simple tips on keeping ink cartridges, you can ensure that your ink lasts until you need it.

Store Ink Cartridges Upright

One of the essential things you can do how to store ink cartridges is to keep them in an upright position. If you leave inks lying down, or even worse, upside down, there is a potential that ink can leak out of the cartridge. If you use several colors of ink, keep the same color in the same plastic container if they are open to avoid contamination.

Keep Cartridge Out of Direct Sunlight

Avoid storing ink cartridges in areas that are too hot or too cold. Instead, keep the ink cartridges in a cool, dark place since overexposure to direct sunlight may drain water from ink, making it thicker to use, and may cause print head blockage.

Keep Cartridges in Sealed Bags

It is preferable to store ink cartridges in sealed bags until you are ready to use them to preserve their condition and shield them from the elements and any damage they may cause. This prevents the print head from drying up and air from entering the ink cartridges, which might lead to a hard crust form where the ink is released. Additionally, If the chip is damaged or unclean, your printer might not recognize the cartridge.

Print Regularly

It is suggested that you print at least one page every week. Printing frequently to avoid ink blockage in the print head. This is to make sure that your ink is still safe to use after more extended storage and to determine whether it is still usable.

FAQs

How Long Can You Store Opened Ink Cartridges?

When preserved in the proper conditions, ink cartridges that have been opened can be stored for up to 6 months, while brand-new, sealed cartridges can survive up to 2 years, sometimes even longer.

Printer Ink Cartridges Inside the Printer
Photo by: inkcartridges.com

If you want to print after storing cartridges for a while, do not simply insert the cartridge into the printer and start printing. This could cause harm to your printer and waste ink. Follow these few steps: Unseal the cartridge first, check any ink leaks and wipe up any drips and dust. Second, check the print head using tissue paper to determine whether it is damp. And last, make sure the cartridge connections are visible.

However, printer cartridges do not last forever. If your ink cartridges dry out, printheads can become clogged over time due to dust or dried ink. Check these step-by-step guides to learn how to clean a printhead.

Wrapping Up

When ink cartridges are correctly stored, they can last a lot longer, and if you only print occasionally, this may be useful to you: no more throwing out used cartridges and buying new ones. Nonetheless, in addition to how to store ink cartridges, don’t forget to check the best printer ink quality that fits your budget and ensure you get high-quality ink and toner cartridge supplies from reliable ink providers.

Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you have any questions. Looking to save money on your printing projects? Check out www.compandsave.com for some great deals on printer ink and accessories! Remember to follow our blog for more interesting printing-related tips and guides.

About the Author

Jewel Cortez is a Search Engine Optimization specialist with three years of Customer Service Experience in CompAndSave. CompAndSave is a retailer and wholesaler of printing materials based in Union City, California.
Jewel has years of expertise in the ink industry and has extensive knowledge of printers, ink, toner cartridges, and photo papers which may help people better understand printers and cartridges.

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Jewel Bless Cortez
CompAndSave

SEO Specialist with Customer Service Experience at Compandsave.com Inc. With over 3 years of experience working in the printer ink industry.