how long do opened HP toner cartridges last? (if properly stored!)

[KrisM3]

I bought this M254dw 7 months ago. It was apparently a demo and had starter cartridges in it that only had a couple pages use on them. The printer showed no wear at all. Has original firmware on it.

So I figure cartridges have been opened and in printer for a year, maybe 2. They still have a few months use in them at the rate I use them so I will store them (air sealed, moisture removal packet, dark, horizontal, correct side up) when I get my new 202A set (genuine HP) in a week or so. They have worked flawlessly so far. Does anyone have experience of a stored HP toner cartridge going bad? Thanks!

[Repairatrooper · Accepted solution]

For the most part, properly stored, several years is not out of the question. You may get some compacting of toner when you first install them that will result in voids but if you gently tilt them side to side about 5 times first that should prevent that problem. Occasionally a wiper blade may fail but that is pretty rare on cartridges less than 7 years old.

[KrisM3]

Many thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is as I had hoped!!!