A method of and apparatus for flushing a printhead (2) of a continuous ink jet printer (1) are disclosed, which printer has a feed line (13) to which ink is normally fed in use. A gutter line (14) is also provided through which unused ink is removed from the printhead (2). A bleed line (12) is connected to the printhead for bleeding ink from the printhead, and a flushing line (11) is connected to the printhead. Flushing fluid is selectively caused to flow through the flushing line (11) to the printhead and from the printhead through the bleed line (12).