How to Store HP Print Cartridges

Store your HP print cartridges in a cool area.

Printer ink cartridges are expensive. You don't have to wait until the ink cartridge in your Hewlett-Packard printer is empty before buying a new print cartridge. Buying extra ink cartridges is ideal if you do a lot of printing or you find the cartridges on sale, but it is important to store your HP print cartridges properly to keep them from being damaged due to environmental and improper packaging issues.

Things You'll Need

• Small sponge
• Plastic container with lid

Instructions

Unopened HP Print Cartridges

1. Leave the HP print cartridge in its original packaging. Do not remove the protective tape from the bottom of the cartridge.

2. Stand the cartridge upright. Do not place the cartridge on its side or upside down.

3. Place the cartridge in a cool environment away from heat sources. Excessive heat can cause air bubbles to expand inside the cartridge. The air bubbles can cause the cartridge to leak ink.

Open HP Print Cartridges

1. Wet a small sponge with cold water from a sink. Wring out excess water. The sponge should be damp, but not dripping with water.

2. Place the damp sponge in an airtight plastic container that has a lid.

3. Place the open HP print cartridge in the plastic container with the damp sponge. If it's a color ink cartridge, place it with its metal contacts facing down. If the cartridge contains black ink, place it with its contacts facing up. The wet sponge will keep the cartridge from drying out.

   Place a lid on the container. Do not touch the metal contacts on the bottom of the cartridge.

4. Place the plastic container in a cool environment away from heat sources. Excessive heat can cause air bubbles to expand inside the cartridge. The air bubbles can cause the cartridge to leak ink.

   If you have more than one open HP print cartridge, use a different plastic container for each open cartridge.

5. Check the amount of moisture present in the sponge weekly--the sponge should be damp. Re-wet the sponge if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• HP print cartridges contain a warranty date printed on the face of the cartridge, above the HP sticker. Turn the cartridge upside down to read the date. HP will replace the cartridge during this warranty period if the cartridge is not working properly.

• Do not use plastic bags to store your open HP print cartridges. Plastic bags are not airtight and can lead to your cartridges drying out.

References

• Ink Guides: How to Store and Install Printer Cartridges for Inkjet Printers
• HSA USA: Print Cartridge Maintenance and Handling
• HP: HP Inkjet Supplies - HP 20 Black Inkjet Print Cartridge Specification

Resources

• Cartridge Depot: HP Cartridge Refill Instructions