Can You Remove the Sponge from HP 62XL Ink Cartridges to Increase Ink Capacity?

Question:

Is it possible to remove the white sponge inside an HP 62XL cartridge to create more room for ink? I’ve seen videos where the upper part of the cartridge is replaced to allow more ink filling. Where can I get a kit to do this for HP 62XL?

Answer:

Why You Can’t Just Remove the Sponge

While it might seem straightforward to remove the internal sponge to make room for more ink, HP integrated cartridges—like the 62XL—are not designed with that kind of flexibility. The sponge plays a crucial role in regulating ink flow and pressure inside the cartridge. Simply removing it without adjusting the cartridge structure will disrupt this balance and lead to print errors or leakage.

The Right Way: Convert to a Spongeless Cartridge

To properly convert your cartridge into a high-capacity, spongeless refillable unit, we recommend using a specialized modification kit. BCH Technologies offers a Spongeless Cartridge Modification Kit (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/modification-kit-for-making-spongeless-cartridge-with-hp-integrated-cartridges-60-61-62-63-64-65-66-67-68-69-70-74-75-901-as-rfc-hpsq) designed specifically for HP integrated cartridges, including 62XL.

This Level-5 (very difficult) DIY kit allows you to:

• Remove the sponge and internal walls.

• Install a refill cap with a pressure regulator.

• Refill with more ink compared to traditional sponge-based refilling.

• Maintain functionality even though the printer will no longer report ink levels.

⚠️ Important: This kit is best suited for experienced refillers. It involves cutting with a sharp blade and gluing components with precision.

Common Challenges and Fixes

One of our beta testers shared a vital tip: after modifying the cartridge, it might not sit perfectly inside the printer. If the cartridge sits even 1/16 inch lower, the printer may display a generic error like:

“Make sure cartridge is installed correctly.”

To fix this:

• Gently lift the back of the cartridge upward while it’s in the printer.

• Doing so might help a small internal metal piece engage properly, resolving the error.

We also advise users to double-check the orientation of the replacement cover. Installing it backwards—where the bar positions don’t align with the printer’s contact points—can prevent the cartridge from fitting altogether.

A Note About HP 67 and Similar Cartridges

If you're using HP 67 cartridges (or others in the same family), be aware that some cartridges come with E0/E1 lock-out errors that prevent successful refilling. It’s crucial to test or verify your cartridge model before starting modifications. For more insights, watch this video about HP cartridge errors (https://youtu.be/ipueD4xutk4).

Where to Buy the Kit

You can purchase the mod kit directly from our Shopify store for first-time refillers at the following link:

First Timer Ink Refill Kit for HP Inkjet Cartridges
(https://bch-youtube-fan-store.myshopify.com/products/first-timer-ink-refill-kit-for-hp-inkjet-printer-cartridges-60-61-62-63-64-65-ez30-t)

And here’s a full walkthrough on YouTube for the modification process:
Watch the Cartridge Conversion Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wy8WlK615Q)

A Quick Note About Support

Dealing with printers often requires hands-on solutions, and remote support has its limitations. That’s why we offer in-person diagnostic services at our local repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given our high workload, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times may extend several weeks. We service both full printer repairs and specific components, and we provide clear guidance for drop-off.

However, we understand our services might not always be the most cost-effective. That’s why we encourage our community to explore DIY repairs. We recommend starting by visiting the BCH YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search function next to the “About” tab to look for relevant topics. This is often the fastest way to find what you need—not only from us but also from other helpful creators.

Thanks again for your thoughtful question and continued support. We're here to empower your printing journey—one cartridge at a time!