Computer printers have become a commodity item in today's technology world. They cost next to nothing and are given away in many instances. What is not given away is the ink that makes them useful. In many cases, the cost of ink cartridges for the printer can cost more then the printer. Because of this changing the ink cartridges should be done correctly so maximum use of the ink is achieved.

Each is slightly different

Each manufacturer of a printer makes their printer unique so that you need to buy their ink cartridges. Consequently, changing the ink cartridges is slightly different for each printer. There are a few common things to look for but individual printers will vary. Regardless of printer, however, you will need to get to the inside of the printer to change the ink cartridges.

Look for colors

There are usually four cartridges to change: black, magenta, cyan and yellow. To find the cartridges the easiest way is to open the top of the printer and look for a black box. It will sort of look like it could move but in most cases the four color cartridges should be visible in their respective colors within the box. They may be hidden a bit under another part of the printer. This means that you may have to look for a button somewhere on the top of the printer to push for around three seconds. This should move the black box out into the open.

Remove the ink cartridges from the black box. Sometimes a gentle wiggle will loosen them up for removal while in most instances you will need to gently pull or push a lever on each cartridge to have them let go of the box. A fore finger and thumb should remove the ink cartridges from the box. There will be a bit of resistance but not much.

Keep it clean

Take a look around the inside of the box that held the ink cartridges. If you see some residue there or possibly on the old ink cartridge, find a non-linting cloth to clean it up out of the box. This could clog the ports for the next set of new cartridges.

Install the new ink cartridges. Each color should go into the same color slot it came out of. Place them in "heel to toe." There should be a "click" to signify they are in place. You are just about done. Close up the unit. You may need to push the same button you pushed before to reset the cartridges. Otherwise turn the unit on so it can reset.

How do i get printer ink off my hands?
Printer ink is permanent and will not come off of your hand easily. Although you can use bleach to lighten the color, this will not actually remove the ink from your skin. Through simply leaving it and continuing to wash as usual, your skin will rejuvenate and the ink will be removed entirely over time.

I have 2 different models of Dell inkjet printers. Will cartridges for one model of printer work in another model?

That depends if both the models are compatible. Unfortunately, many Dell printers have specific ink cartridge requirements, making it so you have to purchase the ink made for your printer model. However, Dell printer toner cartridge refill kits are a great way to save money and go generic. Click Here for more printer guide.

How Do You Clean a Printer

Nothing can be more annoying than black lines, faded regions or faded text when printing a document you have worked long and hard on. Doing a printer cleaning is the best way to always have a clean and readable document.

Two type of printers

Whether the printer is an Epson printer, HP printer, or a Canon printer the general procedure for cleaning is the same. If the printer happens to be a bigger printer, for items such as advertising on larger format materials, the process is a bit more exaggerated but essentially the same.

Every day printers

Cleaning an every day office type printer usually just entails a good solid wipe down. The real trick is to not damage the printer by using cleaning items that are meant for other cleaning activities. Cleaning chemicals to avoid include alcohol or more harsh cleaning agents. These chemicals can damage electrical areas and do more harm than good. Try and stay with light cleaning supplies like baby wipes or a damp non shedding towel. In either case, do not let water get into contact with the inside of the printer whether it is an Epson printer, Canon printer or any other.

Cleaning the printer

The very first thing to do is unplug the printer. Make sure that all lights are out and that the plug is away from the unit.

Open the front of the printer, with a damp non-shedding cloth give a light wipe down looking for dust build up or paper shards. If the paper has been appearing with black marks on the back, look inside the printer and wipe excess ink away. Make sure to wipe this area again so that there is no remaining moisture.

A clean printer cartridge is also a must clean area. Remove each cartridge and gently wipe excess ink away. Be sure not to leave any fibrous material around exit ports. The paper receiver basket may need to be removed and check underneath for dust and paper shards around the legs. A proper printer cleaning also means wiping down the basket with a mild detergent.

If the printer has not been used for some time a head cleaning will be needed. For a complete printer cleaning in this instance go to the control panel and printers. Here the unit will be able to run diagnostic programs and get the printer heads up.

Larger specialized printers

With larger printers designed for more specialized uses, including large format blue prints or advertising mock-ups printer cleaning requires a differing approach. An approved vacuum system is the most important tool to have on-site. This vacuum should be static free, so as not to damage interior components through static shock, and have a separate motor unit to be kept away from the printer unit.

Cleaning the printer is particularly needed in the winter and spring. In the winter the air is dry and dust is attracted. Be careful so as not to set off a static charge. In spring pollen can get anywhere no matter how you try. A printer cleaning makes all involved happier and healthier with less dust and pollen involved.