Laser printers are fast, precise, and more cost-effective than inkjet printers. But laser printer toners can put a dent in anyone’s pocket. So, it’s obvious to ask, How Long Does Printer Toner Last?
A printer toner can last even longer than the printer if it’s maintained properly. However, the answer is not as simple as that.
So, this article will completely focus on How Long Does Printer Toner Last and everything related to it.
But before diving deep, first, let’s have a look at what a printer toner is.
What Is A Printer Toner?
Printer toners are dry powders created from granulated polymers. Like inkjet ink, laser printer toners are not liquid.
It’s a common misconception that Toner and ink are similar. But they are made from two completely different chemicals. Inkjet ink is a liquid made with coloring pigment while toners are made with polymers.
Now, let’s focus on How Long Does Printer Toner Last.
How Long Is Toner Good For
Most of the printer toners come with a page count. But as we have mentioned, a laser printer toner can survive even longer than your printer if you take good care and preserve it properly.
However, every toner cartridge has at least two dates engraved on it. These dates usually indicate the warranty and the cartridge expiration date. Normally, most manufacturers provide a year’s warranty. However, the expiration date can vary from producer to producer.
So, if printer toner has an expiration date then how can it last for a long time?
Well, the printer toner cartridge does not only include the toner powders. It has other ingredients and components too. Generally, toner powders can last for a long time yet their other components can expire.
Moreover, printer toner cartridges deliver decent results even after their expiration date. Because laser printer toners are dry powders. As they are made from plastic and we all know how long polymers can last.
So, there is no chance of ink getting dried like inkjet printers or toner getting damaged. However, you need to keep them dry and make sure no moisture gets inside.
So, we can surely say printer toners can last for a long time if they are taken care of properly. But how to take care of the printer toner cartridge.
How To Take Care Of The Printer Toner
Taking care of the printer toner is not a difficult task. Just follow the below procedures from time to time for a long-lasting printer toner
- Keep Your Printer Clean
The most important thing for taking care of your printer toner is keeping your printer clean. Because dust can severely damage the quality of your printer toner.
It can even harm other components of your laser printer. So, always keep your printer clean.
- Keep Your Printer In a Dry Environment
Moisture is the main enemy of printer toners. Because printer toners are dry powders and moisture can make them clump. As a result, both the toner quality and the longevity reduce if moisture gets inside the toner.
So, try to avoid damp spots for keeping your printer.
- Never Keep Toner In direct Sunlight
Printer toners are made from plastic. So, excessive heat or direct sunlight can damage or even melt them. As a result, the toner loses its longevity.
So, never store printer toners in direct sunlight.
- Shake the Printer Toners
Printer toners can get clumpy over time and clumpy toners don’t last long. So, shake your printer toner properly while cleaning or maintenance of the printer toner.
Moreover, if you shake the printer toner from time to time then the toners stored in the corners of the cartridge will also get added. As a result, no toner will get wasted.
- Setup The Right Printer Settings
This is not maintenance advice but this trick can surely make your toner last longer. This is a simple trick.
Most of us print drafts before printing something final. So, you just need to set low-quality printing settings for drafts and high quality for the final documents.
Low-quality printing costs little printer toner. So, if you set this then you will save up a lot of printer toner.
These simple yet effective steps can boost up the lifetime of your printer toners.
Now let’s have a look at How to store spare laser printer toners.
How To Store Laser Printer Toners
Laser printer toners are both expensive and sensitive. So, you need to store them carefully for better and long-lasting performance. Follow the below procedure for storing printer toners
- Store printer Toners in dark and low-temperature areas.
- Try to avoid dusty and damp places.
- Keep them in an upright position.
- Never keep them flat.
- Never break the seal of the toner long before usage.
Well, if you follow the above procedures then your spare printer toners will stay well for years.
Now let’s have a look at some of the frequently asked questions.
FAQ
- Can You use the cartridge after the expiration date?
Yes, if there is toner left in the cartridge then you can use printer toner cartridges long after the expiration date. Because toners don’t expire. But the other components of the cartridge do.
However, keep in mind that an expired cartridge might harm your printer. So, if you experience low print quality or any other sign after the cartridge gets expired then it’s suggested to charge the cartridge ASAP. Otherwise, it’s fine to use an expired cartridge.
- How many pages can a toner cartridge print?
Actually, it depends on the quality of the toner, your printer model, printing style, and type of printing. Moreover, every toner comes with an estimated page count.
Normally, average quality printer toners can print 4000-6000 pages. However, if you print on both sides or print small fonts with less space then it will be less than the page count.
Furthermore, printing complicated colored graphs or graphics can also result in less page count than the estimated one.
There are also some high-quality toners that have a page count of 12000 or more. They are expensive. But if you consider the consistency and quality then they are more profitable in the long term.
Conclusion
Well, we have found, “How Long Does Printer Toner Last?” completely depends on your usage and how you take care of it.
So, follow the above steps for making your printer toner long-lasting. If you have any questions or confusion, let us know in the comments.
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