Do Printer Cartridges Have an Expiration Date?
Major ink cartridge manufacturers have been including an expiration date on their cartridges for years now and to the average printer consumer, the reason behind those dates has always been somewhat of a mystery. In this article, we explain why some cartridges include an expiration date, and more importantly, show you how to extend your cartridge life so you can keep on printing. 1. The shelf life of a printer cartridge Cartridge shelf life is the estimated length of time a cartridge will last in its sealed package. This time frame can vary depending on what sort of cartridge you are using. The shelf life for an original printer cartridge is 24 months and the shelf life for a compatible cartridge is 36 months. Over time, ink dries out and settles inside the cartridge, which can cause your printer to clog. To prevent clogging, we recommend printing once every couple of weeks so your cartridges remain primed. Due to the plastic nature of toner powder, toner cartridges