I've used this methond on Canon, Epson, and HP inkjet printers. This is an especially chronic problem on the Epson 1520 and 3000. I think not because of any flaw, but rather simply because they are real workhorses and are often used in commercial useage far beyond other desktop printers.
First let me say a few caveats:
DON'T USE PAPER TOWELS. They come apart and leave little bits all over everything. Don't use ArmourAll, Don't use WD-40 anywhere in the printer.
Often it's just paper dust that has built up on the offset paper feed rollers.
I found some premoistened Window Wipes made by a company called Coral that are the most lint free wipe I've seen. I use those to clean the rollers. Without any paper in the tray, set a corner of one wipe under the right feed roller. Hit the Form Feed button and HANG ON TO THAT WIPE. Don't let it get sucked in. Since it's wet, it won't pull really hard but do hang on. It'll try a couple of times, thereby wiping the roller. Repeat, using each corner of the wipe.
Get a fresh wipe and do the same on the other roller.
If the offset feed rollers have hardened, you may wish to put some Rubber Renew on them. FixYourOwnPrinter.com sells it, or you might check your local electronics stores that supply TV shops, it might be called Belt Cleaner. Don't bother asking at Radio Shack or other retail outlet.
To apply it, first set a sheet of cardboard in the paper tray so you don't get it on the cork pads. Then leave several of the window wipes out to dry. Put a little on a corner of a dry wipe, put it under a roller, and hit the Form Feed button. Again, hang onto that wipe, don't let it get pulled in. Once is enough, then turn the wipe to a clean corner and Form Feed again, again with a clean corner. You don't want to leave any Rubber Renew on the rollers as it'll keep softening them if you do. Repeat for the other offset feed roller.
I find I rarely have to use Rubber Renew. Normally just cleaning with the premoistened window wipe is enough.
Not all window wipes are the same. Some have horrible fuzzy wipes in them, some have wierd lemon scents added. Tear one in half, if it looks like a cotton ball exploded then don't use them. The ones I use when torn just tear along an uneven edge with only a few threads sticking out.
Those red cotton auto rags may work, if you wash them several times first in hot water to get rid of most of the loose lint and dyes. Not the random bags of old polyester Tshirts. I mean the red rags that are all or mostly cotton and are all hemmed. Do NOT use any you've already used on your car! It is impossible to get out all the oil and grease.
When using the red rags you'll want to fold them over rather than just use a corner, or the offset feed roller may catch on the hemmed edge and suck it in or break something.
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Thanks, Alien Steve Home