How Long Can You Safely Leave a Printer Unused?

The Short Answer

Inkjet Printers:

• Up to 1 week: No preparation needed. Just leave it as-is.
• 1-4 weeks: Leave it plugged in so it can run automatic maintenance, or print a test page before you leave and when you return.
• 1-3 months: Print a full-color test page before storing, park the printhead properly (turn off via power button), consider running a cleaning cycle when you return.
• 3-6 months: Risky. Ink will likely dry out. Prepare carefully and expect to need multiple cleaning cycles when you return. May need printhead replacement.
• 6+ months: Very risky. High chance of permanent printhead damage. Consider removing and sealing cartridges (advanced), or plan to replace the printhead when you return.

Laser Printers:

• Up to 6 months: Generally fine with no preparation. Toner doesn't dry out.
• 6-12 months: Still usually fine. Dust and environmental factors become more of a concern than the printer itself.
• 1-2 years: Should work, but mechanical components and electronics may develop issues from disuse. Seals can dry out.
• 2+ years: Possible, but expect issues. Rollers may have hardened, seals degraded, electronics may fail. Test thoroughly before relying on it.

Why Long Storage Causes Problems

Inkjet Printers: Dried Ink

Inkjet printheads have microscopic nozzles filled with liquid ink. When ink sits still for weeks or months, the water evaporates and the pigment/dye solidifies, creating clogs. This is the #1 failure mode for stored inkjets.

Timeline:

• 2 weeks: Minimal risk
• 4 weeks: Moderate risk, especially in dry climates
• 8 weeks: High risk of partial clogs
• 12+ weeks: Very high risk of permanent damage

Laser Printers: Mechanical and Environmental Issues

Laser printers don't have wet ink to dry out, but long storage can still cause problems:

• Toner settling and clumping: Toner powder can settle and harden slightly, causing initial print quality issues (usually resolves after a few prints).
• Rubber rollers hardening: Rollers can lose elasticity and grip, causing feed issues.
• Dried lubricants: Moving parts may stiffen.
• Electronic component degradation: Capacitors and other components can degrade from disuse.
• Dust and corrosion: In humid or dusty environments, internals can corrode or get clogged.

Both Types: Environmental Damage

• Extreme temperatures: Heat or freezing can damage electronics and deform plastic components.
• Humidity: Causes corrosion, mold, and can damage circuits.
• Dust: Accumulates on internals, causing mechanical issues.
• Pests: Rodents love warm, enclosed spaces and can chew wires or nest inside printers.

Returning a Printer to Service After Storage

Inkjet Printers

1. Uncover and visually inspect. Look for dust, pests, or damage.
2. Plug in and turn on.
3. Run a nozzle check pattern. This shows which nozzles are clogged.
4. If nozzles are clogged, run a cleaning cycle. May need 2-3 cycles.
5. If cleaning doesn't work, try a deep cleaning cycle. Wait overnight and try again.
6. If still clogged, consider manual printhead cleaning or replacement.
7. Once working, print a few test pages to ensure quality.

Laser Printers

1. Uncover and inspect. Check for damage, dust, or pests.
2. Reinstall toner and drum if removed.
3. Plug in and turn on. Let it warm up fully.
4. Print a test page. The first few prints may look odd (toner settling), but should improve quickly.
5. If prints look bad, run a cleaning cycle (most laser printers have one in the menu).
6. Print 10-20 pages to clear out any settled toner and exercise the mechanics.
7. If you experience jams, check rollers. They may need cleaning or replacement if they've hardened.

Storage Environment Matters

Ideal Storage Conditions

• Temperature: 60-75°F. Consistent is better than fluctuating.
• Humidity: 40-60%. Too dry accelerates ink drying; too humid causes corrosion.
• Light: Dark or low light. Bright light can damage printheads and drums.
• Dust: As little as possible. Cover the printer.
• Pests: Pest-free area. Rodents can destroy a printer quickly.

Bad Storage Locations

• Hot garage or attic: Temperature extremes damage electronics and plastics.
• Damp basement: Humidity causes corrosion and mold.
• Outdoor shed: Temperature, humidity, dust, and pests—worst of all worlds.
• Storage unit without climate control: Temperature and humidity swings are hard on electronics.

Good Storage Locations

• Closet in a climate-controlled room
• Spare bedroom
• Home office (even if not in use)
• Climate-controlled storage unit (if you must use one)

Special Situations

Seasonal Use (Summer Cabin, Holiday Decorations, etc.)

If you use your printer seasonally (6 months on, 6 months off):

• Inkjets: Expect to replace the printhead or cartridges every time you bring it out of storage. Budget for this. A laser printer would be a better choice.
• Lasers: Should handle this fine with proper storage prep.

Moving

If you're moving and the printer will be in a moving truck for days or weeks:

• Remove cartridges and pack separately. Movement can cause leaking.
• Secure all moving parts. Many printers have shipping locks or tape to secure the printhead/drum during transport. Check the manual.
• Pack in original box if possible. If not, use plenty of padding.
• Transport in climate-controlled vehicle if possible. Extreme heat or cold in a moving truck can damage electronics.

Long-Term Storage (Years)

If you're storing a printer for years (inheritance, business closure, etc.):

• Document the condition. Take photos, note page counts, test everything.
• Remove all consumables. Cartridges, toner, drums—take them all out and store separately or dispose of them.
• Clean thoroughly. Remove all dust and debris.
• Original packaging is best. If you don't have it, use a sturdy box with padding.
• Include the power cable and any manuals. You'll forget where they are otherwise.
• Store in the best environment you can. Climate-controlled is essential for multi-year storage.
• Expect it may not work when you bring it out. Electronics can fail from disuse alone. Have a backup plan.

Should You Leave It Plugged In?

For Short-Term (1-4 Weeks): Yes (Inkjets)

Leaving an inkjet plugged in and in standby mode allows it to run automatic maintenance cycles that help prevent ink drying. The power consumption is minimal (1-5 watts).

For Medium-Term (1-3 Months): No

At this duration, automatic maintenance won't prevent drying, and you're wasting electricity. Unplug and prepare for storage.

For Long-Term (3+ Months): Definitely No

No benefit to leaving it plugged in, and you're risking electrical issues (power surges, electrical fires from dust accumulation, etc.).

Laser Printers: Doesn't Matter

Lasers don't benefit from staying plugged in during storage. Unplug to avoid power surges.

The Bottom Line

Inkjet printers: Maximum 4 weeks without issues. 8-12 weeks with proper prep and luck. 3+ months is very risky.

Laser printers: 6-12 months is usually fine. Up to 2 years is possible with proper storage.

If you know you won't print for months, prepare the printer properly. Don't just leave it sitting.

Store in a climate-controlled, dry, dust-free environment. This is critical for long-term storage.

Expect to run cleaning cycles or replace parts after long storage. Budget time and money for this.

If you print infrequently (less than monthly), consider switching to a laser printer. They handle infrequent use much better than inkjets.