How to Maintain Your Canon TS3522 and Prevent Ink Clogs

Question: I own a Canon TS3522 printer which I use infrequently, about 1-2 times a year. Each time I use it, I face issues with all colors, including black, after switching to refill cartridges. Is there a recommended method to remove or preserve the ink cartridges during periods of non-use to prevent the ink from drying out and clogging the printer?

Answer: Thank you for reaching out with your query. We at BCH Technologies appreciate your engagement and the opportunity to support your needs, especially through our YouTube channel, which you can visit here. Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing our technical support and services.

Regarding your Canon TS3522 and the issues with ink drying and clogging, there are effective ways to preserve the cartridges during periods of non-use. First, it's crucial to protect the printhead nozzles. We typically use a blue tape designed specifically for this purpose, known as 3M Specialty Tape. This tape has a low tack and features a special, safe coating for the nozzles. It is not adhesive in the conventional sense but requires a "Storage Protective Clip" to secure it firmly against the printhead. This clip is essential for ensuring the tape maintains contact and effectively seals the nozzles. You can find the clip here.

Additionally, it’s important to seal the air holes on the top of the cartridges to prevent air ingress which can lead to drying. The air hole is usually located around the label on the top of the cartridge. By applying tape over this label, you effectively seal the air channel, but remember to remove the tape before reinstalling the cartridge in your printer.

If your cartridges have already dried, placing them in hot water can temporarily resolve the issue. Place the cartridges in about 1/2 inch of hot water, ensuring the water does not touch the electronic contacts on the back of the cartridge. Allow the water to cool to room temperature before reinstalling the cartridges into the printer, and run several cleaning cycles to ensure smooth operation.

Addressing printer issues can be complex due to their hands-on nature. At BCH Technologies, we're unable to provide detailed remote troubleshooting or support for specific printer repairs. We recommend visiting our local diagnostic facility for a comprehensive evaluation and repair, available here. Due to high demand, please be prepared for a wait as we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For those seeking more immediate solutions, our YouTube channel provides extensive resources for self-help and troubleshooting. Start your search here to find videos that may address your specific issue, and explore content from other creators that might be helpful.

Thank you once again for your query and for your support of BCH Technologies. We look forward to assisting you further and ensuring your printing needs are met efficiently and effectively.