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If you've ever had a printer that hasn't been in use for a couple of months that won't seem to print, the reason could be because of a clogged ink cartridge. Unclogging it isn't very complicated, but can get messy so make sure to read the tips and steps 'before' you begin!
Steps
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Find a bathroom close by that has a sink that can give you hot water. The closer the better
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Place some old newspapers or paper towels in the counter of the sink. We don't want ink everywhere.Advertisement
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Make sure your printer is plugged in and your computer has the printer drivers installed.
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Open the printer up to reveal the ink cartridges.
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Take out the black ink cartridge. This trick might work for a colored ink cartridge, but it's probably a better idea to use a black cartridge.
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Take the cartridge to the sink and put it down on the old newspaper or paper towels. Try to rest it sort of diagonally so that the part where the ink actually comes out isn't completely touching the paper towel or you could have a mess.
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Turn on the sink and wait until you can get very hot water.
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Pull that thing behind the sink handle that closes the drain and keeps water in the sink.
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Let the sink fill with hot water, but ONLY a little bit. No more than 3/4" from the very bottom.
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Place the cartridge in the sink so the part where the ink comes out is in the water. Make sure it gets past the surface of the water. Ink may (and probably will) come out, don't be alarmed!
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If ink comes out immediately then your cartridge isn't terribly clogged. About 5 minutes in the sink should do the trick. Otherwise, you might have to wait up to 20 minutes.
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Dry off the cartridge so it's no more than damp, and put it back in the printer and give it a test run.
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Attach the hose to the Print cartridge nozzle , closing the gap with blue-or white tack or plasticine.
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For only a few seconds at a time, turn on vacuum adjusting the suction with the regulator or speed control and leave the cartridge in the vertical nozzle down position.
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Repeat process until the nozzle is cleared.
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Blot off the excess ink with toilet roll.
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Refit cartridge.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you change the ink cartridge on an HP OfficeJet Pro 8600?Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.Open the printer below the scan glass with the printer turned on and the cartridges will slide into view. Push them down to release them. Make sure when adding the replacement cartridge you remove any tape or other materials designed to protect the print heads.
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QuestionCan a cartridge intended for printer X be 're-tuned' for a Z make printer?Community AnswerNo, a cartridge for printer X could not be used in printer Z unless the two printers required the same type of cartridge to begin with.
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Tips
- If you accidentally get some ink on a counter top or in the sink and can't get rid of it, use a bit of hydrogen peroxide and rub it off.Thanks
- If you don't use your printer much (like most homeowners), cartridges drying out could be problem. You will want to get sponge head cartridges. These don't dry out as quickly.Thanks
- Consider searching Ebay or similar site for specialty refillable or Continuous Ink Systems for your printer model. These are designed to be used a long time.Thanks
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Warnings
- When taking the cartridge out of the sink, some ink may drip out so be ready!Thanks
- While unclogging, you will be using very hot water! Be careful!Thanks
- Printer ink is messy and can sometimes be hard to remove. Wear gloves and an apron to prevent ink from getting all over you.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- An old printer or ink cartridge that hasn't been used in a while
- Gloves
- Apron
- Paper towels or newspaper
- Sink that can get you hot water.
- Hydrogen peroxide (for cleaning up)
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 554,996 times.
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