Apparatus and method for cleaning an inkjet printhead

A cleaning system for an inkjet printhead comprises an inkjet printhead having an inkjet nozzle array associated therewith. The inkjet printhead is in fluid communication with a first source of a first pressurized fluid. A fluid nozzle associated with the inkjet printhead is in fluid communication with a second source of a second pressurized fluid. The cleaning system further comprises a collection plate. Ink is forcibly ejected from the inkjet printhead by the first source of the first pressurized fluid. A stream of the second pressurized fluid is guided by the fluid nozzle across a surface of the inkjet printhead to direct ink ejected from the inkjet printhead onto the collection plate.