Will Laser Toner from Ink Cartridges Stain?
The question that we are asking is: Will Laser Toner from Ink Cartridges Stain? The resounding answer is Yes - laser toner from leaking printer ink cartridges will stain surfaces other than paper! Laser printers and photocopiers use a black powder called toner to permanently set images onto paper. Those of you who can remember toner originally consisted solely of carbon. 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. These sealed photocopier and printer ink cartridges are unlikely to spill or leak but if they do this article will give you some ideas of how to minimise permanent stain from laser toner.
Why is there a problem with laser toner ink? Laser toner is now made of a mixture of black powder and polymer. The addition of polymer aids the fusing or melting of the laser toner to the page. This melting is what makes laser toner smudge proof and durable but it is also means that it can be difficult to remove if you accidental spill it. The key is to make sure you do not melt the polymer when cleaning up. Do not rub excessively, do not use warm water and do not use cleaning solvents.
Cleaning toner spills:
Care needed: Due to proprietary privilege, it is difficult to find out exactly what toner is made off however manufacturers claim that it is not considered toxic. Nevertheless, 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).
Large Spills:
Toner particles are extremely fine and are not suitable to vacuum as they will suck straight through the motor, out of the filter into the room creating even more mess! If you have a large spill it is advisable to call a printer technician who will have a highly refined HEPA filter. If disturbed, the fine toner particles can suspend in the air for sometime and potentially irritate the air ways.
Furniture Spills:
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. It is extremely important that you do not rub the toner into fabric nor apply warm water as these actions will permanently stain.
Clothing warning:
If you spill toner on your clothes do not try to wipe or wash it off. Instead try to knock it out - hit the stain from the back to try to force it out from 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 put it in the tumbledryer or iron it(remember heat will bind any remaining toner to any surface).
Skin cleanse:
Small amounts of unfused toner can usually be washed off skin or clothing - but only use COLD water as any form of heat will melt and fuse the toner particles to most to your skin. It will eventually wear off your skin or you could try will washing your skin with face or hand cleanser.
Finally, always buy ink and toner cartridges from sellers that you trust such as Ink Depot who only stocks 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. Click here for information about how to remove inkjet printer cartridge spills.
Why is there a problem with laser toner ink? Laser toner is now made of a mixture of black powder and polymer. The addition of polymer aids the fusing or melting of the laser toner to the page. This melting is what makes laser toner smudge proof and durable but it is also means that it can be difficult to remove if you accidental spill it. The key is to make sure you do not melt the polymer when cleaning up. Do not rub excessively, do not use warm water and do not use cleaning solvents.
Cleaning toner spills:
Care needed: Due to proprietary privilege, it is difficult to find out exactly what toner is made off however manufacturers claim that it is not considered toxic. Nevertheless, 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).
Large Spills:
Toner particles are extremely fine and are not suitable to vacuum as they will suck straight through the motor, out of the filter into the room creating even more mess! If you have a large spill it is advisable to call a printer technician who will have a highly refined HEPA filter. If disturbed, the fine toner particles can suspend in the air for sometime and potentially irritate the air ways.
Furniture Spills:
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. It is extremely important that you do not rub the toner into fabric nor apply warm water as these actions will permanently stain.
Clothing warning:
If you spill toner on your clothes do not try to wipe or wash it off. Instead try to knock it out - hit the stain from the back to try to force it out from 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 put it in the tumbledryer or iron it(remember heat will bind any remaining toner to any surface).
Skin cleanse:
Small amounts of unfused toner can usually be washed off skin or clothing - but only use COLD water as any form of heat will melt and fuse the toner particles to most to your skin. It will eventually wear off your skin or you could try will washing your skin with face or hand cleanser.
Finally, always buy ink and toner cartridges from sellers that you trust such as Ink Depot who only stocks 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. Click here for information about how to remove inkjet printer cartridge spills.
