When you first install your refilled cartridge and at anytime it doesn't print properly, YOU MUST run the printers Print Head Cleaning cycle and do a Nozzle Check (where available) before trying to print anything.

If there are still gaps in the nozzle check then run the cleaning cycle again.

(Note: It may be necessary to run the cleaning cycle 2 or 3 times to get the flow started and clear any blockages.)

Where your cartridge has been stored for a length of time, the jets may still be blocked even with the tape or clip on.

It's best then to dab the printhead with a wet tissue (water only) to break up any dry ink.

Then install the cartridge and do the cleaning cycle.

Inkjet cartridges that have the printhead on the cartridge (eg HP & Lexmark) have electrical resistors that control the current to each outlet jet.

These resistors must stay fixed in terms of their resistance or ohms.

The ink in the cartridge keeps these resistors cool and prevents over heating, like oil in an engine.

However, when you try and print with an empty or blocked cartridge they quickly overheat and eventually burn out, resulting in irreparable damage to the cartridge.

This is why cartridges have a limited life in terms of how many times they can be refilled. Each of the 40 to 64+ separate nozzles (depending on cartridge) is capable of firing up to 7,200 times per second, so even printing half a page with no ink flowing through can be all it takes to damage the printhead.

This is very common with tri-colour cartridges.

For Example, if you run out of yellow ink and think "well I'll just print Red", the printer still needs to add yellow depending on the shade of red, causing the yellow circuit to burn out.

For this reason it's best to stop using the cartridge once one colour has run out.

Empty cartridges that are unwrapped and not installed in the printer will dry out and may become clogged.

Never let a cartridge dry out completely, even if it is out of ink.

As soon as your cartridge is empty have it refilled so the print head doesn't dry out and block up, or store them in a sealed plastic bag until they can be filled.

If storing your cartridge for a period of time, leave the tape and/or clip on the cartridge.

Don't place any tape on the printhead after use as the colours will mix which may result in an unusable cartridge.

The best way to keep your printer running is to have a backup cartridge.

Keep the backups filled.

When the one in the printer goes empty, put in the backup. Then refill the empty as soon as possible.

For Best Results, top-up your cartridges before they are empty.

Spare cartridges (both new and recycled) should always be stored in the original packaging, with the foil or black plastic bag unopened until the cartridge is needed.

They should be stored where they will be safe from being bumped or dropped.

The 'old', used cartridge that you remove from the printer should be placed in the foil or plastic bag taken from the new cartridge, and it should then be packed in the now spare carton ready to be recycled.

This is doubly important where they are to be stored before recycling.

Keep laser printer and photocopier cartridges in the dark when they are not in the machine.

The drum (coloured roller) in most of these cartridges can be damaged by exposure to light, especially over long periods or in very bright light.

In Australia it is considered a "Restriction of Trade" and is against the law for printer manufacturers to void warranties on a new printer simply because a customer attempted to save money and recycle.

Printer manufacturers want you to continue to buy new cartridges as that's where their profits are and they are concerned about what you may refill the cartridge with.

If the cartridge is filled or cleaned with solvents etc, this can damage both the cartridge and the printer.

Check out the ACRA warranty page for more information.

Don't remove empty cartridges from their printheads and leave out for any length of time, this causes the residue ink left in the printhead to dry out. Always have a spare to replace it.

It's a good idea to cover printers in dusty enviroments when they are not in use. Dust particles can easily block the tiny jets in a printhead.

Also be aware of the quality of the paper you use.

Cheap paper tends to leave paper dust in the printer that can block printheads and can cause premature wear on laser drums.