An idle inkjet needs: nozzle check, power-button shutdown, cartridges left in, dust cover, and level storage at 32–77°F.
For the full breakdown, see our best Printers for Infrequent Use guide.
These steps come from Epson’s storage and ink-cartridge documentation for its professional SureColor models, but the logic applies to most inkjets. Model differences are flagged below.
What’s the Shutdown Procedure Before Storage?
Print a nozzle check, resolve defects, then turn the printer off with its power button and unplug it. The power-button step matters most.
- Nozzle check first. Broken pattern = run a manual head cleaning and recheck before storing.
- Replace very low or empty cartridges. A nearly dry cartridge lets the head dry out; store with healthy ink levels.
- Power button, never the wall switch. The button parks and caps the print head; cutting power can leave it uncapped and exposed.
- Check print head position. If an error shut it down awkwardly, power on and off normally so the head returns to its capped home position.
- Remove loaded paper. Rollers left against paper can leave marks, trigger jams, or damage the head.
Once capped, unplug and cover with an anti-static cloth or dust cover.
Should the Cartridges Stay In or Come Out?
Leave every cartridge installed — removing them is the most common and expensive storage mistake. Ink in the nozzles keeps them from drying; pulling a cartridge exposes it to air. On many models every slot must stay filled or printing is disabled. If a cartridge is spent, replace it — don’t just remove it.
How Should You Store the Printer Itself?
Avoid attics, garages, and damp basements. Close all covers and keep the dust cover on. Store paper and photo media in original packaging, dry, away from sunlight, heat, and humidity.
| Storage Factor | What Epson Specifies |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | 0 to 25°C (32 to 77°F) |
| Storage duration | Six months for cited professional models |
| Cartridges | Leave all installed, all slots filled |
| Orientation | Level only — never tilted or on its side |
| Paper | Remove before storage, store in original packaging |
| Shutdown method | Power button only, then unplug |
| Cartridge life | Two years from manufacture or six months from opening |
If you’d rather not gamble on reviving an idle machine, our roundup of the best printers for infrequent use covers models built to sit quietly without punishing you at startup.
What About Printers That Stay Plugged In?
Some professional printers should stay powered on so automatic ink circulation keeps lines fresh — Epson notes this is model-specific, and pre-storage maintenance is required if off more than a week. The SureColor SC-F2000 guidance adds: skip its prolonged-storage procedure and printing once a week is recommended. Don’t generalize to a home office inkjet without checking your manual.
On return to service:
- Check whether cartridges passed their storage limits.
- Power on normally; let the automatic nozzle check and head cleaning run.
- Print a nozzle check; clean again only if gaps remain.
Common Questions
How long can an inkjet sit unused before it clogs?
No universal number — it depends on model, ink type, and climate; humidity and heat shorten the window. For a home inkjet, run a nozzle check monthly if you can.
Can I store a printer in a cold garage?
Cold also thickens ink.
What happens if I unplug the printer without pressing the power button?
If it happened, power on until automatic capping runs, then follow the normal shutdown sequence.
Sources
- Epson. “Storing Your Printer” Supports the storage temperature range, six-month limit, level-storage rule, and restart procedure.
- Epson. “Handling Ink Cartridges” Supports leaving cartridges installed, cartridge age limits, and four-hour temperature recovery.
- Epson. “Storing Your Printer (SC-F2000)” Supports the weekly-printing recommendation, capping caution, and waste-ink bottle guidance.