A printer includes a printhead blotting assembly having an arm that is attached at one end to one of the printer's drive rollers by a clutch. At the opposite end of the arm a blotting assembly is located that includes an elongate blotter. The arm is bent with a first portion that depends from the clutch and a second portion that projects from the first portion and terminates with the blotter. The clutch is selectively engaged to rotate the arm in order that the blotter be brought into operative engagement with the printhead.