Bad ink?

[SuperMagna]

I have an HP ENVY 6000 printer. I am not very electronic savvy. The printer is maybe 4 years old, and I might have printed a dozen things in that time, mostly shipping labels, so it sets for long periods of time. 

It seems EVERY time I try to print something, the black ink is clogged, for lack of a better term. I’ve wiped with lint free cloth & distilled water, and run the head cleaning programs offered by the printer, but nothing seems to work. I am really tired of buying a new cartridge every **bleep** time I have to print something when the ink shows full. 
Is there anything I can do that will keep this from happening? 

[Raj_05]

Hi @SuperMagna,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It's frustrating to deal with printer issues, especially when it comes to ink cartridges getting clogged. Here are some suggestions to help you address and prevent this problem.

• Print Regularly: One of the main reasons for ink cartridges drying up or clogging is infrequent use. If possible, try to print something at least once a week to keep the ink flowing.
• Run Print Head Cleaning: You've mentioned that you've run the head cleaning programs, but it's important to do this regularly, especially if the printer has been inactive for a while. Running the cleaning cycle a few times might be necessary.
• Check Printer Settings: Ensure that your printer is set to the correct paper type and quality settings. Sometimes, using the wrong settings can affect the performance of the ink cartridges.
• Update Printer Drivers: Make sure your printer drivers are up-to-date. Sometimes, driver issues can cause printing problems.
• Shake Cartridges: Before inserting a new cartridge, gently shake it to ensure the ink is well-distributed. This can help prevent clogging.
• Store Cartridges Properly: If you have spare ink cartridges, store them in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. This can help prevent drying and clogging.
• Use High-Quality Paper: Cheap or poor-quality paper can leave debris in the printer, contributing to clogs. Try using high-quality, recommended paper for your printer.
• Check Expiry Dates: Ink cartridges have expiry dates. Ensure that you are using fresh cartridges and replace them if they are past their expiration date.
• Clean Print Heads Manually: If the automatic head cleaning isn't sufficient, you can try cleaning the print heads manually. This may involve removing the cartridges and cleaning the printhead with a lint-free cloth and distilled water. Refer to your printer manual for specific instructions.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support