For novices in particular, nothing is better than using common sense and good judgement but the "Golden Rules" of refilling should be read first.

There are also many tips available on the Internet, so we have collected and collated a number of them here for you. While many may work, some may not. We cannot guarantee these tips will work for everybody but they will, no doubt, help you to some degree.

1. Read all the Hints, Instructions and FAQ's FIRST!

   Refilling is not difficult (especially if using the InkTec® patented refill system) however it is a wise move to be familiar with the initial requirements, such as Golden Rule #3, to avoid problems.
   
   

2. Never try to refill a cartridge while it is still in the printer.

   Yes, Virginia, some people really are that silly.
   
   

3. Don't let your cartridge dry out!

   Refill cartridges right away. Do not allow the cartridge to be out of your printer for long periods of time, as the ink inside the nozzles will dry causing an obstruction to the ink flow. Cartridges should be refilled "wet". This is particularly applicable to cartridges incorporating print-heads. Using the cartridge with dried ink in the nozzles can damage the nozzles and render the cartridge inoperable. If storage is inevitable, tape the heads or openings with sticky-tape, wrap them in "Glad-Wrap" and seal the cartridge in an air-tight zip-lock plastic bag. If you have a spare old cartridge, put it in the printer to keep things "sealed up" while you refill the good cartridge. Re-install the refilled cartridge quickly.
   
   

4. Refill BEFORE the cartridge is completely out of ink!

   Cartridges should be refilled while still "wet". Regularly check the ink levels to develop a "little & often" refilling routine. Topping them up when about half empty is good practice - a little more inconvenient than one big refill but repays with better results.
   
   

5. Follow all the instructions carefully!

   Fairly obvious. Follow the instructions supplied with the refill kits exactly. There may be several ways to refill the same cartridge, (unless you are, of course using our InkTec easy-fill / clip-fill Refill Kits … and why wouldn't you - its so hassle-free?) but until you become familiar with the procedures you should always follow the instructions that came with the kit.
   
   

6. Install the refilled cartridge quickly!

   Re-install the refilled cartridge as quickly as possible to avoid drying out.
   
   

7. Run the printer's "head-cleaning routine"!

   Perform the printer's head-cleaning routine (as per the printer instruction manual or from your printer's options from your Desktop / Control Panel menus). It may be necessary to run it more than once to get the print quality up to normal.
   
   

8. Be realistic … cartridges do have a limited life-span!

   Cartridges are (sadly) deliberately designed to be disposable, single use and non-refillable (so that you buy an expensive new original one each time). They do wear out eventually but with proper care can last 4-10 refillings, depending on the type and condition of your cartridge. Be prepared to buy a new cartridge every once in a while (but keep the old one -see Golden Rule #3).
   
   

Handy Hints & Tips

• Ensure cartridge is not leaking. Make sure your cartridge is NOT leaking when you re-install it in your printer. If the cartridge is leaking, leave it sitting on a paper towel or newspaper for a time until it stops leaking. Cartridges will usually leak if they have been overfilled (although we have a HP 970 as a back-up to our Epson printer at Ink Sales PLUS that had a leak from a new, genuine HP cartridge!).
  
  
• Don't touch print-heads. Never touch the print-heads on cartridges that have them.
  
  
• Avoiding colour mix-ups - the "Toothpick Test". When refilling a three-colour cartridge there is a chance that you can have the cartridge turned the wrong way and get the colors mixed up (see photos below). If this happens there is not much hope of repairing it. Try "the Toothpick Test" by using toothpicks to push into the refill holes and sample the colours that belong in the chamber. That way there is less of a chance that you will put the wrong ink into a chamber - a disastrous error.
  
  



• HP cartridge internal pressure equalising. HP cartridges generally need to have the internal pressure equalised before they will print properly. An inflation bottle / syringe is used to inject air into the bladder, or in the case of the 51645A type you should squeeze the cartridge before installing the ball seal (unless you are, of course using our InkTec easy-fill / clip-fill Refill Kits … but why wouldn't you - its so hassle-free?)
  
  
• Unclogging dried out HP cartridges. HP cartridges tend dry out almost immediately if left exposed to the air. If the cartridge does not print properly after refilling, and the printer head cleaning routine has been run 2 or 3 times, you can try the following procedure. To unclog a dried out HP cartridge you can try soaking the print-head. Fill a glass or dish with warm water up to 6mm (1/4 inch) deep and soak the nozzles for 10 to 15 minutes. If the cartridge has been standing for a long time, this process may require an hour or overnight soaking. Dry the cartridge and the nozzles with a soft tissue or cotton swab. Ensure that the nozzle is completely dry then refill the cartridge and install it in the printer. In extreme conditions a 50 / 50% solution of 98% isopropyl alcohol and water brought JUST to the boiling point for about 5 minutes may do the trick.
  
  
• Curing air-locked cartridges by centrifugal force. Some Epson cartridges (and HP too) will develop a "vapor / air lock" (pockets of trapped air or foamed ink) after refilling the cartridge too quickly and print only briefly, or not at all. You can try to defeat the vapor lock (or foamed ink) by centrifugal force. Wrap the cartridge in a towel or cloth and then put it in a plastic bag (to prevent a mess). Hold it in your hand with the print head (HP) or exit port (EPSON) facing down. Extend your arm and rapidly swing the cartridge down, as if you were going to throw it right through the floor (but don't, even though you probably feel like it at this point). Snapping / flicking your wrist seems to help. Do this a few times then remove the cloth. You should see a spot of ink from each of the chambers. If not, repeat the procedure. If this is difficult or exhausting, try letting the cartridge sit overnight.
  
  There are also ink removal adaptors for syringes to suck foamed ink / air out of the exit holes of the Epson cartridge. (Personally, we believe that if you refill carefully, these are not needed).
  
  
• Clean out refilling syringes. Clean with water between colours to decrease contamination. One sensible idea is to mark or label your syringes with the particular colour it is always used for.
  
  
• Keep the tops tightly on ink bottles. Keep tops secure at all times and store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Don't put them in a precarious position where they can be tipped or knocked over. Creates a "VMS" (Very Messy Situation).
  
  

Common sense says … Keep out of the reach of children!

Our ink is generally about as harmful or toxic as ordinary dishwashing detergent. The dyes, pigments and solvents are intentionally chosen to be safe and non-carcinogenic. Many, but not all, of the chemicals used are food grade. However, because surfactants must be added to the inks, some minor irritation can occur and the possibility of an allergic reaction always exists, as with any substance.

If you drink the ink - Most people will experience no ill effects or perhaps a mildly upset stomach and possible diarrhoea from drinking a litre or so of the ink. Naturally, you should expect to see a colorful display as natural processes eliminate the dyes or pigments from the body. You should drink additional water to dilute the irritation effects. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a physician or Poisons Centre. (There is no particular advantage or disadvantage in inducing vomiting with our inks under most conditions.) Allergic reactions are extremely rare, but anyone who drinks the ink should be watched for possible allergic reactions to the ink, including itching, swelling, hives or difficulty breathing. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek proper medical treatment.

If you get ink in your eyes - The greatest problem with the inks is that they will cause minor eye irritation if you get the ink into the eye. In a few people, eye exposure may cause allergic reactions. The general course of treatment is to rinse the eye with warm water for 5 minutes. Again, if an allergic reaction occurs, seek proper medical treatment.

If you get ink on your skin - There is little danger from getting ink on your skin, except for the possible allergic reaction. Wash the skin with soap and water. You may want to use a waterless hand cleaner. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek proper medical treatment.

If you inhale vapors from the ink - Under normal conditions, there are no significant vapors to worry about. The inks are predominantly water based, do not have petroleum solvents and only a couple of the inks have as much as 5% alcohol content. It is possible that some vapors might be created during a very hot fire. Any vapors which might be created will not be toxic, but may cause irritation to sensitive people. If you think you may have inhaled vapors from the ink, get fresh air immediately and inhale slowly and deeply.

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