We all know water can dry out, but what about printer ink? The answer is yes, printer ink can also dry out, and dried-out ink may even damage your printhead and give you poor quality prints. But don't worry; this is something you can manage once you understand why it happens and how to prevent it.
Why Does Printer Ink Dry Out?
Infrequent Use
When you don’t use your printer regularly, the ink inside the nozzles and printer cartridge is slowly but surely drying out. This happens because the ink is exposed to air, which causes it to evaporate. Over time, the dried ink can clog the printhead, making it difficult to print clearly.
Broken Packaging or Seal
Ink cartridges are sealed with tape and stored in their packaging to keep the ink fresh. However, if the seal is broken or the packaging is damaged, air can enter and start drying out the ink. This may happen if you accidentally tear the packaging or if the printer cartridge is damaged during shipping or handling.
Expired Ink
Even unopened ink cartridges have a shelf life. When sealed in original packaging and stored in a cool and dry place, they should last about two years. Expired cartridges are more likely to have dried-out ink inside it because, over time, ink can naturally evaporate, even inside a sealed cartridge. Also, the protective seals on an expired cartridge may degrade slightly over time, allowing air to sneak in and drying out the ink.
Improper Storage
Storing your printer or ink cartridges in a hot or dry place can also speed up the drying process. For example, if you keep your printer in a hot attic or a dry basement, the extreme conditions can cause the ink to dry out more quickly.
Signs That Your Ink is Drying Out
If your prints start to show streaks, faded colors, patchy printing, or missing lines or text, it could be a sign that the ink is drying out in the nozzles and clogging the printhead. When nozzles are clogged, your printer might not produce any print or only partial prints. Regular cleaning cycles can help clear these clogs.
How to Keep Printer Ink from Drying Out?
Printer ink is expensive, and you don't want to waste a drop. Good news is there are some simple steps you can take to prevent it from drying out.
Keep unused cartridges in their original packaging. This packaging is designed to shield them from light and air exposure. Keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Print regularly, at least once a week, to keep the ink flowing and prevent it from drying in the print head.
Buy high-quality, well-designed cartridges from trusted brands like G&G. These ink cartridges are designed to minimize drying issues and give you better printing performance.
If you don't print frequently, a laser printer might be a better choice. Laser toner doesn't dry out in the same way ink does and has a longer shelf life.
