Does printer ink dry out? Printers are important because they let us quickly and easily print documents, photos, and other files whenever we need them. However, like any other electronic device, printers can experience issues from time to time. One of these is that printer ink can dry out, causing printing errors or poor-quality prints. So, how to keep printer ink from drying out?
Well, in this guide, we will discuss some reasons why this happens and ways to fix the problem. Not just that! We will also learn some tips on how to keep ink cartridges from drying out. We have all the information you need, from where to put your printer to where to store ink cartridges. Get ready for trouble-free printing in no time!
In this guide, we will discuss:
- Why Does Printer Ink Dry Out?
- Printer Ink Dried Out: How To Fix This?
- How To Keep Ink Cartridges from Drying Out?
- How To Keep Printer Ink From Drying Out: For Ink Tank Printers
Why Does Printer Ink Dry Out?
Printer ink is composed of substances like solvents, pigments, alcohol, resins, lubricants, and other materials. While some of these substances are resistant to drying out on their own, they can dry out when combined. To understand it better, here are additional reasons why printer ink dries out:
1. Not Printing Regularly
Ink cartridges typically begin to dry out if you stop printing for a long time. This is because the ink is no longer kept in the cartridge and is stuck in the nozzles. If printer ink gets too dry, it clogs up the print head, preventing it from producing accurate prints.
2. Improper Storage
Another reason why do ink cartridges dry out so fast is the extremely high or low temperature in the storage area. This is especially true for rarely used ink cartridges, as the ink inside doesn't move around to regulate temperature. Improper storage, such as keeping cartridges upside down, can also cause the ink to settle at the top, resulting in unclear, dried-out, and streaky prints.
3. Clogged Printhead
If you don't clean the printheads on your ink cartridges properly, the ink can dry out at the top, leading to unclear prints. Although many modern printers have automatic head-cleaning functions, if you have an older printer, you'll need to clean the printheads manually.
4. Expired Cartridge
Many people don't even know that printer cartridges can expire. If your ink cartridge is dry, it might be because it's past its expiration date. Although many major cartridge manufacturers don't print expiry dates on them, they last for 2-3 years at best. Plus, storing the cartridges for 12 months without any use can lead to them drying out.
Printer Ink Dried Out: How To Fix This?
If you encounter a printer ink dry-out situation, don't just remove the cartridges and throw them away. You may experience poor print quality, but there's still a remedy.
As mentioned, you can either clean the printhead automatically or manually to fix a dried ink cartridge. Here's how to clean it manually:
- Step 1: Get a wet and dry paper towel. Wear gloves to keep your hands clean.
- Step 2: Remove the ink cartridge from the printer. Be careful not to touch the nozzle or circuitry.
- Step 3: Put the ink cartridge on the wet paper towel, facing down. Tap it a few times to move the ink.
- Step 4: Gently slide the ink cartridge on the wet towel from top to bottom. Do this until you see all the colors: cyan, magenta, and yellow.
- Step 5: Use the dry paper towel to gently dab the ink cartridge until it is dry.
- Step 6: Put the ink cartridge back in the printer and print a test page to check if it's working.
For additional solutions, follow this guide on how to clean the printhead or watch an instructional video on how to fix a dried ink cartridge.
How To Keep Ink Cartridges from Drying Out?
Now that we know why printer ink dries out, there are ways you can prevent it from happening. You'll be able to save time and money when you know how to take care of your cartridges. In this part, we'll give you 6 helpful tips on how to keep printer ink from drying out.
1. Print Often
The main culprits of printer ink drying out are clogged nozzles, which happen when the printer is not used for a long time. The residual ink in the nozzles dries up and clogs them as a result. So, to ensure this doesn't happen, and you don't waste ink on cleaning the printhead later on, try to print something at least once a week. Regular printing is one way on how to keep printer cartridges from drying out, as it keeps the ink flowing from the nozzles, not letting it sit inside long enough to dry up.
2. Store Cartridges Properly
It's a good idea to keep some extra ink on hand if you print regularly. That way, if the ink in your printer runs out, you can quickly replace it and continue printing without interruption. However, if you don't store ink in the right place or manner, it can still dry up. Proper storage is essential to prevent printer ink from drying out. Here's what you can do:
A. How to Store?
Make sure to always store the ink cartridges in an upright position. If you put the cartridges upside down or sideways, the ink will go toward one side, which can badly affect your prints when you use the cartridge.
B. Where to Store?
To keep your cartridges in good condition, store them in a dry, dark place. Whether you place them inside a box or on a shelf, ensure they are at room temperature. Exposure to high heat or cold can result in poor print quality, making the cartridges unusable. To prevent ink from drying out, store them in a room with a temperature between 15 to 35 degrees Celsius (5 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit).
C. When to Use It?
Remember, ink cartridges usually last for 2-3 years. It's smarter to use the ones you bought first rather than new ones. This way, you can prevent them from expiring and drying out, which could cost you money.
D. Keep Your Cartridges Sealed
Leaving cartridges open can cause the ink inside to dry up, similar to how water in an open bottle evaporates over time. To prevent this, it's best to keep the cartridges sealed and only open them when you're ready to use them. Keep in mind that once opened, cartridges typically have a shelf life of six months.
If you don't have a sealed cartridge, follow these steps to ensure its safety:
- Step 1: Take a sealed plastic tub and put the cartridge inside with its nozzle side facing up.
- Step 2: Place a damp paper towel or cloth inside, beside the cartridge.
- Step 3: Seal the plastic tub and put it somewhere dark and cool.
- Step 4: Check the damp towel or paper occasionally to ensure it's still wet. This way, you can determine whether the sealed container is sealing the moisture in.
3. Place the Printer at a Normal Temperature
Another way on how to prevent printer ink from drying out is to put the printer in a good location. Even if you store your cartridges properly, printer ink may still dry out due to where your printer is placed. It's not just about protecting cartridges outside the printer; you also need to safeguard the ones in use. Avoid placing your printer in areas with varying temperatures, such as direct sunlight, near air conditioners or heaters.
How To Keep Printer Ink From Drying Out: For Ink Tank Printers
Are you wondering if ink tanks can also dry up? Yes, they can! Ink tank printers use the same ink as inkjets, so they're prone to drying out too. To stop this, here are some extra tips on how to keep ink cartridges from drying out:
1. Print Regularly
As we have mentioned above, printing often with your ink tank printers is important because it keeps the ink moving smoothly through the system. This constant movement helps prevent the ink from drying out, ensuring that your printer is always ready when you need it, so make it a habit to print at least once a week.
2. Perform Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your printer is crucial to prevent ink from drying out. By following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the printheads and performing nozzle checks, you can ensure that your printer operates smoothly and ensures proper ink flow.
3. Keep Ink Tanks Sealed
It's essential to always keep the ink tanks tightly sealed when they're not in use. This helps prevent air from getting into the tanks, which can lead to ink drying out. By keeping the tanks sealed, you can maintain the quality of your printer's ink for longer periods.
Parting Words
There you have it! Now you learned everything about why printer ink keeps drying and some tips on how to keep printer ink from drying out. So, remember to print regularly, store the cartridge properly, and place the printer in a good location. Doing this will stop the ink from drying and save you the trouble of dealing with a dried-out cartridge. Happy printing!
Key takeaways:
- The ink in your printer's cartridges keeps moving when you print frequently. When you don't print for a long time, the ink can sit still and dry up, causing problems like clogs in the printer nozzles.
- Cartridges should be stored upright in a dry, dark environment at room temperature. Extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, can affect the consistency and quality of the ink, leading to issues such as streaky prints or nozzle clogs.
- Ink cartridges typically have a shelf life of 2-3 years, but they can still dry out if left unused for extended periods. To prevent cartridges from expiring and drying out, it's advisable to use older cartridges before newer ones.
Are you in need of assistance with ink orders or have any questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at 1-833-465-6888, toll-free. Our dedicated staff can help you from Monday to Friday, 6:30am-3:30pm PT. Count on us to make your printing experience smooth and enjoyable!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your printer ink might dry out quickly because of several reasons. If you don't use your printer often, the ink can dry up in the nozzles. Also, if your printer is exposed to high temperatures or low humidity, the ink can dry out faster. Poor storage, like leaving cartridges open or in direct sunlight, can also cause the ink to dry up quickly. That's why regular printing, maintenance, and proper storage can help prevent ink from drying out too quickly.
To prevent ink from drying out, it's recommended to print at least once or twice a week. Regular printing helps keep the ink flowing through the printer nozzles, preventing them from drying up. If you have an inkjet printer, regular printing helps prevent the printhead from clogging. However, if you have a laser printer, you may not need to print as often to prevent ink drying, as laser printers use toner instead of liquid ink. For additional tips, follow the guide above on how to keep ink cartridges from drying out.
To fix a dried-up ink cartridge, you have a few things to try. First, use the printer's cleaning function to clear the printhead. If that doesn't help, you can manually clean the printhead with water and a soft cloth or towel. You can also soak it in a mix of warm water and alcohol. Also, try tapping the cartridge on a paper towel to get the ink flowing again. If none of these work, you might need a new ink cartridge.