Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning and priming a droplet dispensing device having a plurality of nozzles aligned in at least one row. A dispensing surface of the dispensing device comprising the nozzles is sealingly engaged to form a chamber adjacent the dispensing surface. A wash fluid is introduced into the chamber and removed from the chamber. A priming vacuum is applied individually, and preferably, simultaneously, to at least a portion of the plurality of the nozzles. Optionally, a wash fluid is subsequently introduced into the chamber and removed from the chamber to rinse the dispensing surface.