Question: My cartridge has been out of my printer (or empty) for days (or longer) can I still refill it?

Answer: If your cartridge has been out of the printer or completely empty for a day or more, the possibility is there for a successful refill although Mr. Ink Jet® suggests buying a new cartridge and refilling itbefore it goes completely dry. (The best time to refill your cartridge is when prints start showing skipping or fading - before it goes completely dry!) If you would like to salvage a cartridge that has been empty or hasn't been used for some time you can surely try.  The following procedure is recommended only for cartridges that contain there print heads or have "on board" print heads.

Note: You may perform this on a cartridge that has or has not been refilled.
The procedure used to attempt salvaging a cartridge that has been left empty or unused for some time requires distilled water and a small container to pour and heat the water in. Heat the distilled water until almost boiling.  You want significant steam rising from the water as that is what actually dissolves any ink dried within or on the print head.  You will only need approximately one-quarter inch of distilled water to soaking the cartridge's print head in.  Do no be alarmed if you see ink start to color the water.  Let the cartridge soak 5-10 minutes or until the water has cooled off and is no longer steaming.  Remove the cartridge from the water andblot it dry with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. Do not rub or wipe the print heads. (Do not use Kleenex®, cotton balls, Q-tips or anything highly fibrous.  The fibers will clog the print nozzles.) You may now either refill your cartridge per instructions or, if you had already filled the cartridge, install the cartridge back into the printer & run a test print.