How to Conserve Printer Ink

Replacing ink cartridges in inkjet or laser printers can be very expensive. Sometimes buying an new inkjet printer is cheaper than buying a new ink cartridge. You can take steps to conserve and save money on ink.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Change the default or preference to lowest quality for printing documents. Not every operating system and printer will have the same procedures for choosing low quality printing. Low quality (some printers say "draft" or "quick print" will use less ink.
   
   Below is an example for the Lexmark 700 series printer in Windows XP. The steps will be similar for your inkjet printer if you are using Windows.

2. 
    
   Going to Start and selecting Printer and Faxes.

   Go to Start and select Printer and Faxes.

3. 
    
   Select printer

   In the Printer and Faxes window, select the printer where you want to make printer quality changes.

4. 
    
   Selecting printer preference

   In the printer menu, select the printer preference.

5. 
    
   Selecting printing quality

   Select the a lower or the lowest quality to enable you conserve ink. The Lexmark Z700 type is used in this example. Actual settings on your printer will vary.
   
   Hit OK and close the open Printer and Faxes windows.

6. Buying higher quality paper will also save you ink. Low quality printing will look better on high quality paper and won't absorb as much ink.

7. Try ink refilling kits versus buying new ink cartridges. The disadvantage is that it can be difficult opening and closing the cartridge. It can also be messy.

8. Try companies that refill ink cartridges. Rapid Refill is an example.

9. Buy ink online. They are usually cheaper than the big box stores like Walmart and Target. There are so many companies to choose from. Do an internet search and research the company that you like.

10. Go to a computer expo or show. They usually have ink cartridge sales reps from small companies that resell, remanufacture, or refill ink cartridges. See if they fill more ink than the original equipment manafacturere or OEM. Sometimes they do and you can test their cartridges to find out.

[romian1]

on 7/18/2009 Thanks! Your response was lightning. I just posted the article a fews second ago!

[starlet67]

on 7/18/2009 Great tips for saving printer ink...which is so expensive!5*