A dirty or clogged fountain pen can spoil the pleasure of using it. This type of pen should be cleaned from time to time to get rid of dried ink and other debris that may accumulate inside it. Clean the nib and converter system, as well as the outer body, to ensure a long life for your fountain pen.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Cleaning the Nib
Step 1. Clean the pen if you are refilling it for the second time
This type of pen should be washed periodically to make sure it always works at its best. The time to do this is every second cartridge change. The same goes for the ink bottle - if you've already filled it twice, it's time to clean the fountain pen.
Step 2. Disassemble the pen
A fountain pen consists of several elements that must be disassembled to ensure thorough cleaning. Unscrew the body from the stem.
- Pay attention to the ink cartridge, if your model has one. The cartridge is a small disposable reservoir that holds the ink and is pierced to release the liquid to the nib. Since it is punctured, it could release the contents if you flip it over. Hold it upright and use a pen holder or other container to store it in while you clean the fountain pen.
- If the pen is equipped with a converter system, remove it from the body of the pen. The converter is a reusable ink tank, which can be refilled thanks to a specific bottle.
Step 3. Rinse the stylus
This is the part of the fountain pen you write with. The ink comes out of the cartridge or converter and reaches the paper through the nib. Run cold water through this piece; you can do this either under the tap (making sure the flow is gentle) or with a syringe that injects a small amount of water into the tip.
- Keep running the water until clear comes out of the nib.
- Use cold water only. You must not use the hot one to clean the fountain pen, as the high temperature can damage the internal components; therefore rely only on cold and clean water.
Step 4. Leave the nib to soak overnight in an ammonia solution
If your pen has a lot of ink build-ups that won't peel off with water, you can use an ammonia mixture to dissolve them. Pour 5ml of household ammonia into 250ml of water. This product breaks down lumps of ink and all other debris that have accumulated in the nib. Insert the stylus into the liquid and wait overnight.
- You can replace ammonia with vinegar in the same proportions.
- Do not use ammonia on Wahl Eversharp pens made in the 1920s and 1930s. Likewise, do not clean models that have aluminum parts with ammonia, otherwise you could damage them.
- Do not use any soap or detergent, as this will ruin the fountain pen.
- Do not soak nitrocellulose nibs in ammonia, as the substance discolours the coating.
Step 5. Let the nib air dry
Shake it a few times to get rid of excess water and then leave it in the air for several hours or overnight.
You can place it vertically on a paper towel which will absorb moisture as the nib dries overnight
Part 2 of 4: Clean the Converter
Step 1. Detach the converter from the pen
Open the fountain pen to reach and disassemble this element from the rest.
Step 2. Eliminate the excess ink that is inside
Be careful not to stain surfaces you don't want to dirty (table, floor or clothes). Pour the remaining liquid into the trash or onto a paper towel.
Step 3. Rinse the converter with cold water
By sliding it through the reservoir, you can detach and eject any ink particles. For this operation you can use a syringe full of water or the sink tap.
If you have decided to use the tap, make sure that the water flow is very gentle; otherwise, it could accumulate behind the converter piston seal and trigger the formation of a jelly-like mass similar to mold, which is very difficult to remove
Step 4. Shake some water inside the converter
Close the end of the reservoir with your finger and shake it vigorously to get rid of the remaining ink.
Step 5. Rinse with water
Let the water run through the converter again, until it comes out transparent.
Step 6. Wait for the tank to air dry
Place it vertically on a paper towel overnight.
Part 3 of 4: Cleaning the Outside of the Fountain Pen
Step 1. Use a silver polish on pens made from this metal
Solid silver, sterling silver or sterling silver plated fountain pens should be polished with a specific cloth and some polish.
If the pen has nicks, you can apply the polish with a toothbrush to get it into the grooves
Step 2. Use a soft cloth to clean the hard metal finish
The outer shells of several fountain pens are made of platinum, palladium, stainless steel or chrome. These finishes can be polished with a soft cloth.
Step 3. Choose a soft cloth to clean materials such as celluloid, enamel and precious resin trims
The old fountain pens could be coated with celluloid, a material that was used before modern plastic; in that case, you just need a soft rag. If the pen has a surface covered with enamel or decorated with drawings, always use a soft cloth and avoid chemicals or abrasives, as this could damage it. Precious resins are susceptible to scratches and cracks, again limited to the soft cloth only.
Part 4 of 4: Store the Fountain Pen
Step 1. Keep it closed with the hood
When not in use, keep the fountain pen closed to prevent the ink from drying out.
Step 2. Store it in a pen holder or other similar container
If you leave it lying flat, the ink dries inside the nib.
Step 3. Remove the ink if you plan not to use it for a long time
If you have decided to store your fountain pen for more than a week, you should discard the ink so it doesn't dry out. Remove the cartridge, clean the nib and wait for it to dry completely before putting the fountain pen away; later, you can put it in its case.
If you leave the ink in the pen, the acids in the liquid mix with the oxygen and begin to oxidize the nib
Step 4. Store the fountain pens without ink in a case
These containers are designed to keep the pens in a horizontal position, for this reason it is important that the fountain pens do not contain the ink which, otherwise, would be deposited in the nib. Use the pencil cases only if you have already removed the cartridge or if the fountain pen is brand new.
Advice
- Call the manufacturer for precise instructions on cleaning your specific pen.
- If possible, you can download the pen through the converter system.
- The most effective way to rinse a pen equipped with a converter cartridge is to use a bulb syringe.
