Abstract: A stencil printing method and apparatus for printing paste material in a given pattern on a substrate from a paste dispenser through a stencil to define the stencil pattern on a substrate. The apparatus is provided with a cleaning module that can be moved against the printing face of the stencil and moved, along a given path beneath the stencil, for cleaning the printing face of the stencil. The cleaning module includes a blade assembly mounted there on transverse to the path of movement of the cleaning module. The print apparatus further including selectively operable means for actuating the blade assembly during a select cleaning cycle to engage the leading end of its blade with the underside of the stencil as the cleaning module is passed beneath said stencil whereby the leading edge of the blade scrapes debris from the underside of said stencil.