PIXMA G6020 Ink flush: where does the ink go?

[SturdyErde]

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

[jrhoffman75]

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

[SturdyErde]

In my case, the Canon PIXMA G6020.

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

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

[Stephen]

beat me to it! 😂

[SturdyErde]

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. 

[hcaroselli]

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

[jrhoffman75]

---

@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. 

[Stephen]

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.