| Toner is the powder used in laser printers and | | | | vacuum cleaner, remember to use one that is |
| photocopiers to form the printed text and graphics on | | | | equipped with an electrically conductive hose and a |
| paper. It is carbon powder combined with polymer, | | | | high efficiency (HEPA) filter for effective cleaning. |
| melted by the heat of the printer's fuser, which binds | | | | When storing toner and toner cartridges you should |
| the mixture onto paper. | | | | always try to keep it in a cool dry place, do not store |
| Here are some facts you might need to know about | | | | toner or toner cartridges in high humidity as this could |
| cleaning up and storing toner powder. | | | | cause the toner to melt. Toner and toner cartridges |
| NEVER wash toner powder off with hot water. Hot | | | | that are stored properly should last approximately 2 - |
| water will cause the toner powder to melt and will | | | | 3 years. |
| therefore bind it to skin or clothing even more. Always | | | | Toner in most cases is completely harmless, but when |
| use cold water when cleaning up spilt toner. If you use | | | | storing; remember to keep away from small children |
| cold water there should be no problems with clean up. | | | | as breathing in large amounts or ingestion of the toner |
| Toner that has fused to skin will fade away over time. | | | | could cause serious problems. Take care when |
| Abrasive cleaner and cold water can help speed up | | | | handling toner directly as it can be harmful if handled |
| this process of removing the toner bound to skin. | | | | incorrectly. |
| Remember not to wash toner-stained clothing in warm | | | | Spills and similar toner accidents can easily be |
| or hot water. Toner powder that has melted into | | | | prevented by purchasing toner cartridges from |
| clothing can never be washed off and will stain | | | | reputable suppliers. Choose your laser toner cartridge |
| permanently. | | | | provider with caution to keep your laser printing |
| The general rule of thumb is to never let the toner get | | | | experience pleasant and worry-free. |
| into contact with any source of heat as it is a type of | | | | Be reassured that the toner you are using in your |
| wax with a very low melting point. | | | | printer is top quality dedicated toner and not a universal |
| Toner spills on furniture and other surfaces must only | | | | toner used by some less reputable companies. Store |
| be wiped off with a cold, damp cloth. Never use an | | | | all of your toner in perfect conditions so that you are |
| ordinary household vacuum cleaner to clean up toner | | | | guaranteed top performance. |
| as it has electrostatic properties and can ignite when | | | | There are environmental benefits to refilling the toner |
| rubbed against other particles. | | | | cartridges of laser printers. The environmental impact |
| If toner spills onto the printer, remember to use an | | | | of the toner itself is the same whether it is delivered in |
| ESD-safe (Electrostatic Discharge-safe) toner vacuum, | | | | cartridges or by itself, but a single cartridge is reused |
| most shop vacuums have this feature. For larger spills | | | | several times, eliminating much of the impact of |
| on any other surface that will require you to use a | | | | manufacture and distribution. |
