Why Your Ink Dries Out (And How to Prevent It)

🖨️ Nothing’s worse than sitting down to print something urgent—only to discover your ink has dried up. Whether it’s a school project, travel document, or those last-minute return labels, dried-out ink can be a frustrating surprise.

But why does printer ink dry out in the first place? More importantly, how can you stop it from happening again?

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know—from the science behind drying ink to simple, practical steps you can take to keep your cartridges fresh and ready. Whether you use a Canon PIXMA, HP DeskJet, or Epson EcoTank, these tips apply across the board.

🧠 Why Does Printer Ink Dry Out?

Ink cartridges contain liquid ink that is sensitive to air and temperature. Over time, especially when not in use, the ink in the nozzles can evaporate or thicken, leading to clogs or full-on drying.

Key reasons your ink might dry out:

• Infrequent use – Letting your printer sit idle for weeks or months is the most common cause.

• Exposure to air – A poorly sealed or slightly dislodged cartridge allows air in, drying the ink faster.

• Dry or warm environments – Heated rooms, especially near radiators or direct sunlight, speed up evaporation.

• Low-quality cartridges – Cheap refills often lack proper sealing or high-quality ink formulations.

📌 Did you know? Inkjet printers, unlike laser printers, rely on moisture in the ink to print. That’s why laser toners don't dry out in the same way.

🔍 Real-World Example

Meet Sara, a university student in London. She prints her essays once a month and wondered why her Canon PIXMA TR8620a kept showing “low ink” even though she hadn’t printed much. Turns out, the long gaps between usage were drying up her cartridges.

After switching to a weekly print routine and storing her printer in a cooler room, she hasn’t had a single dry cartridge in six months.

🛠️ How to Prevent Ink from Drying Out

Now to the good part—how do you keep your inkjet printer running smoothly?

1. Print at Least Once a Week

Even just a small test page or calendar will help keep ink flowing through the nozzles and prevent clogs.

👉 Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to print a weekly test page.

2. Keep Your Printer in a Cool, Dry Place

Avoid placing your printer near heat sources like radiators or windows. High temperatures can dry out ink quickly.

3. Store Cartridges Properly

If you remove a cartridge (for example, before travelling), store it upright in a sealed zip-lock bag with a damp paper towel. This keeps the nozzles moist without leaking ink.

4. Use High-Quality Cartridges

Generic brands might be cheaper, but they often don’t seal properly or use inferior ink. Stick with trusted brands like:

• Canon (e.g. Canon PG-260/CL-261)

• HP Original Ink

• Epson DURABrite Ultra

🔗 Check out our detailed guide: Canon PIXMA TR8620a Review & Maintenance Tips

5. Run Your Printer’s Cleaning Cycle

If your prints are looking faded or patchy, use the “head cleaning” or “nozzle check” function from your printer settings. It clears dried ink from the nozzles.

6. Turn Off Your Printer Properly

Always use the power button to turn off your printer. It parks the ink cartridges correctly, sealing the nozzles and preventing evaporation.

🧪 Expert Insights

According to a 2024 study from Consumer Reports UK, nearly 60% of dried ink complaints came from households that printed less than once per fortnight. They also found that printers with automatic cleaning features, like some Epson and Canon models, experienced significantly fewer clogs.

🧠 Pro Insight: If you print infrequently, consider a printer like the Canon PIXMA MG3620, which includes self-cleaning functions and uses individual ink tanks to minimise waste.

❓FAQs: Quick Answers About Dried Ink

Does refilling cartridges cause them to dry out faster?

Sometimes, yes. Refilled cartridges can have improper seals or low-quality ink that’s more prone to drying.

How do I know if my ink is dried out or just empty?

Print a test page. If lines are missing or faded, it’s likely dried ink. If there’s no print at all and the cartridge is empty when shaken, it’s probably out of ink.

Can I fix a dried-out cartridge?

Yes! Try this:

1. Soak the print head (not the entire cartridge) in warm water for 5–10 minutes.

2. Pat it dry with a lint-free cloth.

3. Reinsert and run a cleaning cycle.

🏁 Final Thoughts

If your printer ink keeps drying out, you’re not alone—it’s a common issue, especially for light users. But with a few simple habits and the right setup, you can avoid the frustration (and cost) of replacing dried-out cartridges too soon.

Whether you're running a home office, managing schoolwork, or printing occasional holiday photos, these tips will help you stay print-ready.