My Canon MG 2950 was a sturdy and dependable printer. It lasted for years. Then I got the waste ink pads full message. It is possible to keep going after that by pressing the black print button when prompted. But that finally ended last week. So faced with the option of having a go or giving up and buying a new one, I had nothing to lose so I decided to see what the fuss was about. I got in by taking out the two screws by the paper feed. Then you unhook a catch above where the paper comes out and push the top back to release two further catches. The electric feed ribbon to the top comes out. The waste ink pad is A. Undo screw B to release.
I tried soaking in a bowl - lovely diffusion experiment - but under a running tap was best.
This is it dry.
This is it back in.
Wonderful chromatography.
