How To Effectively Store Printer Ink Cartridges

It's important to store your printer ink cartridges properly if they aren't going to be used for a long time. After all, there will be times when printer ink cartridges just won't be in use. Perhaps you'll be going on holiday or your business will be due to undergo renovation. 

Bloggers at computerstan.com have been discussing different ways to ensure printer ink cartridges are properly stored for periods of non-use.

Contributor Dennis suggests that if printer ink cartridges aren't used for a long period of time, the ink in them will dry up, thus rendering the cartridges useless. This would mean more printer ink cartridges would have to be bought, an obvious waste of money and time.

However, blogger Sam disagrees. He says he has seen sealed printer ink cartridges some six years past their expiration dates work perfectly well, putting paid to the theory that printer dries up through lack of use.

But it is probably the fact that they were stored at a comfortable temperature – "not too hot or too cold", Sam says – that ensured they were in good working order.

For open printer ink cartridges, Sam advises that users should simply seal the bottom part (where it will have been punctured by the printer). Then cover over the air hole at the top of the cartridge where the tape should have been removed prior to use. Placing them in a sealed bag, they should then easily last a good few months.

When you've finished with your ink cartridges, why not recycle them? It can be good way to do your bit for the environment and maybe earn a bit of money, too!

Posted by Johnny McMaster.