There are always reports to print and review, letters to mail, and documents to proofread. Even those of us who don't bring work home find ourselves printing emails, pictures, and calendars. In addition to the resource of our time, another resource is heavily exhausted: ink.

Replacement ink cartridges are an expensive resource to keep purchasing, but there is an alterative! In this age of self service and do-it-yourself, there is now the option of refilling our existing ink cartridges. This is, by far, a cheaper alternative, but there are a few things that you need to know before you get started.

The first step is finding a refill kit for the exact type of cartridge that you will be refilling. In order to find the right kit, you will need to know the printer's manufacturer, and the cartridge's identification number.

When buying the refill kit, you will need to check the back panel to make sure that the ink and kit tools are compatible with the cartridge type. Cartridge refill kits come in both black and color, and it is not necessary to by a refill kit made by your printer's manufacturer.

Variety is abounding when it comes to brands of kits, so you can find a price range with which you are comfortable. Prices will vary, the lower end of the range having less refills and the more expensive being compatible with more models and having a greater amount of refills.

When you refill your cartridge for the first time, make sure that you have a little extra time. The first refill is the most complicated because you will have to prep the cartridge. Depending on the cartridge type, the prep will differ, some being easier than others.

Before doing anything to the cartridge itself, read the complete instruction set for your cartridge and make sure you have all the tools out and ready. Then you can prep the cartridge and refill the ink.

You will need to let the cartridge sit upright for at least 15 minutes before returning it to the printer. Every following refill will be easier, because you will not need to prep the cartridge again.

After you have bought your kit and started doing your own refills, you will never go back to buying a brand new cartridge every time. The ease and money saving benefit is more than worth the little extra time it takes to do the refill. Find your kit and start refilling today!