"Managing" expiring inkjet cartridges

I have some expired inkjet printer cartridges (expired 12/2025). These cartridges are unbranded; I bought them on Ebay.

I have been storing the cartridges in pretty good conditions-- sealed in the manufacturer's plastic, stored upright, reasonable temperature and humidity.

1) Should I try to use these?

My guess is that it's not worth risking using the yellow cartridge unless I really have to print something. The yellow is empty; printer refuses to print. If they were "manufacturer branded" then I would probably use them.

2) Is there any way for me to install the ink cartridge but have the printer NOT use that color? I can set the printer to black and white but it requires all colors available to print (after a warning period). When I install a new cartridge, I think the printer makes a noise that sounds like it's extracting some ink. That would not be good if the ink has deteriorated.

3) If I notice that ink is about to expire, is there good rational to install it, just to get it in before it expires? The benefit is that this would put me at the full level for that color. Maybe the ink flowing a little helps extend its life?

shake them up and try them.
https://blog.inktonerstore.com/can-...te-guide-to-risks-results-and-smart-printing/

pendragon1 said:

shake them up and try them.
https://blog.inktonerstore.com/can-...te-guide-to-risks-results-and-smart-printing/

Click to expand...

I might try this.
One thing to add: even though I have been storing the printer ink in pretty good conditions, I bought the ink 3/31/2025. So, I think that the ink has a "previous life" (on the supply chain).
Still, the article that you linked to makes it sound like the ink is unlikely to "kill" the printer right on the spot. So, it's probably worth it.