A method for automatic preventive maintenance of a non-contact printing unit in a production line for absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads or similar is disclosed. The production line includes a plurality of production units including the non-contact printing unit. The method includes initiating automatic preventive cleaning of the non-contact printing unit upon production stop in the production line not caused by the non-contact printing unit. Also, a system arranged for initiating automatic preventive cleaning of a non-contact printing unit in a production line for absorbent articles is disclosed.
