a system for servicing a printhead having a plurality of orifices formed in a face thereof includes a cap configured to mate with the face of the printhead ; a porous material provided in the cap , wherein the porous material has a first side arranged to face the face of the printhead and a second side opposite the first side ; and a vacuum communicated with the cap , wherein the vacuum is configured to draw fluid from the orifices of the printhead through the porous material provided in the cap . the second side of the porous material has a recess formed therein such that the vacuum is communicated with the recess .