Abstract: A cleaning system for removing ink, dirt, and the like from impact-type printing devices, such as dot matrix printers, daisy wheel printers, and typewriters. The cleaning system includes a cartridge body adapted to replace the inked ribbon cartridge of the device to be cleaned, and a flexible and absorbent ribbon retained within the cartridge body such that when the cleaning cassette is inserted in the printer device, the cleaning ribbon is interposable between the print head and the platen. The cleaning cartridge also includes, in a region of the cassette body adjacent a portion of the cleaning ribbon about to be advanced along the print head, a hole for dispensing a solvent onto the cleaning ribbon. When the printer is operated with the cleaning cassette, the ribbon drive of the printer advances the solvent-wetted portion of the cleaning ribbon between the print head and the printer platen so that the print head strikes the cleaning ribbon. Further advancement of the ribbon dries the print head.