How to Store and Handle Epson Ink Cartridges and Papers for Optimal Print Results
Protect your investment and enjoy consistent, high-quality prints every time.
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Choosing the right consumables is only half the battle—how you store and handle them makes a huge difference in reliability, print quality, and the lifespan of your printer. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from ideal environmental conditions to spotting signs of ageing, so you can keep your Epson ink and paper in perfect shape.
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Why Proper Storage Matters
Storing ink and paper poorly can lead to clogged printheads, faded colours, curled paper and frustrating feed errors.
→ Prevents ink drying in nozzles or forming sediment
→ Keeps paper flat, dry and free of moisture-related warping
→ Maintains accurate ink-level monitoring for your EcoTank or cartridge system
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Best Practices for Epson Ink Cartridges
Ink cartridges contain delicate formulations that react to light, temperature and air. Treat them right and you’ll avoid waste, clogs and errors.
→ Keep sealed until use in their original foil packs
→ Store upright at room temperature (15–25 °C) and moderate humidity (40–60 %)
→ Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources—UV can break down ink chemistry
→ Use within six months of purchase; check manufacture date on the box
Tip: Once opened, install a cartridge within 48 hours or return it to its packaging with the tab resealed.
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Best Practices for Epson Papers
Paper is hygroscopic—it soaks up moisture or dries out, which affects stiffness, curl and feed reliability.
→ Keep in resealable packs or airtight boxes to block humidity
→ Store flat on a shelf; never stand paper on its edge
→ Maintain climate control around 18–24 °C and 30–50 % relative humidity
→ Acclimatise before use by leaving unopened packs in your print room for 1–2 hours
Tip: Fan each stack before loading to separate sheets and reduce double-feeds.
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Loading & Handling Tips
Proper loading prevents skew, jams, and misfeeds—especially with heavier media or wide-format sheets.
→ Adjust paper guides snugly but not too tight
→ Avoid mixing media—print similar sizes/finishes together
→ Keep feed paths clean of dust and stray paper fragments
→ Run a nozzle check if paper has sat unused for over a month
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Spotting & Preventing Storage Damage
Even well-stored consumables can degrade over time. Watch for these signs:
→ Ink cartridges: air bubbles when printing, faded or streaky output, “ink low” warnings
→ Paper: curled edges, brittleness, uneven surface sheen, printers reporting feed errors
If you see any of these, rotate your stock: use older packs first and reorder fresh supplies.
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Responsible Disposal & Recycling
When cartridges or maintenance boxes reach end-of-life, don’t toss them in the bin:
→ Use Epson’s recycling program—free post-paid labels at register.epc.epson.com.au
→ Return empty bottles and cartridges to our warehouses for bulk recycling
→ Follow local regulations for paper recycling—keep ink-stained sheets separate if required
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Where to Buy Epson Supplies
Stock up on genuine Epson consumables at Inkjet Online:
→ Ink Cartridges → https://inkjetonline.com.au/epson-ink-cartridges/
→ EcoTank Bottles → https://inkjetonline.com.au/epson-eco-tank-ink-bottles/
→ Papers → https://inkjetonline.com.au/epson-inkjet-papers/
Orders placed before 2 pm ship same-day from our warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Victoria.
Need More Help?
Use our Printer Lookup Tool to match the perfect consumables to your specific Epson model.
