Laser printers and photocopiers use a black powder called toner to transfer images permanently onto paper whereas Inkjet printers use a water soluble dye in their printer ink cartridges. It is the permanent nature of toner ink that causes problems if they leak or if toner is spilt. Those of you old enough will remember toner was solely carbon based. This early day toner had to be decanted from large bottles into the copier or printer cartridge - these days the process is much simpler and safer as toner comes in fully sealed cartridges that are put into the machine intact. Modern toner is now mixed with polymer for better fusing or melting to the page. An objective behind using laser toner is to permanently imprint your paper and so it makes sense that the toner can also permanently stain other surfaces. This article gives some helpful hints of how to minimise the damage if you happen to suffer spillage from your toner ink cartridge.

Care is needed when cleaning toner spills:

Toner particles are extremely fine and are not suitable to vacuum as they will suck straight through the motor, out of the filter and into your room. If you have a large spill it is advisable to call a printer technician who will have a special vacuum with a highly refined HEPA filter. It is recommended that you wear disposable gloves and a face mask when faced with cleaning up a spill. The gloves will help protect your hands from staining and the mask will minimise breathing in particles (not necessarily toxic but are considered to be an irritant on the same level as dust).

Skin cleanse:

Small amounts of unfused toner can usually be washed off skin or clothing - but only use COLD water. It will eventually wear off your skin or you could try will washing your skin with face or hand cleanser.

Clothing warning:

If you spill toner on your clothes do not try to wipe or wash it off. Instead try to force it out by hitting the stain from the back of the fabric. Then wipe with a clean dry cloth after which you can wash it in COLD water. For best results wash it a second time in cold water. Only when you are sure the stain is removed can you dry it in the dryer or iron it. Remember - do not rub the toner into fabric nor apply warm water or other heat source as the toner will permanently bind to your fabric.

Hard surfaces:

Small spills on hard surfaces can be removed by lightly sweeping with a soft paint brush - but do not do this vigorously as you want to prevent the toner floating off into the air. You could also try a tissue slightly dampened in COLD water. Do not use cleaning solvents as the chemicals may react or melt the components of the toner which may then stain.

Finally, always buy ink and toner cartridges from sellers that you trust such as Ink Depot who only stock high quality fully guaranteed ink and toner printer cartridges.

Disclaimer: we are not recommending any of the above methods of cleaning up leakage from printer ink cartridges and do not take any responsibility for outcomes. This article has been generated by researching numerous internet sources about stain removal and has not been tested or assessed by the author in anyway.

To see more information about Printer Ink Cartridges go to our Blog page at Ink Depot. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly staff.

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