How Care For Ink Cartridges And Make Them Last Longer?

Refilling ink cartridges is one good way to help you save money. If you buy new ones, these might be expensive for some printer types. Moreover, refilling your empty ink cartridges is another way of reducing environmental wastes.

Refill them when the ink is getting low

If the quality of your printouts is fading or blurred, then it is best that you immediately refill your inkjet cartridges. For some printers, this is not a problem since they have indicators where you can see accurately the current ink levels.

Store an ink cartridge in a tight or zip-lock plastic bag

This will prevent the ink from immediately drying as you head to the ink refilling store. Also, it is a must that you keep it in a dry place with a cool temperature. Exposing your ink cartridge to direct heat and sunlight can also cause severe damage to it.

Take good care of the electronic parts of your cartridge

When touching the ink cartridge of your printer, you have to avoid touching the electronic parts as it can cause disruptions to your printer-cartridge connection. Buy toner printer cartridges from an online source to get the best longeviity.

Pre-installation handling of your cartridge

Before you install a new ink cartridge into your printer, be sure to inspect it. Gently shake the cartridge or tap it on a hard surface a couple times to prime the ink. Ideally, you want to do this before you remove the protective tape. Otherwise, you’re at risk of spilling ink all over the place, a messy and costly flub.

Your next move depends on the type of cartridge you’re installing. Most cartridges have a plastic pull tab that will cover the vent hole or a plastic clip that is protecting the cartridge while it’s in its packaging. Not every cartridge will have a clip or tab, but if they do, it’s important to remove them before you try installing your ink.

Be cautious around the gold contact or connection point on your cartridge when installing. These points of contact are crucial for getting accurate readings on your ink levels and making a good connection with your printer. They are also easy to scratch and won’t work well when covered in ink residue or dust. If you see dust on this gold chip, gently wipe it clean with a Q-tip or lint-free cloth.

Remember that if properly maintained, your ink cartridges can last for a long time, and your investment will be worthwhile.