Can I clean the waste ink absorber pads instead of replacing them on my iP2770 to fix the 5B00 error?

Yes, cleaning the waste ink absorber pads can sometimes resolve the 5B00 error temporarily. You can remove the pads, wash them gently with water, and allow them to dry completely before reassembling the printer. However, they may not absorb as well after cleaning, and ultimately replacing them is usually the best long-term solution.