Summer is a season we love for its sunshine and warm weather, but these same factors can be harmful to inkjet printers especially their print heads. Dried ink is one of the most common causes of malfunctions, poor print quality, or even the need to replace the entire print head. To avoid this, it's important to know how to properly store and maintain ink cartridges in hot weather. In the following lines, we’ll share a few tips on how to do just that.
What causes ink to dry out?
The main factors leading to ink drying include:
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prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight – high temperatures speed up the evaporation and drying of ink inside the nozzles and the print head itself;
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infrequent use – if the printer is not used for a long time, the ink begins to settle and thicken, which clogs the nozzles.
Improper storage of spare ink cartridges is also a factor—if you keep them in open packaging or direct light, the risk of drying increases significantly.
Practical tips to protect your ink
To maintain the efficiency of your inkjet printer, you can do the following:
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Keep the printer away from direct sunlight
Place the device in a shaded area or a room with stable temperature. Avoid leaving it near windows, heating units, or under air conditioners blowing warm air. -
Maintain a consistent room temperature
The optimal temperature for using and storing inkjet printers is between 15°C and 25°C. Avoid sudden temperature changes. -
Use the printer at least once a week
Even just a few printed pages per week are enough to keep the nozzles and print head in good condition and the ink well-mixed. Proper and regular use are two of the most important steps to extend the life of your inkjet printer’s print head and nozzles. -
Clean the nozzles regularly
Many printers have an automatic cleaning function. Use it when you notice poor print quality or after the device has been idle for a long time. -
Store spare ink cartridges properly
Keep them in their original packaging, in a dark and dry place. Do not remove them from the packaging until they are needed.
Additionally, always check the expiration date of ink cartridges. Ink has a limited shelf life, and using expired cartridges can lead not only to drying but also to potential damage to the inkjet printer.
Taking care of ink in the summer doesn’t require much effort, but it can save you significant expenses and headaches. Use your inkjet printer regularly, store cartridges properly, and protect the device from heat and light. This way, you’ll maintain print quality and extend the life of your equipment.
