Here's How You Should Safely Store Ink Cartridges (When Not In Use)

Do you need to store ink cartridges because you're not using them? Maybe you stocked up during a big sale? Or, perhaps you're printing less, lately, but don't want them to go bad in the meantime.

Here's the thing:

Ink cartridges do have a shelf life before the ink begins to dry up (making them unusable).

The shelf life of ink cartridges ranges from 1 – 2 years depending on a number of factors such as heat, humidity, exposure to light, and packaging.

If you feel you have overstocked and won’t need to use those inkjet cartridges for some time. Or, if you temporarily plan to have the cartridge out of the printer then consider the following to ensure they are stored properly to stop them from drying out.

Before we begin, though, let’s cover a few basics:

• If you haven’t yet opened the ink cartridge packaging then resist the urge until it’s time to be replaced therefore ensuring it stays sealed as long as possible.

• Write a note on your calendar when you replaced the cartridge, when you purchased a new one, and if there are extras sitting about so you know they are available before purchasing more and accidentally forgetting about the old ones.

• Pick a place they will be stored (but one which you won’t forget) such as in the desk drawer, filing cabinet, or if you have a cool, dark space such as a closet in your office.

• Remember that it’s not just the cartridge that can dry out but the print heads too so it’s good practice to replace your ink as soon as possible to prevent any loss of quality in your prints.

Now let’s get into some of the procedures…

Step 1: Seal 'Em Up

Roundup either a plastic zip-lock bag or a plastic tub (you can find at many grocery and retail stores); this will be used to keep the ink cartridge airtight, free from too much humidity, and stop any particles of dust from settling on the printhead.

Step 2: Add Moisture

Soak a small piece of cloth or paper towel with water and ring out any excess so that it’s lightly damp; it’s important to do so there’s a slight amount of humidity in the bag/container which will keep the ink sponge (how most ink is stored in the physical housing) moist for the duration of the storage.

Step 3: Store Ink Cartridges

Set the bag/container in an appropriate location you chose for storage, toss in the damp towelette, and insert the cartridge with the printhead (the area where the ink comes out) facing up (toward the ceiling) without the bag or top of the container coming in contact; this will prevent ink from dripping out.

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When you’re ready to use the cartridge again be sure to inspect it and look for any defects. Be careful not to touch any area of the printhead to prevent oils and other residues from your hands/fingers from coming into contact (which can cause quality problems).

You may also want to give the cartridge a few shakes to get the ink moving around before adding it back into the printer. Once it’s installed print one or two test pages.

You are now good to go.

Not stocked on inkjet cartridges? Get in touch with us at TonerRefillKits.com. We offer hundreds of different inkjet cartridge models for a fraction of the retail price. Talk with us and see if supplies are available for your printer, today.