If you have a printer (not a super old model) that hasn't been used for months (or even years) and won't print when you want to use it, the problem may be with the ink cartridges.
Furthermore, there are several types of ink cartridges so you may need to use a different method or even a completely different method.
This article refers to the majority of home printers classified as Drop on Demand (DOD).
Clearing clogs isn't hard to do, but the job can be quite messy so read the Tips and Steps section before start!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Water
Step 1. Find a sink in the bathroom that has hot water
The closer the distance between the bathroom and the sink, the better.
Step 2. Place an old newspaper or paper towel on the sink rack
Do not let any ink splatter.
Step 3. Make sure the printer is turned on and the drive is installed on the computer
Step 4. Open the printer so you can see the ink cartridge inside
Step 5. Remove the black ink cartridge
This trick may also work with color ink cartridges, but we recommend using black ink cartridges.
Step 6. Take the cartridge to the sink and place it on the newspaper or used kitchen paper
Try to lean the cartridge diagonally so that the part where the ink comes out is not in direct contact with the paper towels.
Step 7. Turn on the sink and wait until the water that comes out is very hot
Step 8. Block the sink drainage so the water doesn't drain
Step 9. Let the sink fill with hot water, but only a little
Do not fill the sink more than 2 cm from the bottom.
Step 10. Insert the cartridge into the sink so that the part where the ink comes out is submerged in the water
Make sure the cartridge is fully submerged in the water. There may be some ink coming out, but you don't have to worry about it.
Step 11. Note that if the ink doesn't come out right away, the cartridge isn't too compressed
You simply soak the cartridge for 5 minutes. Otherwise, you may need to wait up to 20 minutes.
Step 12. Dry the cartridge until it is not damp, and put it back in the printer, then try to test it on the printer
Method 2 of 3: Using a Vacuum Cleaner
Step 1. Attach the hose to the cartridge nozzle, and seal the gap with blue-white adhesive or plasticine
Step 2. Adjust the suction suction setting with the regulator or speed controller, and position the cartridge so that the nozzle is pointing downwards for only a few seconds at a time
Step 3. Repeat the process until the nozzles are completely clean
Step 4. Blot the remaining ink with a tissue
Step 5. Reinstall the cartridge into the printer
Method 3 of 3: Last resort
Step 1. Determine the type of cartridge you have
Cartridge types include electronic, sponge, or open head. The electronic head cartridge is usually covered with an orange strip of wire. The sponge head is, of course, a touchable sponge. The head is open in the form of a hole that only contains ink.
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For electronic heads, just throw them in the trash. This type of cartridge is unreliable, especially if you don't print every day.
- Get rid of the printer. Give it to someone else or sell it to a flea store.
- Purchase a printer with a sponge head or an open head. These two cartridges usually never dry out because the system seals well. You can usually find them in printers with 4 or more cartridges: three separate color ink cartridges, and one black ink cartridge (aka CMYK).
- If you have a spongy or open head cartridge, and all of the above methods don't work, it means your cartridge is dead. The ink in the cartridge is dry and cannot be saved. Purchase a new cartridge online or at a computer store.
Tips
- If ink accidentally splashes onto the countertop or sink and cannot be cleaned, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and rub it over the inked area.
- If you don't use your printer much (such as a home printer), dry cartridges can cause problems. We recommend that you replace it with a sponge head cartridge because it does not dry quickly.
- Cartridges sold on the internet are usually quite cheap. Try checking sites like Olx or Bukalapak to find them. You don't have to bother refilling ink, but don't forget to recycle used cartridges so they are still affordable.
- Try looking for a dedicated refill or Continuous Ink System for your printer model on online shopping sites. This system is designed to last a very long time.
Warning
- Be prepared when removing the cartridge from the sink because some of the ink may have dripped!
- Be careful when clearing the blockage because you are using hot water!
- Printer ink can be messy and difficult to clean. Wear gloves and an apron to avoid getting ink on them.
