How to clean fountain pens?

In the era of increasing digitalization and computerization, it would seem that feathers eternal are only and exclusively a relic of the past. Nothing could be further from the truth! Not only are they used every day in many prestigious offices and service companies, but they are also a perfect gift idea for someone with a 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 particularly pleasing to the eye when it is made to order or comes from a collector’s edition, and is additionally decorated with elements made of precious metals or precious stones with an above-average high market value.

How to clean fountain pens?

Unfortunately, as is well known, all items that are used quite regularly or exposed to unfavorable external factors (e.g. temperature fluctuations or excessive exposure to sunlight) they may gradually wear out or become covered with unsightly-looking impurities. How can you get rid of them without irreversibly damaging the delicate and the exquisite outer shell of the fountain pen? This is the issue we will address in today’s post.

The most common situation is when lumps of old ink start to accumulate inside the utilitarian-decorative item you own, which can not only make it difficult writing but also – significantly dirty the inside of the pen. It can also happen that the item gets clogged, which in turn makes it unfit for use.

Often, dirt also occurs as a result of standard use over a longer period of time. However, if even a cursory inspection allows you to determine that the fountain pen has lost its original elegant appearance and it is necessary to clean it thoroughly, the key task ahead of us will be to disassemble it into its first parts Only when all the components of the product discussed today have been dismantled will it be possible to remove impurities from them and restore their lost shine.

Gently – like with an egg!

However, it is important to remember to carry out this procedure gently and using specially designed agents and accessories. It is no secret that putting too much pressure on individual elements can damage them, and if we use a rough cloth for polishing, we risk that surface feathers eternal will be unsightly scratched.

After disassembling the product, make sure it is empty, meaning it is devoid of both ink and cartridges that it could be in. If we do not have specialist products for cleaning precious metals, we can prepare the rinse ourselves by mixing lukewarm water with a little washing-up liquid and spirit vinegar.

How to clean fountain pens? – Bathing and drying – this is the basis of hygiene!

If immersing a given element and taking it out of the prepared mixture does not bring the expected results, leave it in water for a longer period of time to remove the more stubborn contaminants on their way.long-term exposure to cleaning agents.

Also, don’t forget to rinse it off after fragments of a fountain pen dry them thoroughly, either with a soft cloth or a dryer. This will prevent water from remaining inside the product, minimizing the likelihood of rust and mold developing.

If we notice any damage on the surface of the writing instrument we have or on its nib, dried ink, which cannot be removed using traditional methods, it may be beneficial to purchase a specialist fountain pen cleaning fluid at a stationery store or online.

Take care of your pen

After using it, clean the entire product with tissue paper or a microfiber cloth to remove any ink residue and not damage the product, which is often worth hundreds or even thousands of zlotys. After the cleaning process is complete, the product should be reassembled in the reverse order of disassembly, fill it with ink, and then check whether it works as expected and whether writing with it is not difficult or impossible (which will require repeating all the steps described in today’s article).

If, in addition, we want to protect a high-quality fountain pen from dust or dirt settling on its surface, it is highly advisable to store it in a metal or wooden container, which is often included in the set, and which is lined with a soft material that prevents scratches, deformation and damage.

If it is highly probable that such a product will not be used for a longer period of time or will be used solely for decorative purposes, make sure that the ink is removed from inside – this is the easiest way to prevent it from drying out and clogging the pen.

Carry out maintenance regularly will be a guarantee that once purchased or received as a gift, the writing instrument will please the eye for many years, while at the same time, if necessary, it will be used for taking notes, drawing sketches or signing important documents. Now you know how to clean fountain pens, good luck!