How to Refill Your Inkjet Printer's Ink Cartridges
The basic instructions for refilling inkjet printer cartridges are similar for all cartridges, although details vary depending on the manufacturer and model number. Search for your specific cartridge online to identify the location in each cartridge for different colors of ink. Black cartridges usually require one hole for filling, while some color cartridges may require three or more holes. Many cartridges require a unique type of ink, so purchase ink that is specific to your inkjet cartridge.
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Things You'll Need
- Work surface that can take spills
- Inkjet refill kit that includes a finger drill and syringes
- Inkjet ink
- Lint-free rag
- Clear tape
Instructions
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1
Remove the black cartridge from the printer, taking care not to contaminate the electrical contacts with fingerprints or ink. Set the cartridge on the work surface. Remove the label from the top of the cartridge.
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2
Locate the appropriate existing hole in the top of the cartridge for black ink, or drill a new hole with the finger drill. Fill the syringe with black ink. Insert the end of the needle into the hole, pressing it slightly into the spongy material inside. Slowly inject ink into the cartridge. Stop injecting when excess ink comes out of the top hole.
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3
Clean the top of the cartridge with a rag. Replace the top label, taping the edges down if necessary. Gently clean the bottom of the cartridge with a rag, taking care not to contaminate the electrical contacts. Reinstall the cartridge in your printer.
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4
Repeat all steps with the color cartridge, identifying the correct location for each color according to your unique cartridge. Reinstall the color cartridge in your printer. Repeat if your printer has more than one color cartridge. Clean syringes with water or solvent from the refill kit.
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5
Print a test page. Run several cleaning cycles if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not tightly seal the top of the cartridge with tape. Most cartridges must be slightly open to the atmosphere in order to work properly.
Some inkjet cartridges may register as empty on your computer's printer utility, even after they have been refilled. Consult with the specific instructions for your inkjet cartridge to learn how to reset your cartridge so that the computer recognizes the full cartridge.
The instructions for your specific inkjet cartridge will include the appropriate volume of ink to inject into each cartridge.
Most cartridges have an absorbent sponge inside. Gently wiggle the needle around, in and out of the sponge if necessary, to aid in the absorption of ink.
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
