Without some special treatment, your printers could end up costing you more than you expected. Following these handy tips though, you can keep your printers more healthy and efficient, so that you’ll be more productive.
1. Print in ‘draft’ mode
If you don’t need a high-quality output, consider printing a draft version. This method will produce lighter, less precise print, but it significantly reduces your ink usage.
With most computers you should be able to go into the printer options from the Control Panel on your PC, select the Properties button and choose Draft mode under Print Quality.
2. Get more onto the page
Change your printer settings to duplex and print on both sides of each sheet of paper. Not only will this save you paper, but in many instances it looks more professional. You can also print ‘N-up’ for PowerPoint slides, Word and PDF documents (typically in the Printer settings menu) to fit more pages onto a single sheet of paper.
3. Prepare before you print
Margins and font sizes can have a big impact. Word uses a 1.25 inch margin by default, when a .75 or .50 inch margin is equally as readable. Likewise, a 10 or 11 point font can save you paper and ink too.
4. Keep the print nozzles and cartridge cradles clean
DeskJet printer drivers include a feature called Toolbox, which provides a function to clean the print nozzles, removing debris or clogs that may prevent the printer from printing normally. You should perform this procedure at least once a week, depending on how much printing you do.
Keeping the inside of your printer clean is important too, especially the cartridge cradle. Whenever you see ink or debris in the cradle, clean the area with a can of compressed air or an alcohol wipe.
5. Consider web-based printing options
To minimise needless printing and reduce waste, HP Smart Web Printing is a free downloadable application that allows you select, store and organise content from multiple web pages and print only what you need – saving you time, ink and paper.
6. Store cartridges correctly
Keep print cartridges sealed in the original packaging, stored at room temperature in an upright position, until ready to use. Ink can evaporate through the nozzles and through the plastic print cartridge body.
After removing a cartridge from the original packaging, always store it in the printer in the "home position" to help prevent ink from drying out in the nozzles. This reduces the risk of contamination with dust particles.
7. Power down the right way
Never shut your printer off by flipping the switch on your power strip. This can cause the printer to skip its shut-down process, and may dry out the print head. Always use your printer's own power switch to turn it off.
8. Use high-quality paper
It’s temping to buy cheaper, lower quality paper, but this can cause paper jams, and eventually mechanical problems for the printer.
HP offers a paper buying guide to help you select the right paper for your LaserJet, Inkjet, copier or other device. And for other HP printing supplies, visit the HP Supplies Finder.
Armed with these tips, your printers will be less wasteful and prone to technical problems. It just goes to show, with a little tender, loving care it’s easy to keep your printing costs down and your productivity up!
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