Cleaning a typewriter with SCRUBBING BUBBLES??!?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

One tip is use a white cloth when wiping off the cleaner from the textured paint surface, that way it’s easy to see if you’re removing the paint finish, the color will show on the cloth.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That's a great idea!

[@upsidedowntypist6799]

the smith corona 5 series are some of the most beautiful typewriters ever, wish we had them here in Australia, the seafoam green and alpine blue silent super, models are my favourite

[@JustMyTypewriter]

They're my favorite style of machine (don't tell the others though...)

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Congratulations to the wonderful teacher. Answered all the questions. Nobody do this on the internet.👍. In Japan is normal to use white wool gloves in many works. To type is a good idea.

[@ChaoticVampire]

You got so lucky with that typeface! It's always fun to get a random typeface you weren't expecting. I got a random SC Electra from Facebook marketplace for super cheap and when I got home I noticed it was cursive! Sometimes I like browsing eBay and seeing if any of the typewriter type sample has a funky typeface for cheap. That's how I got a 5TE with the Empire No. 65 typeface, super gorgeous.

[@sgs1262]

I love Simple Green,but Dawn dishwashing foam and a soft brush and running water do a really good job

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I'll have to try it!

[@craignewton4262]

I like Simple Green for cleaning, and WD-40 puts a nice sheen on the paint afterward, but be sure to wipe off the excess, and as we all know, it is not for lubrication inside the machine. I also found a blower for less than $40.00 at WalMart that is a nice substitute for a compressor. It probably won't disturb the neighbors in an apartment building because it sounds like a small vacuum cleaner. There are several different brands and models. It recharges via USB port. I just got it, so I can't yet say how well it holds up over time. The problem I have here in Hawaii is finding older machines at a reasonable cost. The typewriter craze has not caught on here yet, so there is not much money in repair or reselling machines. Anyway, those are my comments, for what they are worth! We enjoy your videos. Keep it up!

[@isla8327]

Thank you Sarah for posting this! I have a Tower commander typewriter that had a broken drawstring and it’s been sitting for months because I haven’t had the motivation to fix it! But I saw your video and it motivated me to fix it and I just finished repairing it so thanks ☺️✨🌷

[@JustMyTypewriter]

YAY! Good luck

[@aleksandrh.4251]

Just keep in mind not to overdo with air blowing or vacuuming. Careless blowing with strong stream of air (or vacuum cleaning at high cleaner power) can blow away (or suck in) springs or loose screws. Searching for them in the grass (or using a magnet - inside your vacuum cleaning) and after that trying to find out where should they be fixed in your typewriter is not like too fun to do.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Absolutely agree- that's why I always suggest to also check and secure all of the typewriter pieces before air compressing!

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

I love that green ink ribbon

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

I ❤ only God.

[@valis14]

Simple Green smells great! A little licorice, yet not in a distracting way.

[@ka-powUSA]

I love that typeface! I'm also very surprised the Scrubbing Bubbles wasn't more caustic to the paint. I remember using it on porcelain bathroom fixtures as a kid, and the fumes nearly knocked me out. I don't even use alcohol on painted surfaces. I am gonna stick with soap and water only for now.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I think that's the safest bet

[@wonderwomanguy]

Upon your earlier suggestion, I hunted down some Simple green. I scrubbed that with a tooth brush, then used a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol to wipe it away and wow did some gunk come off!! I'd usually have to do this a few times, but the results were very noticeable.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Glad that worked for you! Just be really careful to patch test first and be careful around decals- some machines work great and I've never had an issue, but I do know some others that have had some trouble with it being too aggressive of a cleaner

[@johnlennon1049]

You always have very interesting videos. Learning a lot from you. Thanks!

[@Saboda53]

Thanks Sarah, thorough & thoughtful insights, as usual. Oh… and a curious thing I discovered about the Silent-Super: in Canada, at least, that model was called simply “Super”. Same exact model down to the last detail, except its name (and the “Made in Canada” printed on the back). Why would the exact same machine have a different name north of the border? Who knows?? As a character in Shakespeare In Love was fond of saying, “it’s a mystery”. 🤷

[@tankredtabbertart4038]

Damaging the paint by cleaning is a serious problem... so thank you very much for your helpful video! Simple Green is available in Germany, but extremely expensive. Scrubbing Bubbles is hard to find but more or less affordable over here. In most cases I used spirit without any problems, but sometimes spirit is not powerful enough though. So next time I will try out one of your suggestions :=)

[@winfried3208]

Hey! I love the videos! Could you make a video showing your whole collection? Kerp the content up!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I have a few of those!

[@Rm3327films]

Ha I just got some oil for my ROYAL, a gift from an old friend, I've had it since 2012. Excited to oil it with the old grime intact. This is a unique case, we'll see. I mostly wanted to compliment you on your enthusiasm and video quality :)

[@typepals]

You can also clean vinyl records with scrubbing bubbles! Great video, as always.

[@jamesthoma6532]

Thank you for the cleaning tips. I’m heading off to clean my Sterling with my toothbrush now! I hope college life is treating you well.

[@jsollowsphotography]

Simple Green is not exclusive to the USA. Here in Canada it is readily available just about anywhere that sells cleaning supplies. In fact it’s one of the most common cleaners in Canada. I get mine from the local grocery or hardware stores.

[@jenniferross5440]

I wondered why you wiped off the scrubbing bubbles vs rinsing it off with plain water? Love your videos!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I used a damp cloth!

[@jenniferross5440]

@@JustMyTypewriter I get a that. I meant rinsing it under running water. The parts not the whole typewriter ..although I have seen people giving typewriters bubble baths 😳

[@JustMyTypewriter]

@@jenniferross5440 I think that definitely would have worked- it didn't even cross my mind at the time...

[@jenniferross5440]

@Sloane Slaughter I am 😂😂😂

[@MikeBzd]

On the last typetest, what kind of paper is that? It looks really sharp with the green against it. Excellent video. I never would have thought to use a shower cleaner on the maschine. Appears to have done a decent job. It is always good to have additional cleaning options in your collection should one be down or out of stock 😀 I, too, have a maschine that happens to have some rust spots. I have seen restoration videos where they sand it away and use epoxies and such - I forget exactly what was used as it had been a while since I have watched the videos. Granted these videos were restoring non typewriter items! It is a typewriter which I figured that I would give it a go.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

It's a thick white cardstock!

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

🙏

[@douglasjackson9058]

Always such fun videos,and good information 👍 Thankyou ☺️

[@Boodieman72]

I wonder if brake cleaner on the inside mechanical parts would work for cleaning.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

It does! I've used it before!

[@Boodieman72]

@@JustMyTypewriter Only use that stuff in a well ventilated area.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

@@Boodieman72 correct!

[@hitbyabus4615]

So i got a 1939 corona typewriter, but the previous owner oiled it for testing. What should i do?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Clean off the oil to avoid it getting gunky. Typically I use mineral spirits and compressed air to do that!

[@hitbyabus4615]

@@JustMyTypewriter i have air

[@johnlennon1049]

Do you cover your displayed typewriters?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I do not, but I air them out and dust them

[@johnlennon1049]

@@JustMyTypewriter Okay, I was just curious. All I heard was that they should be covered when not in use to protect from dust getting in. Do you use your compressor to air them out with? You do have a beautiful display though.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

@@johnlennon1049 I use my portable air duster as featured in one of my more recent videos

[@mar4kl]

I loved that green ribbon! I've never seen a green typewriter ribbon before. Where did you get it? Another solution for apartment or small home dwellers who don't have room for an air compressor is the Compucleaner 2.0 electric air duster, available on Amazon for just under $50. I bought one for blowing out desktop and laptop computers (which I fix professionally), and I've been very happy with it. It's compact, easy to handle, not too noisy, comes with helpful attachments for customizing the air "brush", has two speeds plus a couple of ways to adjust the airflow, and lets you reach nooks and crannies that a vacuum cleaner won't. I would expect it to work well on typewriters, although it won't replace mineral spirits and a toothbrush for getting greasy grime out.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Great idea for dust removal! For the ribbon- I got it on ebay from FJA. They have lots of color options!

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

🙏

[@christopherbrissini5722]

I have a question. After deciding to love and adore the typewriter I have, in the last four months, acquired about twenty or so. Apparently I need an intervention. Anyway, do you have any tips about re-rubbering a platen or re-conditioning a platen. Love your videos.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

There is a professional service that can do that for you! I also briefly outline how I've recovered a platen in this video- kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKDEm6OAhb2FgLssi=p-_jpZeblMj1YxKB

[@thetypewriterkind5141]

Thanks for the vid, as always it's a great one! I bought myself a Corona sterling the other day, unfortunately I have to repaint it. What do you think I should paint it? I want to go a bit crazy on it :D

[@JustMyTypewriter]

There have been some really artistic approaches being passed around the collector forums- you could paint a mural on it instead of going with just one color

[@stonejudas]

Has anyone tried Dr Bronner's Sal Suds?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I have not!

[@catcomer1]

What do you recommend for cleaning ink off the outside? Which I have done today while desperately trying to figure out my new-to-me ‘69 SM9. Failed.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

light coats and patience! I've tried a few cleaners and it always takes a while

[@aylarodriguez9718]

Hi Sarah-I have a question about the Smith-Corona space bar. Mine is stuck and not jumping forward as well as when I am typing it’ll stop and start the letters all in one space. I am also having trouble with the return. It’ll go forward but not go back all the way. I think I might end up going to a repair man but any tips before I spend lots of money to have someone else fix it?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Are your margins set to center? or your right margin set really far over? That would stop your space bar from advancing if it hits the end. Depending on the model, you may also have the lock engaged. I would also recommend a quick clean- air compressing under the carriage in case anything is stuck!

[@stuarthowe1044]

Hi Not sure if you can help me. I have a typewriter that randomly jumps. Would you have any suggestions as to what might be causing this to happen ? warm regards Stu . U.k

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That could be many things. I usually suggest to first flush the escapement. Gunk in that area can cause skipping. That would be the under portion of the typewriter where the star-wheel is located that indexes per space (check my nightmare corsair repair video from a few weeks ago where I show that piece!). I would also clean any rails on the machine (under the carriage) and clean out the type basket. Cleaning fixes many many issues. I flush internal pieces using mineral spirits and compressed air. Don't get that on any external panels!

[@stuarthowe1044]

@@JustMyTypewriter Thanks for the reply I'll try it at the weekend and let you know. Really like you vid clips. Warm regards Stu

[@LANCSKID]

Very enjoyable, Sarah. A couple of points … aerosol tinned air ‘dust blaster’ is widely available. Should you not wear some gloves to protect your skin, especially as I noticed you appeared to have had a covered fingertip wound? Thanks also for differentiating between a typeface and a font. I am forever explaining this to people who should know better!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Keyboard cleaner or aerosol air available yes- It's not my favorite to use just because it doesn't refill like a compressor does! Gloves are an option yes

[@ValleyOakPaper]

Hi Sarah, new subscriber here. Have you tried Pinesol? It works great on plastic surfaces.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I haven't tried it on a typewriter! I'll have to give that a go

[@claywebster7401]

Totally jealous about that double gothic! ❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Don't be jealous. Be gay (= happy)

[@claywebster7401]

@@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536 I’m already gay. But I’m happy too

[@CactusWithStripes]

I used liquid household soap (i think it's called laundy soap) diluted with some water. It worked great!

[@Lycheepinkplanner]

Sarah could you try the brand “Method bathroom cleaner”? It’s bleach free, plant based, cruelty free and it’s availability is better across Europe, the US and Australia. I’ve used the standard Method on my TY but it wasn’t a deep clean project - just removing some tippex - worked beautifully and smelt wonderful! That typeface is stunning!!!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I'll have to try it!

[@notmychelle]

I’d recommend a dab of BonAmi cleanser w/ Simple Green or rubbing alcohol for stains, I tried it and it didn’t scratch the paint on my Olympia.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

glad to know that worked for you!

[@ElliotBrownJingles]

Scrubbing bubble double trouble: damn, I live outside the U.S.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Sorry! I'm still testing to find the perfect cleaner!

[@ElliotBrownJingles]

@@JustMyTypewriter Love your typing videos!

[@FrankRomerophoto]

Hi Sarah. Did you notice if any of the "Shiny" finish came off? Sometimes the texture is intact, but sometimes the "shiny" finish just disappears. Or perhaps, your typewriter didn't have that "shiny" texture. I can't remember what people call that shiny texture, but I know it can be ripped out so easily. :/ By the way, like the nail polish on your left hand. Well, I think you have some. Looks natural and great.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

The rippled texture remained even with the tooth brush!

[@davidgiancoli2106]

Hi Sarah, I've got the outside panels off, and I'm getting ready to use Mineral Spirits to clean my typewriter, something I've never done before. When using it, do you need to cover the keys or platen to keep them from getting splattered? After cleaning and drying, is there any need for oiling any parts or other treatments? Thanks!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Always protect your platen! Just be careful around the keys- you don't want mineral spirits to really get on anything that isn't the metal you're cleaning. Don't add oils into the typewriter- it'll attract dust over time and gunk up the machine

[@oakpark7248]

I sprayed the back panel of my smith corona and it did eat my paint!! But only sprayed not with a towel. Thankfully I didn't spray my whole machine down!!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Try not to spray directly on the machine!

[@Levi-op2hc]

Oh lord, my typewriter is pretty much just rust. Luckily the rust is not the penitrating kind, so it was easy to cleen.