Keeping ink-jet cartridges from drying out

I have a Lexmark 5000 color ink-jet printer, which is perfectly fine for the limited amount of color printing I do. The problem is, I don't use it very often, and the cartridge nozzles dry out and get clogged. I bought one of those refill and cleaning kits, and to a certain extent the cleaning solution helps (and, of course, the refill inks help save money). But eventually no amount of cleaning, not even soaking the heads in rubbing alcohol for a couple of hours, will un-clog the nozzles, and I wind up having to buy another VERY EXPENSIVE set of cartridges.

Does anyone know a way to keep the print heads from drying out and getting hopelessly clogged? I just bought a new set of cartridges - I needed to print something in a hurry - and I'm going to try to put the little sticky covers back over the nozzles. But that means I have to go through the rigmarole of reinstalling the cartridges every time I want to print. Any other suggestions?

 

When I bought my Lexmark printer, the salesman tried to sell me a couple of cartridge holders to prevent drying. I laughed. I guess he got the last laugh as I have never seen them offered since. They were from Lexmark, but they too would require removing the cartridges. I would suggest running the "clean print heads" option every so often. This uses up ink, but what's the point in saving it to become trapped in a clogged cartridge?

 

Well, for now, I took the cartridges out when I finished printing, and put the sticky-tabs back over the nozzles. Then I put both cartridges into a Ziplock(tm) bag, squeezed most of the air out, and sealed it shut. I'll keep them in the drawer under the printer stand until the next time I need to print something in color. Let's see them TRY to dry out!