When storing ink cartridges, there are two things that you must consider. First, is the ink cartridge still in its original sealed packaging? Second, is the ink cartridge being stored after being used for some time?

Well obviously, storing sealed ink cartridges will outlast active ink cartridges. If you are a person that buys more than one ink cartridge at a time for discounts, then you should know how to store your extra ink cartridges. Depending upon certain factors, the life of an ink cartridge varies from a few months to a couple of years. The most important factor is whether the cartridge is opened or sealed. Cartridges sealed in the original packaging and stored in a cool dry place should last up to two years. However, the cartridges must be sufficiently protected while in storage, because even a small hole in the packaging will break the seal and the ink will start to dry out.

In some cases, you might need to remove an ink cartridge from your computer and store it for reuse. Learning how to store you used ink cartridge can save you money and a lot of frustrations. It is frustrating to reinstall an expensive cartridge that you know has plenty of ink left inside only to find that the print head where the ink comes out has dried up. You're left with a useless cartridge that is full of expensive ink that you can't use. There are several steps that you can take to prevent these ink cartridges from drying up:

1.    Place the used printer ink cartridge into a sandwich-sized zip-sealed bag. If you have more than one ink cartridge to store, use a separate bag for each cartridge.

2.       Wet a sponge or small towel and wring out the excess water so the sponge or towel is left damp but not dripping.

3.       Add the sponge or towel to the plastic bag holding the printer ink cartridge.

4.       Seal the bag with the sponge or towel and the ink cartridge inside.

5.       Store the sealed bag in a dark, cool place until you are ready to reinstall the printer ink cartridge and continue using it.