Let’s cut to the chase: when it comes to ink cartridges, we’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is that yes, ink cartridges can dry out. The good news, however, is that when this happens, you can easily fix dry ink cartridge issues with a few simple steps.
Before attempting to fix dry ink cartridges, it’s important that we understand what might cause ink cartridges to dry. There are a few ways this could happen:
Less usage
One of the easiest answers to how do you keep ink cartridges from drying out is to run your printer regularly. If you use your printer infrequently, then chances are the ink cartridges will dry out rather quickly and end up getting clogged. This can easily be avoided by using the printer more frequently and performing regular clean-ups to ensure everything is in order.
Expired cartridges
Every ink cartridge comes with an expiration date. When this expiration date arrives, the cartridge will become unusable. We recommend always keeping a note of your ink cartridge expiration dates and requesting an order at least a week in advance. For more details on dealing with cartridge errors, you can also read our guide on how to bypass incompatible HP ink cartridges.
Incorrect storage conditions
You should always ensure that your cartridges are stored safely in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This also means the cartridges need to be kept at a stable temperature. If not, it can affect its performance and result in a dry ink cartridge.
Manually refilling cartridges
The refilling process needs to be carried out properly as it could potentially let air into the cartridge. This would only dry up the ink and clog the nozzle heads. This is why you should always go for reliable manufacturers such as Brother, Canon or Lanier. For guidance, check out our article on how to refill Sawgrass ink cartridges.
How to fix dried ink cartridges
1. Run the printhead cleaning option in your printer settings
You can find this in your computer’s printer settings. You’ll typically find this titled under ‘maintenance’, ‘troubleshooting’ or something similar. If you’re not sure about the process, you can refer to the user manual for instructions. Once you run the settings, the printer will attempt to print a test page. This will determine if any nozzles are blocked and if any of them need cleaning.
Afterwards, run a ‘head clean’ 3 or 4 times. It should be noted that this may fix only some cartridges.
2. Soak the cartridges
Open your printer and take out the dry ink cartridges. Place them in a medium-sized bowl. Fill it with lukewarm water and soak the cartridges. Ensure that the nozzles are completely covered.
3. Clean the cartridges
Using a cleaning cloth or a cotton bud, wipe through the nozzle entrance. If you don’t see ink starting to flow into the water, soak the cartridges for a few minutes and try again.
4. Fix them back to your printer or go for a replacement
If the above process fixed your cartridges, you can place them back in the printer. Remember to dry the cartridges to remove the water before fixing them back in place.
If you’re still having dry ink cartridge issues and asking yourself can you fix dried out ink cartridges beyond repair, then perhaps it’s time for you to go for a new ink cartridge. Here at Toner City, we source some of the best brands in the market with prominent names like Dell, HP, Lexmark, Epson, Ricoh and more.
You may also find our guide on how to reset Lexmark ink cartridges helpful if your printer still doesn’t recognise a replacement.
How to keep printer ink cartridges from drying out
Many users ask, can ink cartridges dry out if they’re not used often? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. A dry cartridge can lead to faded prints, streaks and clogged nozzles, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid it.
The most effective tip for how to keep printer ink cartridges from drying out is to use your printer regularly. Printing a test page once a week helps keep ink flowing and prevents blockages.
Always store spare cartridges in their original packaging, upright and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Leaving your printer powered on also helps, as many models run small maintenance cycles to keep cartridges in good condition.
Talk to the experts
Toner City has been proudly serving the Australian market for over a decade. We specialise in ink cartridges, toner cartridges and labels.
Still not sure how to fix your dry ink cartridge problem? Reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to assist you with your queries. Call us on 1300 330 242 or reach us via our contact page.