How to Fix an Old or Clogged Ink Cartridge the Cheap Way

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Find a bathroom close by that has a sink that can give you hot water.

   The closer the better
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   Step 2: Place some old newspapers or paper towels in the counter of the sink.

   We don't want ink everywhere. ,,, This trick might work for a colored ink cartridge, but it's probably a better idea to use a black cartridge. , Try to rest it sort of diagonally so that the part where the ink actually comes out isn't completely touching the paper towel or you could have a mess. ,,, No more than 3/4" from the very bottom. , Make sure it gets past the surface of the water.
   
   Ink may (and probably will) come out, don't be alarmed! , About 5 minutes in the sink should do the trick.
   
   Otherwise, you might have to wait up to 20 minutes. ,
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   Step 3: Make sure your printer is plugged in and your computer has the printer drivers installed.

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   Step 4: Open the printer up to reveal the ink cartridges.

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   Step 5: Take out the black ink cartridge.

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   Step 6: Take the cartridge to the sink and put it down on the old newspaper or paper towels.

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   Step 7: Turn on the sink and wait until you can get very hot water.

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   Step 8: Pull that thing behind the sink handle that closes the drain and keeps water in the sink.

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   Step 9: Let the sink fill with hot water

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    Step 10: but ONLY a little bit.

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    Step 11: Place the cartridge in the sink so the part where the ink comes out is in the water.

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    Step 12: If ink comes out immediately then your cartridge isn't terribly clogged.

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    Step 13: Dry off the cartridge so it's no more than damp

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    Step 14: and put it back in the printer and give it a test run.

Detailed Guide

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