Olympia SM3 Typewriter Cleaning and Restoration - From Greasy to Gorgeous! Meet Sheriff Harry Truman

The very first restoration by Typewriter Noobs! Noob mistakes:
1. We lost the paper decal on back after assuming it was painted on
2. Always start with mild cleanser and work you way up to full-strength purple power
3. Purple power WILL cause the skin on your hands to flake off--wear gloves!
4. A silver shell that looks silver when wet will dry to a mid-slate gray tone

[@jespertrans7132]

Cool

[@geraldinetam5368]

Very helpful video. I just got an SM3 and it is def in need of a good clean. I would like to ask if it was difficult to take apart and then put it back together after? Any special tools required or having a screwdriver is enough? Thanks

[@untraveled]

Having a magnetic screwdriver kit is very helpful since the screws are so small. Also, a set of wire and nylon brushes, usually advertised as being for cleaning guns. When taking apart, just be sure to keep track of the order of what came off 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. :-)

[@danielbarczak1080]

Could you list what cleaning solvents or cleaners that you used? Also the degreaser you used?

[@untraveled]

I used Purple Power Degreaser by Aiken on the entire thing. However, this machine was incredibly filthy/greasy. It's recommended that you start with diluted Simple Green and work your way up. I've used Purple Power (undiluted) on another machine (SC 5TE) and some paint came off.