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Resolved Question

Storing unused ink cartridges after opening vacuum packs.

Jul 9, 2013 9:26AM PDT

I bought a new printer, which came with initializing cartridges. After printing a few pages, I tried to print again and got a message that I was out of ink. I thought these initializing cartridges must have a really small capacity, but I went out and bought 4 new cartridges (color and black). I tried to print again, and while I waited for the message telling me how to change the cartridges, I cut open all of the plastic vacuum packs. I then discovered that I was queued to my old printer! I put the cartridges, completely unused, into a ziploc bag. Will this keep them usable until the initializers are empty, or should I just cut my losses and replace the initializers with the expensive long-lasting cartridges I just bought? Thanks for your help.

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Best Answer

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I don't know what printer you have but the
Jul 11, 2013 5:40AM PDT

cartridges I used had a plastic strip across the ink jets. I'd hang onto those and put them back in place but use another piece of adhesive tape to hold them in place. You can also use such as Saran wrap. If possible, I'd wipe any ink of the external surfaces using a denatured alcohol and a swab. In any event, don't just put the cartridge in a zip lock back as there is plenty of air inside that may still dry the jets.

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storing unused but opened ink cartridges
Oct 15, 2013 11:48PM PDT

I've followed everyone's advice: kept the little yellow tab on, kept the cartridges in the opened plastic wrappings from the box, and then wrapped each one tightly in saran wrap, placing them all in a ziploc bag. I've now put three of the four in my printer, and they work perfectly! Thank you, everyone.

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Answer
(NT) That's what I do. And in a cool dark storage area.
Jul 9, 2013 9:29AM PDT