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If you are an infrequent user of a high-performing printer, you may be wondering just how long printer ink will last before needing to be replaced.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When it comes to a printer ink cartridge that is still in its original packaging, you can expect an overall shelf life of anywhere from 24 to 36 months. The packaging should feature an expiration date for your perusal. For more about the longevity of ink, read our guide to a toner vs ink cartridge.
If the packaging has been opened, however, that window shrinks considerably. Once a printer ink cartridge has been exposed to the environment, it will dry out in three to four weeks. Once it has been dried out, you will need to purchase a replacement cartridge. You may also want to learn more about how inkjet printers work.
Insider Tip
When it comes to a printer ink cartridge that is still in its original packaging, you can expect an overall shelf life of anywhere from 24 to 36 months.
Here are some tips and guidelines to help you extend the overall lifespan of your printer ink cartridges.
If you have purchased an ink cartridge, keep it in the original packaging until you are ready to make some print reproductions. As previously mentioned, an opened ink cartridge will start to dry out in three to four weeks, while an unopened cartridge will feature a shelf life of up to 36 months. If you are looking to maximize the lifespan of your newly purchased cartridge, do not install it into your printer until you are ready to crank out a ton of print jobs. If you are using a laser printer, you need to learn more about the toner’s lifetime. Then you can read more ink cartridges with our article on how many pages an ink cartridge can print.
An opened ink cartridge will start to dry out in three to four weeks, while an unopened cartridge will feature a shelf life of up to 36 months.
Printer ink cartridges are finicky and must be stored properly in order to maximize their shelf life. Generally speaking, store ink cartridges in their original packaging in a cool and dry part of the home. You will also want to ensure that the printer ink cartridge stands upright, as any other position can cause the ink to pool on one side and eventually malfunction during print jobs. Additionally, try to keep the cartridge away from direct sunlight and inclement weather, as extreme temperatures can cause damage.
If you have an ink cartridge installed in your printer, you should take care to perform routine maintenance tasks. Most printers feature an auto-clean function of some kind that can be accessed with the push of a button. Make sure of this process to flush out the ink cartridge and your print head. This will make your ink cartridges last longer before needing to be replaced. Maintenance should not be done on only the ink cartridge, for your printer to last long, proper care and maintenance must be done often. You should also ensure your printer is secure with our guide on securing your wireless printer.
Warning
Once a printer ink cartridge has been exposed to the environment, it will begin to dry out in just three to four weeks.
Do Canon ink cartridges expire?
Canon purports to manufacture ink cartridges that never expire, though research is still forthcoming.
Ink VS toner cartridges: how are they different?
An ink cartridge is filled with liquified ink. On the other hand, a toner cartridge is filled with toner dust, which is not liquid. Additionally, toner cartridges tend to be much more efficient than ink cartridges when it comes to the number of prints that can be completed per cartridge.
How to preserve toner cartridges?
Be sure to store toner cartridges properly in their original packaging in a cool and dark area of the home. Follow the guidelines above.
STAT: The facts suggest that 8 out of 10 people chuck their empty printer ink cartridges and their printer toner cartridges in the garbage. (source)
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