Inkjet Cartridge Removal

RogersDA

Should I remove the numerous inkjet cartridges from my Epson printer if I will be away for two weeks?

I don't want to have any clogged/drying issues after I am back by not using the printer for several weeks, nor do I want to damage/dry out the cartridges by leaving them out.

Art Scott

i have been told that upto 4 weeks should be fine, think a lot has to do with how warm / humid your house or office may be..if humidity is real low it will dry things out faster...also was told to do a clean op if printer sits for a long term just to be sure all is working properly ... my HP that just gave up the ghost after 13+ yrs of service might sit for a month or 2 with being used and would be fine...but the nozzles were not as small as our Epsons....

hgernhardtjr

Lord, no — IMHO.

If they are tanks, then the printhead cradle will still have the potential for drying out (perhaps even a greater potential). If they are cartridges with integral jets, how would you keep them from drying and or leaking — plastic-wrap?

I leave my cartridges (HP) and tanks (Canon & Epson) in place 24/7/365 with no problems, and they are occasionally idle for up to 4 weeks, though I do try to print at least one color image every other week in the idle printer. I do not think ink drying is as much a problem as it was several years back when some printers were notorious for it (my old Epsons come to mind).

At any rate, I have had no problems with leaving them in printers in my computer lab or in my home.

RogersDA

Thanks for the feedback.

My old Epson was notorious for drying out, even after a few days.

I do not want to deal with that on this 3880-series unit.

I will probably leave the cartridges in.