How to clean an old manual typewriter

Each typewriter goes through several typing tests, with the final one being recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel for potential buyers to review before they purchase. In this case, as in almost all the typewriters, several of the keys were not striking the paper. Those typewriters end up being used for spare parts.

For our electronic Smith Corona typewriters, we usually repaint the exterior. These tend to be our most popular typewriters. In the case of the Remington Rand and other manual typewriters, keeping the integrity of the original color is our priority. We are in the Southwest Missouri area. Contact us at hello jotandtittletypewriters. Skip to content.

Search for: Search. Sometimes they are quite layered in dirt and grime like this Underwood below: A vintage Underwood manual typewriter waiting to be brought back to life. The springs on a typewriter are VERY tiny and require magnifying glasses and tweezers to get them back into place. Repairing some of the metal keys. Testing the keys again. Checking the roller. The final details. Share this: Click to share on Facebook Opens in new window Click to email this to a friend Opens in new window Click to share on Pinterest Opens in new window Click to share on Telegram Opens in new window.

Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Hold the vacuum cleaner extension arm 6 in 15 cm directly above the machine and run the paintbrush over the area. Work your way around the machine with the paintbrush and vacuum cleaner to free up and remove the dust from all of the surfaces, key faces, and crevices. Pick one with very soft bristles. Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush instead of a paintbrush. However, only use a toothbrush on modern typewriters and not antiques. This is because the bristles may be too rough, which can cause paint to flake off older machines.

Try to use a toothbrush labeled "very soft" if possible. Vacuum underneath the typewriter to remove dust from inside the machine. Lift the typewriter and rest it on its back. Use the same process of freeing the dust with the paintbrush and removing it with the vacuum cleaner. Move the carriage from side to side so that more of the inner workings are exposed. Remove the dust from these areas too.

Use a can of compressed air to dislodge any difficult to reach dust. Aim the nozzle directly above the area you want to reach, such as the keys, and hold down the trigger to dislodge the dust.

Method 2. Wipe down the typewriter exterior with a damp cloth. Warm water and a drop of dish detergent are great for removing years of built-up grime. Simply add a drop of dish detergent to a cleaning cloth and wet the cloth very lightly with warm water. Gently wipe all surfaces of the typewriter with the cloth.

It's best to clean the typewriter whenever you notice dirt building up to help keep it in good condition. If you use the typewriter daily, remove the dirt and grime at least once per month.

Dry the typewriter with a cloth. Use a dry cleaning cloth to wipe all areas of the typewriter that you cleaned with warm water and detergent. Make sure that the typewriter is completely dry.

Use white vinegar to clean any glass panels. Not all typewriters have glass panels on the side, but if yours does, then white vinegar is a great cleaning solution! Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly spray the glass panels. Then rub the glass panels with a cleaning cloth to get a shiny, glossy look.

This is because typewriters tend to be very delicate and the vinegar may lift worn paint. Clean the typewriter key faces with white vinegar and cotton swabs. Lightly dampen a cotton swab with white vinegar and gently rub each key face to remove dirt and grime. Replace the cotton swab as it gets dirty. Clean the carrying case if the typewriter has one.

The typewriter will only be as clean as the carrying case! Wipe down the inside and outside of the case with a damp cloth and then dry it fully with another cloth. The easiest way to keep a typewriter clean is to prevent dust from building up in the first place. Method 3. Unstick sticky keys with rubbing alcohol. Dip a toothbrush or small paintbrush in rubbing alcohol. Brush the rubbing alcohol over the metal key mechanisms and over any metal joints.

If any key is particularly sticky, press down on the key face to expose that particular key mechanism. Scrub all sides of the key mechanism with the brush and rubbing alcohol to get it running smoothly again. The key mechanisms are visible at the front of the machine, just below the platen.

This is the rubber roller that supports the paper in the typewriter. You shouldn't need to deep-clean your typewriter very often, as it typically only needs to be deep-cleaned if you notice a problem starting. Aim to deep-clean your typewriter once every months if you use it daily. Apply a firearm or machinery oil to the main internal mechanisms. A small amount of oil can make a huge difference in helping your typewriter run smoothly!

Lift up the typewriter and rest it on its back. Spray a tiny amount of oil over the key mechanisms that you cleaned and over any pivotal joints. The internal mechanisms of typewriters can look complicated.

The easiest way to find the pivotal joints is to hold down the space bar, backspace key, and shift key individually, and watch from underneath to see which joints move.

Clean the rubber platen with lacquer thinner if it has difficulty feeding. Pour a small amount of lacquer thinner onto a cleaning cloth. Rub the lacquer thinner over the platen and turn it as you work so that you reach all sides.

You may need to swap the cleaning cloth halfway through if the platen is especially dirty. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published.