Compatible Ink Cartridge Expiry Date

[embguy]

I have a few BCI-3e compatible ink cartridges for my Canon i550 with a expiry date of Sept 2008. I am still using them without any ill effect. Anyone know how long should I continue to use them?

 

[pharmacist]

I would use it within 6 months after opening, because evaporation could increase the viscosity of your ink and this could slow down ink flow and worse: clogging. If you experience any problems with printing, have the cartridge replaced immediately to prevent damage to your printhead.

 

[embguy]

I have 10 cartridges of each colors. They are sealed and have not been open. Can I still use them? For the amount of printing that I do, each black cartridge lasts about a month and color cartridges lasts about two months.

 

[pharmacist]

I think you can: but after opening use it within 6 months. Before opening just check if the ink flows well inside the ink compartment and if there is any strange globs inside it. If you see strange things in it, throw them away.