[BobnBev]

I don't use my printer very often. When I do, it seems like the ink cartridge has dried out. Is there a secret to keep it alive? TIA

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

I don't use my printer very often. When I do, it seems like the ink cartridge has dried out. Is there a secret to keep it alive? TIA

I stored my cartridges in the freezer when not using them for extended periods.

Just remember to take them out a day before you try to use them.

[Pugchief]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

I don't use my printer very often. When I do, it seems like the ink cartridge has dried out. Is there a secret to keep it alive? TIA

Before use, remove the cartridge and wipe the ink jet holes with a paper towel lightly dipped in rubbing alcohol. Wipe vertically, not horizontally.

Although you didn't ask this, unless you regularly need color printouts you will be better served with an inexpensive b&w laser printer. They don't clog and the toner is much cheaper than ink cartridges. I've seen them on sale for under $50.

[retiredguy123]

There is a secret, but I can't tell you what it is.

[villagetinker]

I gave up on ink cartridge printers for exactly this reason, I currently have 2 Laser printers, a B/W for the normal printing and the color one as needed. At one time I was using the local shipping center for color printing until I saw the prices, I now do this at home, after about 200 to 300 prints i am breaking even, and everything after that is at a much lower cost.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's not a big deal really. Just make sure to print at least one page in color every couple of weeks. You could even just print a test page - it's usually an option built into the printer. Also if you print infrequently, make sure you're not getting "XL" but instead, just standard ink. And don't use generic brand or "remanufactured" ink cartridges.

[JoelJohnson]

Who needs color printers today? You can bring your phone (or sd card) and go to CVS, Staples, even your local library. I haven't had to print in color for about 10 (or more) years.

[retiredguy123]

I would just schedule a test print on your calendar every few weeks to prevent the ink from drying out. Personally, I like ink cartridge printers and I like color. I don't print enough to worry about the cost of the cartridges, but I have used after market cartridges and they worked fine. Another thing you can try is to run hot water over the cartridge.

[Arctic Fox]

Even when I have needed to provide a certified copy of my passport, I have never had a black and white version declined, so I switched from color inkjet to b&w laser several years ago - under $100 at Staples and probably cheaper elsewhere. It has already paid for itself in lower consumables costs - I use generic cartridges at half the cost of OEM.

[SoCalGal]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

I don't use my printer very often. When I do, it seems like the ink cartridge has dried out. Is there a secret to keep it alive? TIA

I'm sometimes amazed that questions so easily answered in full by generative AI are posted here. I recommend PerplexityAI. Just copy/paste your question just as you've asked it here into the query box and you'll get a well-thought-out response.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by SoCalGal

I'm sometimes amazed that questions so easily answered in full by generative AI are posted here. I recommend PerplexityAI. Just copy/paste your question just as you've asked it here into the query box and you'll get a well-thought-out response.

Thanks for that info.

I learn something new each day!

[jimmy o]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

I don't use my printer very often. When I do, it seems like the ink cartridge has dried out. Is there a secret to keep it alive? TIA

As others have said. I tossed my ink jet and replaced with b&w laser that uses toner cartridge. Toner never dries out and lasts incredibly long before it runs out. The printer itself has less moving parts and is less problematic, in fact mine has never given me a problem, and I even moved it here from Chicago and it started right up. Cost of ink is ridiculous and constantly needs replacement, it really aggravated me, now I’m a happy printer with my HP laser.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

I don't use my printer very often. When I do, it seems like the ink cartridge has dried out. Is there a secret to keep it alive? TIA

I like my Canon printer/copier in some ways. I can refill the ink from bottles, so it’s cheap to use. However, the red seems to work less well than it should if I haven’t used it for a couple days. Type that should come out red comes out brown. The solution is to run through a DEEP CLEANING cycle under the Maintenance window. This takes a couple minutes, but it always does the trick. The annoyance is made up for by saving a lot in ink cartridges or a new printer.

[MikePgh]

Had the same problem. Ran the cleaner routine that was supposed to clear it, would clean the cartridge head and printer jets with alcohol.
It worked ok but it got to be a pain to do every time I needed to print.

So the next time I needs to buy new ink cartridges I just bought an inexpensive Brother laser printer. Sure it’s only B&W but why does my boarding pass need to be in color?

Very happy and never worry about it not working anymore.

[NoMo50]

Do yourself a favor and dump the printer that uses cartridges, which are way more costly than they should be. I made the switch to an Epson EcoTank printer, and couldn't be happier. Fast and efficient, this printer uses refillable ink tanks that seem to last forever. After using it for over a year now, I have not had to refill any of the tanks. In fact, they have not even dropped to 50% yet. I will certainly never go back to a cartridge printer.