How to Save Money on Printing in 2026: Smart Tips That Work

a lady works while her printer prints documents behind her

Printing costs can add up quickly, but with a few smart habits you can cut waste, stretch your ink further, and save money throughout the year. Here are some practical tips that make a real difference.


Use Draft Mode When You Can

Most printers have a “draft” or “economy” setting. This uses less ink while still producing text that’s easy to read, making it ideal for everyday documents.


Print Double-Sided

If your printer supports duplex printing, use it. Printing on both sides of the page instantly cuts paper use in half and reduces overall costs.


Choose the Right Paper

Good quality paper absorbs ink better, reducing smudges and reprints. Cheap, thin paper often soaks up more ink and leads to wasted pages.


Keep Your Printer Maintained

Run occasional cleaning cycles and make sure your cartridges are installed correctly. A well-maintained printer uses less ink and avoids streaky prints that need redoing.


Recycle Used Cartridges

Replacing cartridges is unavoidable, but you can reduce costs by keeping your printer healthy and recycling empty ones. At Crazy Kangaroo, every HP and Canon order comes with free pre-paid recycling bags, making it easy to do your part.


Bottom line: Small adjustments like using draft mode, printing double-sided, and maintaining your printer properly can save you money on printing in 2026 without sacrificing quality.