How to Store Unused Ink Cartridges

Although printer consumables like ink and toner cartridges will eventually expire, correct storage can help to maintain their quality and usability. Properly storing your unused ink cartridges is important and will help ensure they remain in good condition and can be used when needed. It's always a good idea to perform a test print if you have concerns about the quality of an older ink cartridge before using it for important print jobs.

Here at Trade Your Toner, we’re frequently asked; “how do you store unused ink cartridges?”. So, our team has created this post to help our customers. Below we have put together some general guidelines for storing unused ink cartridges. It’s key to remember that storing unused ink cartridges is very different to storing open ink cartridges and you shouldn’t open your printer cartridges until you need them. 

Use the Original Packaging 

Whenever you purchase new ink cartridges, it’s beneficial to keep the original packaging. Storing them in the bag and box that they originally came in can help to keep them in the best condition. This packaging is specifically designed to protect the cartridges from sunlight, air and moisture which can preserve their integrity. You will also have the option to sell any unused ink cartridges that you don’t get around to using when you keep them in their original packaging.

Find a Cool, Dry Place

It’s always recommended that you store your ink cartridges in a cool and dry place. Somewhere like a cupboard or a drawer is often ideal. The location should also be away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent the ink from drying out. Heat and humidity can negatively affect the ink cartridges, causing them to deteriorate quickly. 

Avoid Exposure to Air

If you ever remove an ink cartridge from its packaging and you’re not planning to use it immediately, you should prioritise protecting it from air exposure. Ink cartridges can dry out if exposed to air for an extended period, making them unusable. To prevent you from wasting your money, always use the provided protective cap on the cartridge nozzles and wrap the whole cartridge in a plastic bag to keep it airtight.

Follow Storage Instructions 

Some brands and models of ink cartridges will have specific storage instructions from the manufacturer. It’s important to ensure you follow these instructions to protect the cartridge from damage. For example, storage instructions may include storing the ink cartridges upright to prevent the ink from settling or leaking. Whenever you purchase a new printer cartridge, it’s beneficial to double-check the storage instructions. 

Don’t Store for too Long 

Even when they’re properly stored, printer ink cartridges will have a limited shelf life and you should take note of the expiry date. Over time, the ink in the cartridge can dry out, affecting the print quality. It’s advisable to use your ink cartridges within one to two years for optimal performance and you should rotate your supplies when new cartridges get delivered to make sure you’re not storing them for too long. 

Interested in Selling Your Unused Ink Cartridges?

If you’re wondering how to store your unused ink cartridges, hopefully, the information above will be useful. When you have an abundance of cartridges that you won’t use before they expire, it’s worth exploring the option of selling them. Here at Trade Your Toner, we purchase printer consumables and we can take your unused cartridges off your hands. You can find out more about us and the service we provide on our website. 

When you’ve never used a printer cartridge buy back scheme before, you may understandably have some questions. We invite you to get in touch with our experienced team today. You can call us directly on 01223756442 and we can discuss the selling process with you in more detail over the phone. You can also email us at contact@tradeyourtoner.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as possible.