How to Refill an HP 26 Ink Cartridge

By Catherine Johnson

  • Overview

    As more home inkjet printers are used to produce photos and other demanding graphic media, people are going through ink cartridges at a rapid pace. Refilling your ink cartridge is a cost effective and environmentally safe way of getting the most out of your cartridge. Bulk printer ink and refill kits are widely available. Instead of purchasing a new cartridge, you can use these ink supplies to conveniently refill your HP 26 cartridge on demand.
    Safely and easily refill the ink in your HP 26 cartridge
    • Step 1

      Remove the empty ink cartridge from your HP printer. Securely insert the cartridge into the cartridge holder and then turn it upside down.
    • Step 2

      Use the syringe to slowly inject 20 ml of black ink into the filling hole located at the bottom of the cartridge holder.


    • Step 3

      Turn the cartridge and holder right side up and place it over a piece of toilet paper. Place the air pump inside of the hole on the bottom of the holder and pump it 3 to 5 times. Excess ink will flow out of the hole.
    • Step 4

      Remove the cartridge from the holder. Using toilet paper, gently wipe and clean the filling hole and the nozzle.
    • Step 5

      Insert the cartridge back into the printer. Using your installed printer software and driver, run the head cleaning program 2 to 3 times before printing with your refilled cartridge.
    • Skill: Moderately Easy
    • Ingredients:
    • HP 26 refill kit: includes cartridge holder, black ink, air pump and syringe
    • Toilet paper
    • Tip: To prevent ink from spilling over, make sure the cartridge is completely empty before beginning the refilling process.
    • Tip: If ink still leaks after you wipe the filling hole and nozzle, repeat Step 3 several more times.

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