Ink in blue slot is not dissolving

Inkjet printers all operate the same basic way. There are differences but the basics are the same for any inkjet devices. Eventually a buildup occurs enough that your printer doesn't print. Cleaning cycles use more and since inkjet ink is worth about $8000 a gallon, this is a expensive way to clean something.

So what can we do to clean this just a bit cheaper? We need to find a suitable solvent that will dissolve these deposits without harming the print head. And the one that works great and is dirt cheap is good old household white vinegar. Next we want to get some lint free (preferred but not critical) paper towels. And a clean clear table top to work. You may want to put down some newspaper. This isn't that messy to do but it can get the odd bit of dissolved ink on things.

Now we take the printer and remove the paper and the ink cartridges and set aside. The print head is a small stamp sized thing on the bottom of the cartridge holder. Take about 1/3 of a sheet of paper towel and wet it with vinegar. Next you want to get the wetted towel under the print head. It should fit as this is where the paper goes you print. The towel is a thicker but it is soft. move the print head back and forth over the towel. When the towel is covered with ink, change it and repeat. Keep repeating this until the towel comes clean. It will only take a few minutes. When the towel is clean then you are done. Replace the ink cartridges and paper and you are ready to print.