How to Fix a Dry Ink Cartridge
Ink cartridges can stop working for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is dry ink. Usually this is due to the cartridge nozzles being clogged with dry ink, rather than the ink inside the cartridge being dry, which is a far less common occurrence for which there is no fix other than to purchase a new cartridge. Dried, clogged nozzles, however, is a problem that often can be fixed.
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Instructions
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Run the printer's print-head cleaning utility. The location of this will vary depending on the printer, but it can usually be found by selecting "Start," opening the "Control Panel" and choosing "Printers." Right-click on the printer and select "Properties."
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Some printers come with software to install, and that software includes a maintenance function. Also, some printers have a display and controls on the top or front of the printer. A maintenance option may be listed on those controls.
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Remove the cartridge from the printer if the print-head cleaner doesn't fix the problem. Soak the cartridge in a bowl or sink filled with enough warm water to immerse the print head nozzles. Do this long enough to see ink beginning to dissolve and flow into the water. Alternately, you can soak a cloth in warm water and use it to clean the nozzles until you see ink begin to flow, or use moistened cotton swabs to clean the print heads.
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Thoroughly dry the nozzles with a soft, lint-free cloth once the cleaning process is complete.
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Replace the cartridge into the printer and run the printer's print-head cleaning utility.
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Repeat the cleaning procedure if the cartridge still doesn't print.
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Tips & Warnings
If after running through the cleaning process twice the cartridge still doesn't work, it may be beyond repair. Often cartridges that are not used for long periods of time will dry up beyond repair.
Do not use alcohol to clean the print head if it is integrated with the cartridge; it can damage the delicate circuitry.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
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Comments
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Thankssssssss Happy Selling!
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mishehu
Jan 11, 2010
My printer has been gathering dust in a corner of the room for years because it couldn't print properly with an almost new cartridge. After applying this cleaning procedure (submerging print head in warm water), the printer came back to life, and is working perfectly so far. Thank you very much Amy Weiss, you have saved my printer!
