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How to clean your fountain pen

Investing in a fountain pen also means taking care of it by maintaining it as often as possible. To protect it from dust, scratches and possible knocks, storing it in a pen case after use seems obvious.

The main cause of corrosion on a fountain pen is undoubtedly the ink, whatever its nature and whatever the brand. Pigment inks are much more corrosive than traditional inks. We do not recommend them for fountain pens.

We recommend that you clean your fountain pen thoroughly each time you change ink. If you decide not to use your fountain pen for a while – e.g., for a few weeks – we also recommend that you empty it of its ink and clean it thoroughly.

A. For beginners

  • 1

    Prepare a glass of cold water, if possible non-calcareous (filtered or low mineral content, demineralised water being ideal)

  • 2

    Remove the cap, unscrew and remove the body of the fountain pen to access the converter

  • 3

    Turn the converter knob counter-clockwise so that it is in the filling position

  • 4

    Immerse the fountain pen in water and turn the converter knob clockwise to fill it with water

  • 5

    Empty the converter into another container by turning the knob counter-clockwise again

  • 6

    Repeat the operation until the water comes out of the fountain pen completely clear
If you use a fountain pen without a converter (because you use cartridges only), we recommend that you simply immerse the nib-section part in a container filled with cold water (if possible, not hard water) and leave it there for a while. Then change the water as often as necessary until it becomes clear. You can also put the section to your mouth and blow the excess water out through the nib until the excess water is free of ink. Then simply place the pad in a paper towel to dry. And that’s it!

B. For experienced

  • 1

    Prepare a glass of cold water, if possible non-calcareous (filtered or low mineral content, demineralised water being ideal)

  • 2

    Remove the cap, unscrew and remove the body of the fountain pen, then remove the converter

  • 3

    Unscrew the metal cylinder of the converter and disconnect all the parts; immerse them in the glass of water

  • 4a

    If the model has an integral nib and feeder assembly (as in the Esterbrook models, for example), grasp the feeder and nib between thumb and forefinger and unscrew the assembly; immerse it in the glass of water

  • 4b

    If the model does not have an integral nib-feeder assembly, using a small rectangle of leather or soft rubber, grasp the nib and the feeder between thumb and forefinger and pull gently; disconnect the nib from the feeder and immerse them in the glass of water

  • 5

    Leave to soak for a few hours, changing the water regularly until it is perfectly clear

  • 6

    Dry all parts with absorbent paper, including the inside of the converter, before reassembling the nib, converter and fountain pen.
We would like to stress that this second method must be carried out with care to avoid damaging the nib and the feeder, which are fragile parts. If you have any doubts, we suggest that you carry out the first method or leave it to a professional.
 
These instructions apply to regular cleaning of your fountain pen. It is useful to clean it more thoroughly from time to time using a dedicated solution.
 
You can find cleaning materials by following this link.
Find cleaning materials

YouTube videos
"Techniques for cleaning your fountain pens" and "Cleaning kits for fountain pens)"