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How to Care for an HP Ink Cartridge

bwood | Nov 8, 2009 |

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Keeping your ink cartridge running in top condition can be a bit tricky. Often times the cartridge will dry out, streak, or just stop working. Properly caring for your HP ink cartridge will extend its lifetime, and allow you to refill it without trouble.

The most important thing is to keep the cartridge covered when you're not using it. As soon as you open it, insert the cartridge into the printer. After you have used up the ink, store it in a Ziploc bag to protect it from drying out.

If you know you're not going to use the cartridge for a while, (two or three weeks) take a moist paper towel and gently wet the end of the cartridge. This will keep it from drying out, and streaking when you print.

Always store the cartridges at an appropriate temperature. In the sun the ink will get too warm and your cartridge might melt. If it gets too cold the ink will begin to clump together and it will me much more difficult to print. Store your HP ink cartridges at room temperature.

Don't let your cartridge be exposed to crumbs or dust. This sounds obvious, but often times they sit on the counter or the table where crumbs and dust are present. These small particles will stick to the ink at the tip of the cartridge and lower your print quality.

To keep your cartridge in best condition always make sure to store it somewhere where it won't dry out if you plan to go a week or more without using it.