How to Fix an Old or Clogged Ink Cartridge the Cheap Way

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Water Method

PDF download Download Article
  1. The closer the better
  2. We don't want ink everywhere.
    Advertisement
  5. This trick might work for a colored ink cartridge, but it's probably a better idea to use a black cartridge.
  6. 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.
  9. No more than 3/4" from the very bottom.
  10. Make sure it gets past the surface of the water. Ink may (and probably will) come out, don't be alarmed!
  11. About 5 minutes in the sink should do the trick. Otherwise, you might have to wait up to 20 minutes.
    13. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

The Vacuum Method

PDF download Download Article
  2. 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.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

The Last Resort Method

PDF download Download Article
  1. This should be either electronic, sponge or open head. Electronic heads are normally covered with orange wire strips. Sponge heads are obviously sponge which can be touched. Open heads are a hole with nothing in them but ink.
    • For electronic heads, simply throw in trash. These heads are unreliable, especially if you don't print every day.
      1. Get rid of your printer. Give it away. Deliver it to your local thrift store.
      2. Buy a printer with sponge or open heads. These almost never dry out because the system keeps them sealed. Usually you will find these in printers with four or more cartridges; three separate colors and one black (aka CMYK).
    • If you have a sponge or open head cartridge, and you already did the other methods to no avail, your cartridge is dead. The ink has dried and hardened to a point it cannot be salvaged. Buy a new one. They can usually be found cheap on Ebay.

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you change the ink cartridge on an HP OfficeJet Pro 8600?
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    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.
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Expert Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Can a cartridge intended for printer X be 're-tuned' for a Z make printer?
    Community Answer
    No, 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      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
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • 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
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • 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
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      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)

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Square from Rectangular Paper
      A Simple Guide to Refill Empty Canon Printer Ink Cartridges
      How to
      Reset an Epson Ink Cartridge Chip
      How to
      Refill an Inkjet Printer Cartridge: Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Put Ink Cartridges in a Printer
      How to
      Clean Ink Cartridges
      How to
      Safely Recycle or Reuse Ink and Toner Cartridges
      How to
      Replace an Empty Ink Cartridge
      How to
      Replace Brother Toner
      How to
      Change an Epson Ink Cartridge
      How to
      Clean Dried Ink Cartridges
      How to
      Change an Ink Cartridge
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 558,989 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement