How to Save Money on Printer Ink?

Printers are used for a variety of purposes ranging from personal document printing to professional-quality photo reproduction. However, one common nuisance that isn’t talked about enough is the high cost associated with replacing printer ink cartridges. 

A Consumer Reports Printer survey revealed that respondents mostly complained regarding the cost of replacing ink cartridges, as 28% of inkjet printers require frequent replacements. If you are also in a similar situation and want to save money on printer ink, we have you covered. 

This article is your complete guide to the many ways you can save money on printer ink. So, let’s dig in!

Tips to Save Money on Printer Ink

Here are some amazing tips that pave the way for significant cost savings when using inkjet printers:

Buy in Bulk 

If you buy company ink cartridges like HP or Canon, they can be expensive, especially when purchasing one or two at a time. Therefore, the best tip to save money on printer ink is to buy it in bulk. Bulk purchases often come with discounts, reducing the overall cost per cartridge while ensuring you have a steady supply at hand. 

Maintain Your Printer Properly 

Maintaining your Inkjet printer has plenty of benefits, including saving money on printer ink. Yes, it’s true! Dirty printer heads cause your ink cartridges to leak, resulting in a quick replacement that’s heavy on your budget. 

For instance, you should begin by cleaning the printhead and running diagnostic tests regularly to ensure your printer is in top-notch condition. 

In addition, you should avoid using the printer in a humid or dusty environment and keep it away from sunlight for durability and efficiency. All this also helps you save money on ink cartridges, providing you with much-needed financial relief. 

Always Turn Off the Power 

Many people don’t know this, but oftentimes, you have to replace ink cartridges due to the printer not shutting down properly. When you cut off the power supply to the printer without shutting it down or giving its printheads to close, they are directly exposed to the air. 

This direct exposure makes the ink dry in the nozzle, which not only requires replacement but also results in poor-quality prints. So, make sure all printer parts are properly shut down, double-check, and then cut off the power to save money on printer ink. 

Use Draft Function 

Another way to save money on printer ink is to use the Draft Function. It’s actually a feature available in many printers that enables you to print documents quickly without using as much ink as traditional printing. However, the quality of the print isn’t very satisfying rendering Draft Function only suitable for printing applications where quality isn’t a big concern like personal documents like notes or time tables. 

Use Third Party Compatible Ink Cartridges 

Original branded ink cartridges like the HP and Canon ones can be quite costly, especially if you need frequent replacement. Therefore, another way to save money on printer ink is to use third-party compatible cartridges. 

These cartridges are recycled and refilled, offering significant cost savings. For instance, if you buy an HP ink cartridge for $40, you can get a third-party compatible one for as low as $11. 

However, you should know that third-party ink cartridges come with their own downsides and may sometimes clog print heads, leaving streaks on your printouts. 

Conclusion 

The journey to save money on printer ink is easy if you are aware of how to capitalize on small functions like Draft Function and properly turn off power. Nonetheless, if you are sorted with ink cartridges and want some high-quality paper that uses minimal ink, you must contact PaperPapers. We have a wide range of affordable and durable coated and uncoated papers that ensure your prints look professional while conserving ink.