How to Clean a Fountain PenUpdated 5 months ago

Taking care of your fountain pen is essential for maintaining a smooth writing experience and prolonging the life of your beloved Tino. By following the steps outlined below, you can keep your pen in top shape.

Tools You Will Need:

- Water or fountain pen cleaning solution (optional)

- A container for holding the fountain pen nib

- A bulb syringe or standard syringe (optional)

- A rubber gripper (optional)

Cleaning Process:

1. Basic Cleaning

Start by flushing your fountain pen with distilled water, especially if you’re using standard, non-shimmering, or permanent inks. Run water through the pen’s filling mechanism until no remnants of the old ink remain and it runs clear.

**Tip:** A bulb syringe can help you control the flow of water more effectively. Make sure to hold it firmly to avoid any spills.

To dry the pen, take a tissue or paper towel, fold it, and place it at the bottom of a glass. Carefully insert the pen nib down into the glass, being gentle as the nib is delicate and can easily be damaged.

2. Tackling Stubborn or Special Inks

For shimmering, permanent, or dried inks, mix in 1 to 2 drops of mild dish soap with a glass of distilled water or use a specialized fountain pen cleaning solution and either flush or let the nib soak overnight. This approach usually handles most troublesome inks.

Keep in mind that specialized fountain pen cleaning solutions can be found at specialty shops.

Be cautious and steer clear of homemade cleaners containing ammonia or diluted Windex, as these can harm your pen and nib.

Cleaning the Nib Section

With our Tino pens featuring friction-fit nibs, removing the nib for deeper cleaning is straightforward. A rubber gripper can help you pull out the nib without causing any damage. After extracting the nib and feed, rinse them thoroughly with distilled water. For an even better clean, let them soak in a small container of distilled water for a few hours. Once done soaking, lay the nib and feed on a paper towel or cloth to let them air dry completely. After they dry, carefully reinsert the nib and feed to reassemble the pen.

Additional Fountain Pen Cleaning Tips:

• Water Quality: Be cautious with tap water, as it may contain minerals that could accumulate in the feed and affect performance. Always opt for distilled or softened water when cleaning.
• Ink Types: Special inks, including shimmering, pigmented, and iron gall inks, are specifically designed for fountain pens and can be used safely. However, if you won’t be using your pen for a week or more, it’s wise to flush it out to avoid issues with dried ink.
• Water Temperature: Stick to room temperature or cold water for cleaning, as hot water can potentially damage some components of the pen.