Cleaning a manual typewriter involves a careful process of removing dust, dirt, grime, and addressing any minor rust to restore its functionality and appearance.
Keeping your manual typewriter clean is crucial for its longevity and smooth operation. Regular maintenance prevents common issues like sticky keys and sluggish typebars.
Essential Cleaning Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and cleaning agents. Using the right supplies ensures effective cleaning without damaging your machine.
- Vacuum cleaner: A small handheld vacuum or a standard vacuum with a brush attachment is excellent for removing loose dust and debris from the intricate mechanisms.
- Stiff brush: A dedicated typewriter brush or a toothbrush is ideal for dislodging stubborn dirt from typebars and key linkages.
- Soft brush: A soft-bristled brush (like a paintbrush) can gently sweep away dust from more delicate areas.
- Compressed air: Helps to blast away dirt from hard-to-reach places.
- Lint-free cloths: Several clean cloths are needed for applying cleaners and wiping down surfaces. Microfiber cloths work well.
- Cotton swabs: Perfect for precise cleaning in tight spots and around individual typebars.
- Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): Excellent for dissolving old oil, grease, dirt, and grime, especially on typebars and keys. It also helps in shining exterior metal parts when absorbed into a cloth.
- WD-40: Effective for clearing light rust, old oil, grease, and grime. Like rubbing alcohol, it can also shine up exterior metal parts (chrome and nickel plating) when applied with a cloth.
- Rubber rejuvenator (optional): For softening and cleaning the platen and feed rollers.
- Mild dish soap and water: For cleaning the platen, if a rubber rejuvenator isn't available.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Typewriter
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean your manual typewriter and bring it back to life.
1. Initial Dust and Debris Removal
Begin by clearing away all superficial dust and loose particles.
- Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust, eraser shavings, and other debris from inside the machine, especially between the typebars, around the keys, and under the carriage. This is a highly effective first step for general cleaning.
- Brushing: Use a stiff brush to dislodge dirt from the typebar basket and around the key levers. Follow up with a vacuum or compressed air to remove the loosened grime.
2. Cleaning the Typebars and Keys
Sticky or dirty typebars are a common problem that can impede typing.
- Typebars: Dip a stiff brush or a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol. Carefully scrub each individual typebar, focusing on the character slug and the pivot points. The rubbing alcohol will dissolve old ink, dirt, and oil. Wipe away residue with a lint-free cloth.
- Keys: Wipe the surfaces of the keycaps with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to remove finger oils and dirt. For dirt lodged between keys, use a thin, stiff brush or compressed air.
3. Addressing Rust and Grime on Metal Parts
Light rust and heavy grime can hinder movement and aesthetics.
- Internal Mechanisms: For areas with light rust, old oil, grease, dirt, or grime, apply a small amount of WD-40 onto a cotton swab or a corner of a lint-free cloth. Carefully work it into the affected areas, such as linkages and pivot points. Avoid spraying WD-40 directly into the machine, as overspray can attract more dust.
- Wiping: After applying WD-40 or rubbing alcohol, use a clean, dry lint-free cloth to wipe away loosened grime and excess cleaner. Ensure no oily residue remains, especially on moving parts that might attract dust.
4. Shining Exterior Metal Surfaces
Give your typewriter a polished look by cleaning its visible metal components.
- Chrome and Nickel Plating: For shining up exterior metal parts like chrome or nickel plating, dampen a lint-free cloth with rubbing alcohol or WD-40. Gently rub these surfaces to remove smudges and light tarnish, revealing their original luster. Buff with a dry cloth for a streak-free finish.
5. Platen and Feed Rollers
The platen (the main rubber roller) and feed rollers can accumulate ink and paper dust, affecting paper grip.
- Cleaning: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol or a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Rotate the platen slowly while scrubbing its surface. Pay attention to any embedded paper fibers or ink marks. Clean the smaller feed rollers similarly.
- Rejuvenation (optional): If the rubber appears hard or cracked, a rubber rejuvenator can help restore its pliability.
6. Final Touches
A few last steps can make a big difference.
- Outer Casing: Wipe down the entire outer casing with a slightly damp cloth (with water or a mild cleaner) to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Ribbon (if applicable): If your ribbon is old and dry, consider replacing it. A fresh ribbon vastly improves print quality.
Important Tips for Typewriter Maintenance
- Avoid Over-Lubrication: Manual typewriters generally do not require heavy lubrication. Too much oil can attract dust and lead to more problems.
- Gentle Approach: Typewriters are intricate machines. Always use a gentle touch when cleaning, especially around delicate mechanisms.
- Regular Dusting: A quick dusting with a soft brush or compressed air every few weeks can prevent major build-up.
- Storage: When not in use, cover your typewriter with a dust cover to protect it from environmental elements.
Cleaning Agents Summary
| Cleaner | Primary Uses | Application Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubbing Alcohol | Old oil, grease, dirt, grime, shining exterior metal | Absorbed into a cloth/swab | Evaporates quickly, good for typebars and keycaps. |
| WD-40 | Light rust, old oil, grease, dirt, grime, shining exterior metal | Absorbed into a cloth/swab | Useful for metal parts, use sparingly to avoid attracting dust. |
| Vacuum Cleaner | Initial dust and debris removal | Direct suction with attachment | Essential for clearing loose particles. |
| Stiff/Soft Brushes | Dislodging stubborn dirt from mechanisms/delicate areas | Manual brushing | Pair with vacuum or compressed air for best results. |
| Compressed Air | Blasting dirt from hard-to-reach areas | Direct spray | Use short bursts to avoid moisture build-up. |
By following these steps and using the appropriate tools and cleaners, you can effectively clean your manual typewriter, ensuring it remains a functional and beautiful piece of history. For more in-depth information on typewriter maintenance and repair, resources like The Typewriter Revolution or various enthusiast forums can provide additional guidance.
