How to clean fountain pens?

In an era of advancing digitalization and computerization, it might seem that fountain pens are nothing more than relics of the past. Nothing could be further from the truth! Not only are they used daily in many prestigious offices and service companies, but they also make an excellent gift idea for someone with refined aesthetic taste. But do you know how to clean fountain pens? – if not, be sure to read what we know about it.

Such an item is especially pleasing to the eye when it is custom-made or comes from a collector’s edition, and additionally adorned with elements crafted from precious metals or valuable gemstones of exceptionally high market value.

How to clean fountain pens?

Unfortunately, as we all know, any items that are used regularly or exposed to adverse external factors (such as temperature fluctuations or excessive sunlight) may gradually wear out or become covered with unsightly dirt and grime. How can you remove these impurities while ensuring you don’t irreversibly damage the delicate and artfully crafted exterior of your fountain pen? That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring in today’s post.

The most common situation occurs when clumps of old ink begin to accumulate inside your utilitarian-decorative item, which can not only make writing difficult but also significantly stain the interior of the pen. It may also happen that the item becomes clogged, rendering it unusable.

Stains often occur as a result of regular use over an extended period. However, if even a quick inspection reveals that the fountain pen has lost its original elegant appearance and requires thorough cleaning, the key task ahead will be to disassemble it into its individual components. Only after all the parts of the product in question have been taken apart will it be possible to remove any impurities and restore their lost luster.

Gently – like handling an egg!

However, it is important to remember to carry out this procedure gently and with the use of products and accessories specifically designed for this purpose. It is no secret that applying too much pressure to individual components can damage them, and if you use a rough cloth for polishing, you risk that the surface of the may become unsightly scratched.

After disassembling the product, make sure it is empty—free of both ink and any cartridges that might contain it. If you don’t have specialized cleaners for precious metals, you can prepare a cleaning solution yourself by mixing lukewarm water with a little dish soap and white vinegar.

How to clean fountain pens? – Bathing and drying – the foundation of proper maintenance!

If immersing the item and removing it from the prepared mixture does not yield the expected results, leave it in the water for a longer period to allow more stubborn dirt to be removed through their prolonged exposure to cleaning agents.

It’s also important to remember to thoroughly dry the parts of the fountain pen after rinsing, either with a soft cloth or a hair dryer. This will prevent water from remaining inside the product, minimizing the risk of rust and mold formation.

If you notice dried ink on the surface of your writing instrument or its nib that cannot be removed using traditional methods, it may be beneficial to purchase a specialized fountain pen cleaning solution from a stationery store or online.

Take care of your pen

After use, clean the entire item with a tissue or microfiber cloth to remove any ink residue without damaging a product that may be worth hundreds or even thousands of zlotys. Once the cleaning process is complete, reassemble the product in the reverse order of disassembly, fill it with ink, and then check whether it works as expected and whether writing with it is smooth and unhindered (otherwise, you will need to repeat all the steps described in today’s article).

If we also want to protect a high-end fountain pen from accumulating dust or dirt on its surface, it is highly recommended to store it in a metal or wooden case—often included in the set—which is lined with a soft material to prevent scratches, deformation, and damage.

If it is highly likely that the product will not be used for an extended period of time or will serve solely decorative purposes, make sure to remove the ink from its interior—this is the simplest way to prevent it from drying out and clogging the pen.

Regular maintenance will ensure that your writing instrument, whether purchased or received as a gift, remains visually appealing for many years, while always being ready to take notes, sketch, or sign important documents whenever needed. Now that you know how to clean fountain pens, good luck!