As with anything else that a person can own, proper care and maintenance of a printer will ensure its longevity as well as proper functioning. Although most of us are mindful of the maintenance that is required for the mechanical devices that we own, often times we forget about the little things that keep them working for us. Such things as the printer ink are necessary for a printer to be effective in the job we ask it to do. There are a few things that a person can do to ensure that the ink will be ready when we call on it to print out a paper that we need.



Although there are a number of printer ink types, they all have one thing in common. When they dry out they can no longer be used to print even one page of a document. Preventing this from happening takes a few additional steps to achieve, but is well worth the effort when you consider the benefits of saving time and money, as well as less aggravation and frustration due to having to change a cartridge; or worse yet, waiting on a shipment of printer ink to arrive or running out to purchase it at the last minute. Proper storage and care can help prevent this from happening.



One of the best ways to store printer ink is to keep it in its shipping package and in a closed cabinet or closet out of direct light until it is needed for use. This will prevent the drying effects of light and air flow. Regardless of the printer ink types being used, this suggestion will prolong the shelf life of the cartridge and ensure that it is ready to use when needed. Another method of prolonging the useful lifespan of Printer Ink is to use the printer ink paper that is recommended by the manufacturer of the particular brand of printer being used. This will help by controlling the amount of ink distributed on the paper at the time of each printing job.



Another important quick and painless step that can be taken to preserve the longevity of any ink cartridge is to turn off the printer when not in use. This will eliminate the drying effects of the heat produced by a printer that is on standby, ready for use. The main thing to remember when using a printer of any brand is to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for care of this very useful tool, and that includes the printer ink paper that you use and the way that you store printer ink cartridges as well. Following these simple suggestions will save many future headaches.


Most people like to get the most out of every purchase made, particularly in today’s environment. Every penny counts, and since ink cartridges cost money, it makes sense to maximize their usefulness. Fortunately, there are simple, practical ways to extend the life of printer ink. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by storing printer ink properly.



The life of a printer ink cartridge can vary from a few months to as much as a couple of years. Because new cartridges typically don’t have print heads, they have an average shelf life of two years. No print heads means there are no small holes that can become clogged, so the ink remains in the main chamber and is less likely to dry out. New cartridges are also usually protected from possible air damage by being vacuum sealed or sealed in plastic. Remanufactured cartridges, on the other hand, usually have print heads and are more susceptible to clogging and drying out. The shelf life on these remanufactured products is typically about one year. For either type of cartridge, there are simple storage rules that can help prolong the life of the ink. First, cartridges should be stored in the original packaging for the most protection. A broken seal on the original packaging can allow air to enter and start to dry out the ink. Second, never store them in direct sunlight; the heat and light will negatively affect the ink and will shorten the life of the cartridge. Instead, ink should be stored in a dark, dry location at a temperature between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Third, cartridges should be stored in an upright position to ensure that the ink flow will remain unobstructed. 



Sometimes it’s necessary to remove a cartridge from a computer and store it for later use. In these cases, it is even more important to follow a basic procedure to ensure that the cartridge doesn’t become frozen with plenty of ink left inside. The first step is to place the used cartridge in a small, zipper-sealed plastic bag. Secondly, place a damp sponge or towel in the bag; be sure that there’s no excess water, but that the sponge or towel is damp. The last step is to store the sealed bag in a dark, cook place until ready for continued use. These steps should prevent the ink from drying out for a reasonable amount of time.



Ink can vary according to cost, printer ink brands, and other factors, but one rule remains constant: the fresher the ink, the better it will perform. That is why it is vital that printer ink be stored properly.