Guide to Refilling HP 63 Ink Cartridges and Preventing Problems

Question:
I was watching a YouTube video for refilling HP 63 ink cartridges. I only print now and then, and I refill my black cartridge usually every four months. If I keep the cartridge topped off (i.e., replace the ink before the cartridge runs dry), can I skip the part where one draws the ink with a plunger and lives in fear of newly formed air bubbles?
 
Answer:
We appreciate you reaching out and asking your question! Thank you for following us, particularly on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), as we seek to bring you as much assistance as possible through how-tos and troubleshooting. Due to printer issues and maintenance, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner; they are essential and require careful thought. So, we'd like to see the best way to fill your HP 63 cartridges, keeping your printing habits in mind.
 
Topping Off Ink Cartridges
However, topping off an ink cartridge before it runs completely dry can help you avoid tapping with the plunger to suck up ink and to create a vacuum, which reduces the chance of air bubbles in the ink line. But there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
Frequency of Topping Off:
To ensure that you never run out of ink, you would refill at least once every two weeks. This keeps the ink fresh and prevents the cartridge's inner sponge from drying up.
If it goes up to four months, it could run dry, leading to something called “sponge fatigue,” where dried ink builds up in the sponge and won’t absorb ink very well.
Infrequent Printing Issues:
HP 63 cartridges have an inkjet function, which works comparably with reuse. For the infrequent printer, the ink dries out in the nozzles or sponges and creates clogging, resulting in less-than-perfect print quality.
To avoid that, try printing a test page or small document at least once every week to keep the ink flowing.
Air Bubbles and Refilling Technique:

• If you refill too quickly, or blow air into the cartridge, you will create bubbles, and the ink will not flow. Always use slow and steady pressure to refill in order not to introduce air into the cartridge.
• After refilling, leave the cartridge standing upright for a few minutes so that any remaining air can escape naturally.

Should You Make the Leap to Inkjet Printing?
Considering how rarely you print, you might be better off with a laser printer. Laser printers use toner instead of liquid ink, which doesn’t dry out over time, so they’re best for occasional use. The higher initial cost is balanced out by less maintenance and no clogged systems, which is an ideal case for infrequent users.
Additional Note:
On-site nature of the jobs can make diagnosing printer maintenance and issues difficult. That is why, we are unable to provide remote troubleshooting or support for the cartridge refilling. All in all, we are still continuing with local diagnostic facility service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), but the option is first come and first serve, along with a potential wait time.
Check here for our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) where you can search (by clicking the magnifying class next to "About" on the menu bar) for tutorials that fit your needs. It can also help you find related videos from other creators that may provide advice.
Thanks for writing to us with your question! We hope these insights assist you in choosing the right printing solution. Do you have any more questions? We’re here to help!