How to Clean Ink Jet Cartridges

An inkjet cartridge contains ink that is used in a printer.

An inkjet cartridge is placed into a printer and contains the ink that the printer uses to print with. Inkjet cartridges contain several small holes to allow the ink to flow smoothly and evenly into the printer. The holes can become clogged with ink, especially if the printer isn't used often or the cartridge is old. This can cause the ink to unevenly flow or not flow at all. Cleaning the ink cartridge can remove the clog and make the inkjet cartridge properly work.

Things You'll Need

• Isopropyl alcohol, hot water or lubricating spray
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Remove the inkjet cartridge from the printer. Refer to your printer manual for information on how to remove the cartridge from your specific brand of printer. The process will vary based on manufacturer and model.

2. Fill a bowl with enough isopropyl alcohol, hot water or lubricating spray to cover the holes on the bottom of the ink cartridge. Place the inkjet cartridge in the liquid.

3. Allow the cartridge to soak in the liquid overnight.

4. Remove the cartridge from the liquid. Wipe liquid off the cartridge with a dry towel.

5. Allow the cartridge to air dry before placing it in the printer.

References

• PC User: How Can I Clean Inkjet Print Heads?
• Weeno: How to Clean Clogged Inkjet Printheads
• Lifehacker: Clean Inkjet Printer Cartridges with WD-40