Canon MG3600 Refillable Cartridge Options: Should You Buy a Full Empty Cartridge or Just the Sponge Insert Kit?

Question

My Canon MG3600 cartridge is empty, and I want to refill it using the sponge-style setup. Should I buy a full replacement cartridge housing and then install the sponge insert, or should I buy an empty cartridge separately and then buy the sponge inserts from you?

Product link: Canon Sponge Refillable Cartridge Modification Kit (PG-240/CL-241/PG-260/CL-261) (https://bch-youtube-fan-store.myshopify.com/products/copy-of-modification-kit-for-making-sponge-refillable-cartridge-with-canon-pg-240-cl-241-pg260-cl-261-as-spg-cbc260)

Answer

First: which cartridge family does the Canon MG3600 use?

Most Canon MG3600-series printers use the PG-240 (black) and CL-241 (color) cartridge family in the U.S./Canada. Some regions use the PG-245/CL-246 family, and the MG3600 series overlaps with multiple markets. The kit you linked is designed for PG-240/CL-241 and PG-260/CL-261 style cartridges, which is why it's important to match what's physically in your printer before ordering.

A quick way to confirm is to remove the cartridge and read the label-look for PG-240 / CL-241 (or a similar regional equivalent). If your label matches the kit's supported models, you're in the right place.

Your main question: buy a housing + insert, or buy an empty cartridge + inserts?

In practice, you have two workable paths. The "best" choice depends on what you already have, whether the cartridge electronics are still good, and how quickly you want reliable results.

Option 1: Reuse your original Canon cartridge housing and add the sponge insert kit (usually best if the cartridge still works)

If your current cartridge is simply empty (not physically damaged), reusing it is often the most reliable approach because:

• The OEM shell fits perfectly in the carriage (less risk of alignment issues).

• The OEM chip/contact pads are already known to work with your printer.

• You avoid the quality variation that can happen with third-party "empty" shells.

This is the common approach when someone says, "My cartridge is empty, I need to convert it to sponge refillable." If the cartridge was printing normally before it ran out, this is typically the smoothest route.

When this option is NOT ideal:

• The cartridge has been overheated from printing while dry (burnt/nozzle damage).

• The plastic is cracked, warped, or leaking.

• The electrical contact area is corroded/contaminated.

• The cartridge chip/contact pads are failing (printer doesn't recognize it reliably).

Option 2: Buy a compatible empty cartridge (new housing) and then use the insert kit (best if your original cartridge is damaged)

This route makes sense if your original cartridge is:

• Leaking or structurally compromised

• Previously refilled improperly and now won't wick ink correctly

• Not recognized by the printer due to contact/chip issues

• So clogged/dry internally that recovery isn't worth the effort

Important caution: Not all "empty cartridges" are equal. Some third-party shells have inconsistent sponge density, venting, or internal geometry, and that can cause symptoms like:

• Weak or missing colors

• Streaking/banding

• Ink starvation (especially after a few pages)

• Random "ink low/empty" behavior depending on the chip system

So if you go with an empty cartridge, it's best to choose a reputable one designed specifically for MG3600's cartridge family.

What you generally should NOT do

• Don't buy a "housing only" unless it truly includes the correct internal sponge system or is designed to be converted. Many shells aren't meant to be opened/modified cleanly, and forcing them can lead to poor sealing or leaks.

• Don't keep printing once a sponge cartridge is truly dry. With Canon sponge-based systems, printing dry can overheat the printhead nozzles and shorten printhead life.

A quick decision guide (simple and practical)

• If your cartridge was working fine and is just empty: reuse your cartridge + use the sponge insert kit.

• If the cartridge is physically damaged, leaking, or not recognized: start with a new empty/compatible cartridge + then use the sponge insert kit.

• If you're unsure whether your cartridge electronics are good: reusing the original first is usually the least expensive "test," since OEM shells tend to behave more predictably.

About error codes

You didn't mention any Canon error codes in your message (for example, codes like 1688, U041, 1401/1403, B200, etc.), so I can't reference a specific one for your case. If you are seeing a code on the printer screen or your computer, that code matters because it can distinguish between:

• "Ink has run out / ink cannot be detected" types of alerts (common with refills)

• Cartridge recognition/contact problems

• Printhead temperature/electrical faults

If a code is present, it's a strong clue whether you're dealing with a cartridge setup issue versus a printer/printhead issue.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, step-by-step suggestions, or direct support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility, Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can schedule a time for you to drop off your printer. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we also recognize our rates aren't the most economical option. For that reason, we strongly encourage self-help through online research first. You can start with YouTube or by visiting BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find a specific topic quickly, use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of questions every day asking if we have videos for very specific issues, and after producing videos over the past nine years, it's hard to remember every single one-so YouTube's search tool is the most efficient method. YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other creators that match your exact situation.

Thanks again for reaching out, and I appreciate your support. I hope the guidance above helps you choose the most cost-effective path-either reusing your original cartridge shell with the sponge insert kit, or starting fresh with a new empty cartridge if your current one is damaged.