Refilling PG-210, CL-211, PG-240, CL-241, PG-245, and CL-246 Cartridges: Dye vs. Pigment Ink Concerns

Question:
How many times can I refill Canon cartridges such as PG-210, CL-211, PG-240, CL-241, PG-245, and CL-246? Also, should I be concerned if I refill a cartridge that originally used pigment ink with dye ink? Is it necessary to wash the sponge before switching inks? My black cartridge, only a month old, has printed about 1,500 pages. However, it now starts printing a few pages correctly before quickly losing black ink output within a page. Could this issue be related to mixing dye and pigment inks?

See the original discussion on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQnq0UjDz6o&lc=UgwWPiBrI062lWwE28B4AaABAg).

1. How Many Times Can These Cartridges Be Refilled?

Canon cartridges like PG-210, CL-211, PG-240, CL-241, PG-245, and CL-246 are designed as disposable units, but with proper care they can be refilled many times. On average:

• Standard sponge-based Canon cartridges can be refilled 8–12 times before print quality deteriorates significantly.

• The limit depends on factors such as the quality of ink, how often you print, and whether the sponge begins to lose elasticity or retain dried ink.

With regular maintenance, you can stretch the life of these cartridges far beyond the “single use” lifespan Canon intended.

2. Using Dye Ink in Place of Pigment Ink

The good news is you don’t need to worry too much—Canon printers can generally run on either dye or pigment ink.

• Pigment ink printers clean themselves more frequently, so if you install dye ink in one, the printer “over-cleans,” which actually reduces clogging risk.

• Dye ink also has advantages: it’s cheaper, flows more easily, and is far simpler to unclog than pigment. Modern dye formulations are much improved compared to older generations—smearing, fading, and double-sided bleeding are rarely issues under normal office or home use.

On the other hand, using pigment ink in a dye printer is more difficult. Since dye printers clean less often, pigment particles may build up. If you try this, it’s best to run extra manual cleanings to keep things flowing.

3. Should You Wash the Sponge Before Switching Ink Types?

It isn’t always necessary to wash the sponge, but it’s a good idea to use up as much of the original ink as possible before switching. The reason is chemical:

• Pigment ink suspends tiny solid particles in a chemical matrix.

• Dye ink is liquid colorant dissolved in water or solvent.

When these bases mix for long periods, the pigment matrix can break down, leading to particle clumping and clogs. Short-term mixing (up to about 20%) is usually harmless, but for long-term reliability, flushing or printing out the old ink is best.

If you want to be extra cautious, you can use BCH’s clear flushing bases before switching:

• Universal Dye Ink Base (https://bchtechnologies.com/universal-dye-ink-bas...)

• Universal Pigment Ink Base (https://bchtechnologies.com/universal-pigment-ink...)

4. Why Is Your Cartridge Losing Black Ink Output?

Since your cartridge is only a month old with about 1,500 pages printed, it’s probably not a “super-bubble” (air lock) scenario yet. More likely causes include:

• Ink base incompatibility: If you switched from pigment to dye without fully flushing, partial clogs may be forming.

• Sponge saturation problems: Over time, the sponge can hold air pockets instead of ink, leading to fading after the first few pages.

• Thermal wear: Canon cartridges are bubble-jet style, meaning resistors heat ink like a kettle. After heavy use, some resistors weaken and no longer eject droplets efficiently.

If the problem persists after flushing and refilling, the cartridge may simply be reaching its natural end-of-life despite its young age.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because of the hands-on nature of the problems. For that reason, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting or step-by-step repair support. BCH Technologies does offer in-person evaluations and repairs through our printer repair service center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times may be a few weeks. Our services can cover complete printer repairs or targeted part replacements. That said, our rates may not be the most economical, so we encourage exploring self-help options. You can begin by browsing our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search bar on the channel homepage (next to “About”) to find videos on cartridge refilling, ink types, and troubleshooting. With over nine years of content, this is the fastest way to find relevant resources, and YouTube may also suggest additional helpful content from other creators.

Thank you again for your thoughtful question. Your engagement helps us refine our expertise and continue serving the printing community with clear and practical knowledge.