How to prevent inkjet printhead from drying if the printer is seldom used?

Question

I am using a Canon S4500 large format printer (A3 size).

Going through the print head cleaning cycle regularly will waste a lot of ink.

Answer 1

Put a piece of good quality scotch tape over the printhead, put the cartridge back in the box it came in (or any small box), and keep it someplace cool. Works for me. The tape comes off easily when you need it.

Answer 2

You can place tape or a silicon plug over top of the print head when not in use. Or, a test print occasionally (every two weeks or so) will keep the ink running though the cartridge and will keep it in working condition.

If the print head does dry out, soak the cartridge in warm water overnight. This usually restores the cartridge to working order.

Answer 3

I guess a lot of us have had this problem. I used to take the cartridge that had a dry printhead and wash it off until ink came out normally. Perhaps you could remove from computer and put in an air tight containter. I never tried that.

Answer 4

I fixed this problem by turning off the lexmark printer and never using it again. I now use an epson printer, once a week sometimes less and it always works.

Answer 5

I had that problem and was told to leave the printer turned on so that something stays in contact with the cartridge. I can't tell you in technical terms, but it worked.

Answer 6

Run a print head cleaning once per month. twice of every three weeks if you have a lexmark or dell. You're manual should tell you how to.

Answer 7

I have a few hundred printers.
There are different answers for different printers -- ( belive it
or not, your printer is not the only one in the world ).
Could you please add a bit of detail, thanks.

robin

Answer 8

take out ink put in small ziploc bags, put bags on printer