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How to Utilize an Ink Refill Kit for Printers by Tony Fliven
1. When refilling an ink cartridge, set it up first to do it over some old newspapers or a rag like an old towel. Cloth is ideal because it immediately picks up excess ink.
2. Cleaning off ink stains can be done with soap and water. If that fails, consider using a harsher cleaner like nail polish remover or a bleach mixture. Hairspray can also work.
3. Ensure that the cartridge has time to re-stabilize its internal pressure before you try to use it. Some cartridges require the use of a plastic squeeze bottle to blow air into the fill hole and raise the air pressure. Other cartridges will self-stabilize after a short time if you just allow them to sit. You ought to receive specific instructions with your ink refill kit.
4. Don’t hold off too long to refill your ink cartridge after it dries out. The dried out cartridge will become clogged at the micro-holes near the printer head outlet. This will keep the ink from getting out, and stop your ink cartridge from working. If you refill a cartridge before there is use for it, keep it in a plastic bag like a ziploc to prevent atmospheric conditions from messing with it. As little as 20 minutes in the open may cause an ink cartridge to dry out and its outlet holes to stick, so plan accordingly.
5. Always follow all procedural instructions that come with with the refill kit. Don’t attempt to cut any corners or save time on any steps. Refilling ink is a very tricky and order-based, so just fulfil the instructions to the letter.
6. When refilling multi-color cartridges, be very careful about not letting any of the reservoirs to overflow or mix. This will cause dirty looking or muddy colored prints to be produced when you try to use the printer.
7. Don’t be worried if the ink leaks a little bit after you finish refilling. The outlet holes have to be running open in order for the cartridge to work properly, so ink leaking from those holes just means they are clear and working. If it’s leaking up to a significant amount, you have an actual problem of course.
8. Some printer cartridges have switches on the outside that let the printer to detect the cartridge as full and try to use it. When the cartridge began to run dry, the chip was ‘tripped’ and the printer stopped using the ink cartridge. For some cartridges (Epson particularly) you will have to re-set this chip so the printer will recognize your ink cartridge as full again and be able to use it.
These steps should make sure your next ink re-filling attempts go smoothly and without a hitch. Good luck!
About the Author
Tony Fliven is a blogging and printer enthusiast from Atlanta, GA. In his spare time, he likes to start websites, cook and blog about ink refills for printers.
Swedish/Swiss Army Mess Kit