Most of us have spare printer ink cartridges lying around – you never know when you’re going to have to make an emergency switch! But are you storing printer ink properly? Do you know how to keep your unopened (or partially used) cartridges safe?
If you don’t store your ink properly, you could reduce its quality and shelf life, potentially resulting in wasted ink, and we all know how expensive those cartridges can be! That’s why, in this guide, we’ll talk about how to store printer ink when not in use.
If you have unused, factory-sealed, brand-name printer ink lying around that you no longer need, did you know you could be earning up to $350 per cartridge?! When you sell printer ink cartridges to Sell Toner, we pay you good money for it. Sign up today to see our prices!
The Importance of Proper Printer Ink Storage
There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering that your ink has dried up or become unusable when you need to print an important document. Learning how to fix dry ink cartridge isn’t easy! With the right printer ink storage techniques, you can avoid these scenarios and ensure your printer is always ready for action.
Printer ink is a delicate product that can easily degrade or become unusable if not stored correctly. With proper printer ink storage, you can extend the printer ink expiration, potentially saving yourself money in the long run.
Whether you’re dealing with new, unused cartridges or ones that have already been installed, proper storage is crucial to prevent issues such as ink drying out, clogging, or leaking. Storing printer ink incorrectly can result in poor print quality, wasted ink, and even potential damage to your printer’s internal components.
By understanding how to store printer ink properly, you can ensure your cartridges stay in top condition for when you’re ready to use them, providing crisp, clear prints and reducing unnecessary printing costs or wasted ink.
How to Store Printer Ink Cartridges When Not in Use
Let’s talk about how to store printer ink cartridges when not in use. There are many different types of printer ink, but most have the same printer ink storage requirements. Here’s what you need to know.
Storing Unopened Ink Cartridges
Unopened ink cartridges are less vulnerable to damage, but they still require careful printer ink storage to preserve their shelf life. If you’re storing printer ink that’s unopened, keep cartridges in their original packaging, as it provides a sealed environment that prevents exposure to air and contaminants.
Store the box in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. Make sure the cartridges are positioned upright to avoid sedimentation issues or potential leaks – you don’t want to have to learn how to clean up toner spills!
Storing Partially Used or Opened Cartridges
Learning how to tell if an ink cartridge is empty by looking at it isn’t easy, so sometimes we might take cartridges out of our printer, even when they still have ink in them. Don’t worry – with the right printer ink storage, you can usually still use these cartridges later.
Partially used or opened ink cartridges are more susceptible to drying out and clogging if you’re not storing printer ink properly. To keep them fresh, place the cartridge in an airtight, resealable plastic bag or a dedicated storage container.
If possible, wrap a damp cloth or sponge in a small plastic bag and place it alongside the cartridge – this helps maintain moisture levels without direct contact. Make sure the nozzles or print heads are facing up to prevent ink leakage.
Check out these guides on how to clean toner cartridge and how to unclog printer ink just in case your cartridge becomes clogged, and follow these tips on how to put ink in printer to reduce spills and messes when you’re reinstalling your cartridge.
Controlling Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity control are critical when storing printer ink cartridges, as extreme conditions can cause the ink to degrade. The best printer ink storage temperature is between 60°F and 75°F, with a humidity level of 40% to 60%.
Avoid storing printer ink in attics, garages, or basements, which often experience temperature fluctuations. High printer ink storage temperatures can cause the ink to expand and leak, while cold printer ink storage temperatures may lead to separation or coagulation of the ink components.
Long-Term Storage Considerations
If you need long-term storage of printer ink cartridges, you might want to place them in a vacuum-sealed bag to protect them from exposure to air and moisture. If you notice any issues like dried ink or damage to the packaging, inspect the cartridges before using them to prevent any printer issues.
When you’re storing printer ink long-term, make sure you keep a record of the purchase and expiration dates of your cartridges, so you can prioritize the order in which you use them.
Tips on Reducing the Need for Storage of Printer Ink Cartridges
Learning how to store printer ink is one thing, but there’s a lot to be said for not storing excess ink in the first place. If you only buy ink as you need it, you won’t have to deal with bulky cartridges taking up your precious office space or figure out what to do with old ink cartridges if they expire.
Even When Storing Printer Ink Properly, Be Aware of Expiration!
Even with proper storage of printer ink cartridges, they can still eventually expire. Is printer ink toxic if it expires? No, but ink has a limited shelf life, and once it expires, its performance can deteriorate significantly, affecting the quality of your prints and potentially damaging your printer.
Can Printer Ink Cartridges Expire?
Yes, printer ink cartridges can expire. Most manufacturers include an expiration date on their products, usually printed on the cartridge packaging or on the cartridge itself, and it typically ranges from one to three years from the manufacturing date.
After this period, the ink may start to break down, leading to issues like changes in color quality, thicker or clumpy ink consistency, and a higher likelihood of clogging. Some cartridges may still work after their expiration date, but their performance is unpredictable and could damage your printer.
Signs Your Printer Ink is Past its Prime
How long does laser toner last, and how can you tell when it needs replacing? If your ink cartridges are past their expiration date, keep an eye out for faded or discolored prints, streaky or blotchy marks on the pages, or printer error messages informing you your ink has expired.
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to replace your ink cartridges – the quality of your printing will start to be affected, and you could even potentially damage your printer if you’re using expired ink.
What to Do with Expired Ink Cartridges
If you have expired ink cartridges you’ve already opened, you can sometimes send them back to the manufacturer via toner reverse logistics programs, or figure out where to recycle printer toner. You can also learn how to donate unused printer ink cartridges through various programs.
Given that the laser printer toner cost can be so high, it’s a bonus if you can make some money back on your old ink cartridges. At Sell Toner, you can! We buy unused, factory-sealed, brand-name toner, and we pay you up to $350 per cartridge!
Wondering how to sell toner cartridges to us? It couldn’t be easier. You don’t need to wait for a quote, just create an account to see how much money you could be making. We even pay for shipping and provide labels – just slap it on and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts on How to Store Printer Ink When Not in Use
So, that wraps up our guide on how to store printer ink when not in use. Proper storage is important to keep your ink performing well and extend its shelf life, saving you money in the long-term.
And speaking of saving money, you could be earning up to $350 for your old ink cartridges! At Sell Toner, we buy unused, factory-sealed, brand-name ink cartridges, and we offer more money for your ink than any other company out there.
So, if you’re wondering how to get printer ink off hands (figuratively speaking), create a Sell Toner account today to see how much you could be earning!
