How to Clear Clogged HP Ink Cartridges

HP inkjet cartridges become clogged when they are unused, when they expire or when they are improperly placed inside the printer. If you notice streaks, different shades of color or globs of ink on pages printed, it is time to clean your ink cartridge. Simple to do, cleaning your ink cartridge is good for the environment and for the pocketbook.

• 1

  Cancel any items waiting to be printed and remove the ink cartridge from the printer. Remove it carefully to prevent it from splattering or falling down inside the printer. Place it face down on a paper towel or thin rag. Clean the cartridge within the next 30 minutes for best results. Once outside, the ink will begin to dry, thickening it and making it even harder to remove.

• 2
  Submerge cartridge in warm water. water image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com

  Fill a small bowl with an inch of warm water. Place the cartridge face down inside the bowl; the entire head should be submerged. Allow the ink to sit inside the water for a couple of hours and then remove it from the liquid. Place it face down on a napkin. Press down and blot away the ink; do not scrub or try to dig ink out. Continue to submerge until the cartridge comes out clean.

• 3
  Carefully use cotton balls to clean. Cotton Balls image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com

  Remove from the water and use a damp cloth or cotton ball to wipe the copper-colored strip. Wipe in an upward motion, going from the nozzle up to the head of the cartridge. Then grab the cartridge by the cap and carefully wipe all dried ink off of the nozzles. Try using a damp cotton ball if the rag is too thick.

• 4
  Use cotton swabs to clean inside printer. cotton buds image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com

  Wipe out the inside of the printer gently before reinserting the cartridge. Globs of dried ink or splattering from removal could cause the ink to thicken and become difficult to remove. Use a cotton swab that has been dipped in alcohol if ink is stuck. Then print a test document. Most printers do this immediately after insertion, but if you have to make your own "test" document, make it smart. Print a document that covers the entire page so you can see if ink smears, dots or appears lighter in certain areas. If you replaced both black and colored inks, make sure you have color in your test page. You may need to print more than one page to get ink fully restored.