Typewriter Cleaning and Cleanliness

Overview

Cleaning a dirty typewriter and keeping a clean typewriter are essential to putting machines into good condition and keeping them there. This guide will go over cleaning a newly found/bought typewriter, and tips to keep your currently cleaned typewriter clean.

!WARNING!

USE EXTREME CAUTION AROUND DECALS. Usually it is best to not clean these and leave them alone. You might try dusting them off gently. But NEVER touch these with ANY kind of solvent or degreaser. Decals are replaceable, but you can't replace an original. Most paint is also very sensitive to degreasers and solvents as well, so USE CAUTION. If you absolutely have to use a degreaser or solvent, always test it in a inconspicuous corner of the typewriter. Use these chemicals as a last resort.

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  A KHM with a damaged Royal decal after being dabbed with Mean Green (a degreaser) on a cotton ball

First Cleaning in 40+ years

Your typewriter will most likely have been collecting dust for 40 years or more. Take these steps to give it a good deep clean.

Blowing Out

The first step usually taken is to blow the typewriter out to get all sorts of loose dust and other particles out of the machine. Use canned air or an air compressor (the latter is recommended) to gently blow in and around the machine. This is best done outside, and with the panels off of the machine to allow for the maximum reach inside the machine.

Cleaning Paint, Stains, and Patches of Dirt

Paint is best cleaned by spraying WD-40 onto a rag and wiping down the typewriter. Be VERY gentle around decals (try to avoid them) and DON'T get any WD-40 inside the machine. It reacts very badly with dirt and gums up very easily and is hard to get out. Patches of dirt can be rubbed off with a wet rag or a small wet paper towel.

Removing Rust

Rust can be removed with either a rust remover solution or a brass brush. I recommend Evaporust for rust remover. You'll want to take the part/assembly completely apart first, and soak it until it's not rusty anymore. Brass brushes are good for brushing off rust in patches or mechanisms you don't want to take apart.