Long term storage of inkjet all-in-one (F4480)

[Lary]

Is there a proper way to prepare inkjet printers for long term storage (> 1 year) so that the jets don't get clogged?

We have a F4480 all-in-one deskjet that has not been used in several months.  As far as I know it still works fine.  It has been stored in the original box & packing for 3 months.  We expect that it will not be needed for 1-2 years.  We have had 2 older HP's clog up after a long time without use.  I've been told they should be run every month or so.  Is this necessary>

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

This model has integrated printheads on the ink supplies, so in the worst case you will just need to replace the cartridges.  I would expect after a year or two the ink supplies will probably be dried out or clogged.   When restoring the printer to service you will likely need to run up to three cleaning cycles from the toolbox.  If there is some printing but it is streaky or one or more colors are missing then soaking the cartridges nozzles down in about 1" of very hot water for 10 minutes may recover the cartridges.

The best plan would be to just use up the cartridges before long term storage, and then store the low/empty cartridges in the printer.

For best results store the the printer with the cartridges installed.  Make sure to turn the printer off from its power switch and wait for the cartridges to properly park before removing the power.  Store the printer in a cool place and away from drafts, pets and other possible hazards.  Make sure the printer is stored upright in its normal operating position.  Storing the printer upside down or on its side or end can cause issues.

[salbertarose]

This was very useful information. Even though this was directed to the F4480, I am assuming because my 6480 has the printheads on the cartridges, that it would apply to my printer. Thank you!

[Lary]

Bob, thank you for the great explanation.

Sorry for not answering sooner but I didn't get the notice of your answer until salbertarose responded

thanks

[margaretk]

This is very helpful - does the same apply to my Photosmart 6520?
I will be away for 6 months and all ink cartridges are nearly empty. Am I better off to leave them in while very low or out of ink, rather than putting in new ones now or removing the cartridges?
Thank you so much!

[Bob_Headrick]

---

@margaretk wrote:
This is very helpful - does the same apply to my Photosmart 6520?
I will be away for 6 months and all ink cartridges are nearly empty. Am I better off to leave them in while very low or out of ink, rather than putting in new ones now or removing the cartridges?
Thank you so much!

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The Photosmart 6520 is a different design with some challenges of its own.  The printhead on the Photosmart 6520 is not removable.  You need to keep the cartridges in the printer and it would probably be best to put the new cartridges in now.  When you remove the orange plastic caps from the cartridges inspect the cartridge body for protruding nibs left from the four plastic tabs.  If these protrude cut them flush with the pen body, otherwise they may prevent the cartridge from seating properly.

When you power the Photosmart 6520 back on six or so months from now you may need to run some cleaning cycles as shown in solution four of the document here to restore proper printing. ALso, when you install the fresh cartridges make sure the vents are clear as shown in solution three.

[hotpressed]

Hi Bob, my Photosmart 7520 is going in for storage as well, but this one has a separate removable and manually-cleanable printhead.  My thought is to remove the cartridges and do a manual printhead clean and then replace it and the cartridges to keep the printhead area covered while in storage.  If I reinsert the cartridges on the clean printhead, would the ink start to flow down to the printhead again once I do that, or does the ink not flow through the printhead unless printing is happening?  I figure this procedure would keep the printing area clean and ink-free for the time I go to use it again.  Also, if in addition I taped the vent on top of the cartridges, would the ink stay liquid until then?  Thanks for the help!!

[kevin-t]

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