If you don’t print that often, or if you’re gone for long periods of time (vacation, travel), your inkjet print head could dry out.

It is a good idea to print something at least every week to keep things flowing smooth. Find a photo, email, article, anything that you might want a hard copy of and print it out.

If you plan on being gone for a long time, see if your printer has a “clean cartridges” option. With my HP printer I right-click the printer icon down in my system tray then bring up the “Printer Assistant”. I then go to “Utilities” and there is a “Printer Maintenance” section. You may have something similar somewhere on your computer.

If not, take out the cartridge and gently wipe the head with warm water. Let it sit for a while then place in a plastic ziplock bag. When you get back from your trip it should be fresh.

These tips are also worth a try when it seems like your cartridge is drying out. it may just be a clog.

With the high cost of cartridges (two can cost more than you paid for the printer!) these are some good things to do.

~ David

David Samuel Thomas