How to Clean a Dried Out Fountain Pen

Q:
How do I clean a dried out fountain pen which has not been used for a long time?
A:
In a perfect word, the best practice is to clean out a fountain pen from any ink when you plan to not be using it. However, when a fountain pen is left for an extended period of time the ink can dry and freeze up the pen.

Fountain pen inks are water based and as the water evaporates from the ink the pen dries up. To clean the fountain pen you must first disassemble the pen. This may vary by the type of fountain pen and some pen such as a piston style may have little to disassemble. On a cartridge/converter fountain pen remove the attached cartridge or converter from the pen.

How to Clean a Dried Out Fountain Pen - flush nibOnce you have the pen disassembled, soak the nib and feed section in a warm water bath. Completely submerge the pen. The length of the soak time will vary on how long you have left the pen. If your pen has been sitting for awhile you may have to leave overnight. For stubborn, harder to clean dried inks you may want to use a pen flush as well.

You can also flush the pen with bulb syringe through the feed section of the pen. As you run water through the pen the water will turn from the color of the ink to clear. Once the water runs clear the nib and feed section will be ready for use.

Dry the pen and nib with a soft towel. Remember some paper towels may scratch your nib or pen. We recommend a soft micro-fiber towel. Once the pen is dry reassemble the pen and fill with ink and you are ready to write again!


May We Suggest

Pen Flush (8oz)
Retail: $13.73
Sale: $10.98

available in 1 color
view details...

Buy Now
Ink Rewards Ink Rewards
X
Pen Chalet Ink Rewards
Fast & Easy way to earn FREE stuff!

  • Earn 1 "ink drop" for each $10 you spend.

  • Cash in your "ink drops" for free stuff!
The best part is it's absolutely free!

X
The term "Retail" price refers to the manufacturer's or supplier's suggested retail price for an item. The initially displayed Retail price is specific to a product with the selected default options/features. Please note that the Retail price for the selected product will be provided upon specifying it's color, options, and attributes, etc.

Please note that the Retail price reflects the prevailing market price or the regular retail price. It is common for products to be sold at lower prices than the Retail price due to various factors, including promotional events, discounts, market competition, or supplier agreements.

Learn more