topic Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go? in Desktop Inkjet Printers

PIXMA G6020 Ink flush: where does the ink go?

SturdyErde — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:57:48 GMT

I'm curious about how the ink flush function works. Where does all of that ink go if nothing gets printed?

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:56:46 GMT

It depends on the printer. What printer are you asking about?

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

SturdyErde — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:00:21 GMT

In my case, the Canon PIXMA G6020.

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:13:13 GMT

There are sponges that collect the ink when a head cleaning is performed. Usually at the right hand side of the printer.

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

Stephen — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:19:16 GMT

Inkjet printers have a "waste ink absorber," which prevents ink from pooling in the unit and making a mess.
It's used during maintenance and printing to keep the printhead clean and lubricated. Some units have a maintenance cartridge that includes the waste ink absorber. Most printers do not have a user-replaceable waste ink absorber because regular use of your printer will help keep the print heads lubricated and clean, so the waste ink absorber is only used minimally.

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

Stephen — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:21:17 GMT

beat me to it! 😂

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

SturdyErde — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:03:54 GMT

Wow, OK. I've just blown 2/3 of my ink cleaning here's and flushing to try to fix this issue of the printer printing faded and missing colors. Time to get support or ditch it.

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

hcaroselli — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:38:12 GMT

Do the sponges ever need to be cleaned or replaced? How do I do that?

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:55:43 GMT

@hcaroselli wrote:

Do the sponges ever need to be cleaned or replaced? How do I do that?

It would depend on the printer. It should be explained in the printer manual. Neither of my printers have the capability. You could contact Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON and ask about your printer.

Re: PIXMA G6020 Ink flush: where does the ink go?

Greenlaw — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 01:55:42 GMT

Hi,

I had to perform an ink flush with my G7020 the other day to unclog the yellow channel. I was surprised by just how much ink was 'flushed', and I am wondering if it will someday be necessary to clean or replace the 'waste ink absorber' described by Stephen.

I'm not immediately concerned about this, but I appreciate any helpful information.

Thanks in advance for any reply!

Re: Ink flush: where does the ink go?

dualsportboy — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:22:33 GMT

Thanks, some good info here. Mine is the G6020 also. I understand not serviceable, but had some follow up questions. So mine is several years old and regularly used, but the black cartridge needed an ink flush, i.e. 2 cleaning and 2 deep cleanings wouldn't do the trick. So I went to the manual for 5200 code and the last item was an ink flush and it worked. Used quite a bit of ink, glad there is a reservoir. How many times (cleanings, ink flushes) can this happen before the reservoir is full? When full, is the printer trashed at that time? Thanks for any help.