Best Refill Ink for Canon PG-240XL/CL-241XL and HP 96/97 Cartridges: What to Use and How to Avoid Clogs

Question: Which refill ink do you recommend for Canon Pixma 532 (240XL Black, 241XL Tri-Color) and HP DeskJet 6940 (96 Black, 97 Tri-Color)?

I want to refill ink cartridges for two printers: a Canon Pixma 532 using 240XL (Black) and 241XL (Tri-Color), and an HP DeskJet 6940 using 96 (Black) and 97 (Tri-Color). Which of your inks should I use for refilling these cartridges, and is there anything I should get to prevent clogging?

Answer: 

Good news: these cartridges can use the same type of refill ink

The Canon PG-240XL / CL-241XL and HP 96 / 97 cartridges are all integrated printhead cartridges, meaning the printhead is built into the cartridge itself. When you replace the cartridge, you're also replacing the printhead.

Because the printhead is treated as "disposable" by the manufacturer, it usually doesn't include the same robust anti-clogging design you'd see in a printer with a permanent printhead system. That's why the safest and most forgiving refill approach for these cartridge families is:

• Dye ink (recommended)

Why dye ink is usually the best choice for integrated printhead cartridges

For integrated printhead cartridges like 240XL/241XL and 96/97, dye ink typically performs better for refilling because:

1. Less clogging risk
   Dye ink is generally thinner and flows more easily through the tiny nozzles in disposable printheads.

2. Easier recovery if a clog happens
   If the cartridge sits for a while or pulls air during refilling, dye ink is typically easier to clear with priming or gentle vacuum methods.

3. More forgiving for first-time refillers
   Integrated cartridges can be sensitive to air pockets. Dye ink tends to re-prime more easily.

Recommended BCH ink options (small test set vs. bulk savings)

If you want to start small-especially if this is your first time refilling-this smaller set is a good way to test the process and see how your cartridges respond:

• Dye 30 ml x 4 Refill Ink for Canon Printers (ID30-KCMY-AC) (https://www.bchtechnologies.com/refill-ink/refill-ink-for-canon/dye-30-ml-x-4-refill-ink-for-canon-printers-id30-kcmy-ac.html)

If you refill often and want the best cost-per-ml, this bulk set is the better value:

• Standard 600 ml 4-Color Refill Ink for Canon (KD600X-CC) (https://www.bchtechnologies.com/refill-ink/refill-ink-for-canon/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-canon/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-canon-kd600x-cc.html)

Important refill reality: most "not printing" issues after refilling are air-related, not ink-related

With integrated cartridges, the two most common issues after refilling are:

• Air trapped in the sponge or outlet

• A weak prime at the nozzle plate

This can look like:

• Missing colors

• Streaks/banding

• One color not printing at all (often black)

• "It was working, then stopped"

That's why having a priming method available can save a lot of frustration.

Helpful tool (optional but strongly recommended for first-time refillers): priming clip

A priming clip can help pull ink through the cartridge outlet and stabilize flow if the cartridge pulls air or partially clogs:

• Priming Clip Tools (https://www.bchtechnologies.com/accessories/priming-clip-tools.html)

You don't absolutely have to own a priming clip, but it's one of those tools that can turn a "dead" cartridge into a working one in minutes.

No priming clip? You can retrofit a household vacuum (carefully)

If you don't have a priming clip, you can often use a carefully retrofitted household vacuum method to pull ink through and clear air pockets:

• Solved: Black and Color Print Head Clogged / Not Printing (Integrated Printhead) - Part I (https://www.bchtechnologies.com/blog/solved-black-and-color-print-head-clogged-not-printing-part-i-integrated-printhead)

(Just be gentle-too much suction can damage the nozzle plate or pull ink where it shouldn't go.)

Extra tips to reduce clogs and extend cartridge life

These apply directly to the Canon 240XL/241XL and HP 96/97 cartridge families:

• Print something at least once a week (even a small color test page helps keep nozzles wet).

• Don't overfill-overfilling can cause leaking and messy electrical contact issues.

• Seal refill holes properly after refilling to prevent evaporation and air entry.

• If the cartridge sat empty for a while, expect that you may need priming plus a few cleaning cycles to restore full output.

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Printer troubleshooting and refill results can be complicated because so much depends on hands-on conditions-air pockets, sponge condition, nozzle health, and how long the cartridge sat before refilling. Because of the physical nature of these problems, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, detailed repair instructions, or direct support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we're able to accept your printer for drop-off.

Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand our pricing may not be the most economical option. For that reason, we strongly recommend self-help through online research. You can start by checking YouTube or visiting our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to find the most relevant videos. I receive dozens of requests every day asking about videos for specific topics, and after creating videos over the past nine years, it's hard to remember every single one-so YouTube's search function is the most efficient approach. Plus, YouTube may suggest other helpful videos from other channels that apply to your exact situation.

Thanks again for contacting us, and I hope this helps you refill your Canon 240XL/241XL and HP 96/97 cartridges with fewer clogs and more reliable printing.