How to Clean Printer Ink Cartridges
Thirty bucks for one cartridge? It's crazy, so make sure you get the most out of each ink cartridge. If you have a cartridge that's clogged, use these tips to get it back in proper working order.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Hot water
- Soft cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Glass cleaner
- Instruction manual
- Computer
- Access to internet
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How to Clean Printer Ink Cartridges
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1
First, identify what type of cartridge you have. Some cartridges have a print head on the cartridge itself, while in others, it is located in the holster that holds the cartridges. Most HPs have the print head on the cartridge, but other brands may vary. Check your owner's manual or consult the website for details. This information will tell you what part of the ink system you need to clean. It will always be the print head that you want to clean, so its location is key.
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2
Before trying anything else, run a cleaning cycle on your printer. Almost every printer has one, and it will resolve simple issues. If this does not solve the problem, proceed to Step 3.
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3
Next, remove the cartridge from its holder. If you have a cartridge with the print head on it, run under hot water for 20 seconds.
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4
Dry the cartridge with a soft cloth. Wait until completely dry and reinstall.
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5
If that doesn't work, remove the cartridge again. Dampen a cotton swab with glass cleaner and swab the print head. Dry again with a soft cloth. Reinstall.
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6
If your print head is inside the machine, you can repeat the same process as in Step 4. Just make sure to let the print head air dry, or dry it with a cotton swab before using.
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7
The best way of cleaning an ink cartridge is to make sure it doesn't have to be done in the first place. You can do so simply by running a few test pages on your printer once a week to keep the ink flowing.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure to unplug your printer before cleaning.
If you are unable to get the print head clean, and it is part of the machine, consider the cost of repairing it versus replacing it. Often, it is cheaper to replace an inkjet printer than to fix it.
