A device cleans wiping elements for an ink print head of an ink dispensing apparatus that has a print carriage on whose base plate a stripper element is integrally formed, an immovably situated wiping lip mount that supports wiping lips that are cleaned by the stripper element. At least one ink absorber is situated in a holder, close to the rear side of a cowling carriage of the ink printing apparatus. The stripper element of the print carriage is located opposite the at least one ink absorber during the maintenance interval, in a position that is reached when a segment of the stripper element of the print carriage comes to abut the entraining hook of the cowling carriage. The at least one ink absorber designed for cleaning the stripper element is pushed partially over the stripper element by movement of the cowling carriage.