Typewriter 101: THE CLEANING GUIDE!

Instagram- / just.my.typewriter
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[@livelifewithalex]

-Mineral spirits on the metal inside, scrub with a toothbrush (don’t let it touch the rubber feet or outside) -Patch test on the outside of typewriter before you use products in the panels (panels=external) -Simple green, scrubbing bubbles or another similar cleaner -wipe off with a wet rag -use air compressor to dry off -fix paint chips with nail polish -Patch test cleaner on a key -gently clean keys -clean underneath keys -hydrogen peroxide on removed keys to whiten/clean

[@davidgiancoli2106]

This is the clearest and most comprehensive typewriter-cleaning video on the internet. You've done a great service to new members of the typosphere! Two tips for cleaning/maintenance of the smaller typewriter cases: 1) I've had good success removing the smell of cigarette smoke by spraying the case with apple cider vinegar, and then letting it dry in the sun. 2) Cases with a stubborn or sticky zipper can be helped by rubbing the zipper with a white candle, heating it with a blow-dryer, and working the zipper back and forth.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Those are great tips- I'll have to try those!

[@javaguru7141]

Beeswax stays in place much better than candlewax

[@vanishingmoon1]

This video arrived just in time! I found a portable royal typewriter at the thrift store that I visit often. It's the first time I ever made a find like this where it's fully functional and not one of those 80-90s electric daisy wheel ones. Can't wait to get it clean!!!

[@frankwolftown]

I have a portable Royal Typewriter as well! I have been meaning to get it going again.

[@SKyrim190]

"Not the one I am using in my mouth..." ✍️

[@LITTERBOOTS]

Steel type slugs are 100% safe if you use a small brass wire brush (looks like a toothbrush) from the automotive/tool section at the dollar store. You can scrub like crazy and everything will come out with absolutely no damage because it’s a softer metal. I would use great caution while using a steel picking device as it can scratch the slugs and cause damage. If a pick is needed use a softer material than what the slugs are made of. Thanks for such an in depth look into your techniques. Big fan of your channel.

[@campbellpaul]

Also, a real (be careful, because some are electrically-plated) brass-bristled brush won't cause stainless steel to lose its stainless properties. If a steel brush is used, the surface of the stainless steel will become ferrous and can oxidize and rust, because the ionic-bond of its outside surface has been compromised by a ferrous metal.

[@StormyTalks]

Watching this after regrettably leaving behind a $65 Smith Corona electric typewriter I found at an antique shop. I can't get my mind off of it so I might just go back and buy it!

[@Imbatmn57]

I got my manual smith corona for 61 so 65 is probably a good price for electric. I think they're the more recent typewriters so they were probably mass produced.

[@douglasjackson9058]

Great instructional video, really enjoying this 101 series. So well done 👍

[@CampingwithEmmy]

Thank you so much for this video! Very informative and so many helpful tips! I have restored my vintage Treadle Singer Sewing Machine, and recently purchased a Vintage Remington Remette typewriter. It is in need of a good cleaning and now I have an idea of where to start! I'm going to use rubbing alcohol instead of Mineral Spirits on the internal pieces.

[@angeltellez5963]

Thanks a lot, just what I was lookint for just in time. Love your good vibes.

[@sergiomontes5534]

You did a really good job with this video!

[@Ohmygodihatethis]

Glad I found this video! I'm in the process of getting my great grandmothers old typewriter up and running again (I believe it's a Consul 232, though I can't be certain. If that's the case though, its around 60 years old and I'm so nervous to touch it haha). This has been a real help, I'm feeling a lot more confident that I won't have to take the whole machine apart or spend a fortune getting a professional to clean it. Thank you!

[@RabbiSteve]

Thank you so much for this (and your other) video(s). Very helpful 101.

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

I just bought my second typewriter a few days ago! It’s a royal. Very helpful video, glad I’m subbed to you! Thumbs up girl!

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

The accidentally cleaning off the decals is a VERY important advice, I had to learn that the hard way myself a couple of years ago when i was cleaning a Universum Senator Radio recorder from the early 80s and i accidentally rubbed off some button into decals >_< Alcohol and any cleaning solvent really really love to destroy decals that are printed onto cases. Better just use a Qtip dipped into clean water. Not even sure if soap water would be already too much. But yeah, best to just work around the decals. I also notices that certain springs love to come lose very easily when you try to clean your typewriter inside, which leads to the cariage not properly working anymore. Had that with my Adler Tippa and it took me a while to figure out what happened till i saw the springs having come off during cleaning and i had to fiddle them back into place again. Yes, nailpolish is a great way to fix smaller damages where the paint chipped off. It's pretty inexpensive and you don't need a lot of it anyway.

[@aguilayserpiente]

2:30, always remove the panels, accessories, and furniture from any machine, especially a typewriter, before using cleaning liquids. Use newspaper and aluminum oven trays to catch the liquid and gunk. Test a small area of the levers and gears with a tooth brush or Q tip, when using denatured alcohol, mineral spirits (i.e. lighter fluid), etc. Wear gloves and protective eye wear. Work in a ventilated area or use a dual cartridge respirator, as those fumes are nasty. Do NOT use auto brake cleaner, as it tends to dissolve plastic parts.

[@bwhog]

You should do a video on cleaning different case interiors. Such as the green fuzz on a Remington *Riter or almost cardboard sort of interior of a lettera22. Things of this nature require special techniques most of us haven't figured out and we'd love some tips.

[@Socalkelly78]

I've just been gifted a vintage AMC Avona/Alpina from Western Germany (1957) model. It's in great shape but does need cleaning up. I ordered the air in a can prior to watching this video, glad I thought of the right thing. All of this is super helpful. Thanks a bunch!

[@ELDogStar]

So glad I found you!

[@plauditecives]

Best advice yet! Thanks so much!

[@SredniVashtar83]

This is awesome and SO useful. Thank you!

[@sophiapomponio1609]

THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING!!

[@miloharrison2330]

Extremely helpful and thorough video.

[@BokBarber]

For the type slugs specifically, I've had very good luck with brass brushes and naphtha lighter fluid. Just put a rag underneath, douse in fluid, scrub with a brass brush, add a little more fluid, wipe off with a rag, repeat until clean. You don't want to get lighter fluid into the segment, but if you make sure it only gets on the slugs it does a great job with dried ink.

[@recycleplease]

Thank you for info on off gassing!! I thought it was white mold and watched your other video on removing mold from typewriter 😅 but my keys are green so it’s probably not then woohoo!

[@soundoff61]

I was offered a typewriter for free. The man opens it and types my name. I remarked on the dust I saw rise. He says it not dust it's mold. I instantly feel itchy It's outside on my porch (protected from weather) I've had bad breathing reactions to mold. I'm scared of this little ,beautiful machine. I'm going to need a hazmat suit to clean it up. It does work so that is going to save it from scrap heap. Thank you for these tips.

[@SchierneckerEtc]

This is so helpful. I have my grandfather’s old typewriter that I’ve carried around for a decade and would love to use. I was worried I’d have to get it professionally serviced because of sticky keys but trying this out now.

[@ShadowKingpin]

Any success?

[@Hyperion509]

Love your videos! ✌️❤️

[@winfried3208]

Each 101 is more and more useful! Thanks, Sarah! Edit: Would oderless paint thinner work as well as mineral spirits?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Some people do use that- yes! As always, I recommend patch testing first

[@queercrazycat]

Amazing video! It was very informative and I learned a lot more than any other videos I’ve watched. Question: where can I get a dust cover?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

you can make one ( I have a tutorial here on the channel) or you can get one from some typewriter repair techs on Etsy

[@user-cu4yz9zf1i]

Very good Video !

[@dr.trentreker]

nice elizabeth holmes impression, sarah. 🤘😎

[@Imbatmn57]

I used baby wipes to wipe off non moving parts, still have to go over a spot or two with alcohol to get rid of rust spots. I was too afraid to use it on the moving keys because i didn't want the soap residue to harden in the tight spots, might use a long tipped cotton swab to get at the area under the keys because i don't want to completely take it out,could barely lift it out of the case it was sooo heavy. Used the end of my corrector pencil to get out the cobwebs under the keys.

[@theb_roll]

Thanks so much for your videos! I recently picked up a nice vintage typewriter and your channel has been so helpful. Are there any warnings or tips you have for cleaning a typewriter platen or rubber feed roller? Thanks again!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I avoid getting any of the internal cleaning solvents on rubber!

[@jamesthoma6532]

As usual, wonderful video! Would you please name the portable air compressor brand, company, model that you mentioned toward the beginning of the video? Thank you! I’d like to get one.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

It's the porter cable CMB15 Air Compressor (150PSI)- it was my moving/house warming gift from my parents

[@panda.tlea063]

I've probably watched this video a dozen times these past few days in preparation for giving my first typewriter a good clean!❤ I have a Smith Corona Classic 12 (Serial No. dates it between 1969/1970) that actually works way better than expected, having been an Ebay purchase. It looks pretty much like new, minus dust, a gross red toothpick that fell out the panel, and a large hair pin hidden under the keys.😂 But somehow the original ribbon got a bit shredded while still hooked in it, so there's a bunch of inky nylon dust/bits mucking up the innards.😭 Hopefully, fingers crossed, the clean goes as planned.

[@campbellpaul]

Just remember that water, detergents (even so-called "mild" detergents) and water-based cleaners such as Simple Green aren't good for many types of plastics, as plastic is missive and will absorb moisture and cause dry-rot. I don't follow many people who are experts in the field, as they sometimes have no idea what they are doing for decades at a time, and are human like the rest of us. If you ever have a rock-hard platen on an old model, it is because the rubber has absorbed and released moisture from the air for many years, combined with the occasional soap-and-water used in good faith to remove residue and sometimes ink from children playing with the typewriter. Lighter fluid (naphtha) is what the majority of professionals use to remove gunk caused by grease that has lost its emollient oils over time (or dried chewing gum from surfaces) , but it is a crude product that degrades other crude products (such as plastic and rubber). I would avoid any and all derivatives of crude and stick with things that aren't going to degrade polycarbonate plastics (acetone, vaseline, motor oil, WD-40, and transmission fluid are all degrading to polycarbonate plastics and rubber) directly or in process over a period of time. Isopropyl alcohol is not a harsh solvent by any means, and should be the go-to product for everything on the typewriter that needs cleaning. Mineral spirits is probably correct, but very caustic, and may be replaced with ethyl alchohol where no paint or plastic can be harmed. Companies use something that is called a MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) per OSHA requirements, but consumers have other options as well, if inhalation or skin/eye contact may be a problem. If you place an ever-so-tiny bit of dielectric silicone grease on each tip of the finger with latex gloves on, and rub your fingers together to make a sheen on them, you can proceed to dab and rub your latex-gloved fingers all over the platen roller for about 7-10 minutes, and wipe off any excess (if any) with a cotton ball (be sure to get the ends with a Q-tip swab.) This will preserve what is left of the old rubber (as well as oxidized plastic) for several years to come.

[@beerus1]

Привет Спасибо за отличные видео учебники. Ты супер. Слушаю тебя на скорости 0.75. ты говоришь со скоростью моего Underwood. Сегодня купил на блошином рынке smith corona Благодаря тебе почистить ее очень просто

[@3AMJH]

I just got my first typing machines, both portable ones which come in cases: An early 1970s wide-carriage Erika Daro Mod. 41 and a tiny Triumph Tippa, which is actually small enough to realistically take with you while traveling. The Erika seems to need less work, and is already working pretty well, so I'd like to start with that. To my surprise, it seems to be bolted onto the bottom of the carrying case, and I'm not sure how can I actually remove it for proper cleaning. Also not sure if I can safely remove the plastic shell protecting the internals, except for the flimsy top panel.

[@Saboda53]

So many good tips here! Question: for tired looking metal parts (carriage return lever, paper guides, etc.) on an older machine like a Royal 10, would you (gently) use Blitz metal polish, Nevr-Dull or Brasso? Or are those a no-no?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I would patch test first. Many of those parts have chrome on top which can chip. I've used a metal polisher before with some success

[@honey_bee1905]

I just got a typewriter from my great grandpa for my birthday and I'm so excited to get it cleaned! He had two, but the other one wasn't usable unfortunately (literally broken in half some how). I get to be like wednesday Addams and write a murder mystery with it haha

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Congrats!

[@sophiapomponio1609]

I love typewriters

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Me too.

[@GibberishJeff]

Hey there, love your channel btw. I've seen in several places that it's ok to use mineral spirits on a platen. What's your experience with that?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I don't use mineral spirits on rubber pieces. It can erode if not properly cleaned

[@riverbarrett9853]

I am finally going to start cleaning my first typewriter. This video is incredibly helpful! Thanks for creating it! I want, but have never used mineral spirits. Do you use gloves and a respiratory mask? Also, how do you dispose of rags?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I typically do my work outside so it's well ventilated. It's been suggested by many to wear gloves when using. I don't use rags as much as compressed air which helps evaporate the liquid

[@prettypaperthings]

Very informational video! Thank you so much for this. I hope you will see my comment and are able to help. I am currently cleaning a Remington Quiet Riter. the machine is smelly. I have purchased simple green. But am also spray painting it to match my aesthetic. I would like to know how you change the felt inside the panels since it is where I see most of the nasty. And probably contributes to the smell. There was even dry small bugs. So I want to remove that felt. Is there a way to paint the keys.? Are they removable? Please keep in mind I am not reselling my machine. I am using it to add notes to my journaling and maybe writing letters. I have already spray painted some panels. So i painted over the name “quiet riter” but “Remington” sticks out so I will repaint that. Thank you so much for your time, Anahi

[@JustMyTypewriter]

So because you typically touch the keys, paint will wear away on that much quicker! You might be able to seal them with a clear coat, but I wouldn't recommend painting the keys as they will wear off! I've used piano felt and sheets of felt from craft stores to replace internal felt. I just use hot glue to affix it since it is then removable.

[@RandomCerealArt]

I have a suggestion about typewriters and a video you could do for those who are repairing their typewriter! I'm not sure if you've done this already, but I think it would be very helpful if you made a video pressing each key on the typewriter with the outside frames of the typewriter off, showing each bolt and screw that each key moves. My reason for suggesting this is that I recently got a 1928 Royal 10 typewriter and got the parts for each key to be put back together. My problem is that my shift keys don't work and I have to screw everything in place, but I don't have the references for it. I think I and others would benefit from it if you made a video of each key being used with the skeleton of the typewriter being shown as well. It could be shown to serve as a form of ASMR too! I hope you take my suggestion into account if you haven't done something like this, have a nice day!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@capmadman6486]

Ya got any suggestions for more modern, 70s and 80s typewriters that use more eletrical components? More along the lines of chip and or parts replacement.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I do not- I would recommend you ask the big facebook group- Antique Typewriter Collectors!

[@polybius223]

I got an early 1950’s Remington “New Style” portable. It works, but it has “rust spots” all over. I’m guess that they applied a textured finish over the bare metal in the factory, and now the metal is surface rusting behind it causing the outside layer to flake off, Is there a way I can clean up the rust without damaging the finish? Or will it need to have the original finished removed?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That's a difficult one. If it's under the surface of the paint, you can't get to it

[@spicy_lemon_water7756]

OMGGG what is that pink and blue typewriter called???? please i need to know! thank you!!! awesome video!!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

In the background? That's one of my Barbie electrics!

[@NarrowPathDiaries]

O thanks for this! I got a Royal Aristocrat from the late 30s/early 40s that was clearly owned by a smoker. It’s so gross! And I have a four keys that are stubbornly sticky! I’m gonna go find some mineral spirits & some of those compressed air thingies from Staples

[@juviasilman4309]

Hi. I just got a silver reed type writer. Just watched this video for the cleaning process and best ways. If it has some rust on it, what's they safest way to help with that? Thanks

[@JustMyTypewriter]

It depends on where the rust is located. If it is on the paint portions of the typewriter, removal will weaken the paint of the machine. If it's on the inside or metal portions of the typewriter, I've used a wire brush to remove surface level rust

[@NosferatuFromtheLates]

Thanks for your great tips. I went ahead and got mineral spirit to clean my first baby. So no oiling is necessary? Thank you

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Oiling isn't necessary on things like the type slugs. It just collects dust. I do add a little bit of oil around the carriage rails every once in a while

[@pikablu_25]

I'm using Dawn platinum powerwash on my 1st typewriter typefaces. Pray for me

[@BokBarber]

This is one area where I'm struggling with my Olympia SG3. They powder coated the internals of the machine with yellow, red and blue paint, and I'm not sure if mineral spirits are going to remove that coating. So I've been stuck spot cleaning everything on the inside of the machine instead of being able to just use spirits.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

You might want to try a patch test to see if it has any impact

[@Ibrahim2010555]

I have recently acquired a new typewriter but the previous owner used to use A LOT of WD-40 without wiping it off. Some moving parts have become gummy like the bell ring, and the carriage return lever. I have tried blowing it and using a toothbrush with rubbing alcohol, the parts become free after cleaning but an hour later they get gummy again. I feel like when the alcohol evaporates and dries up it gets sticky again. These spots are hard to reach, not sure how to clean them at this point. Any advice?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I'd keep up the fight with mineral spirits- it doesn't evaporate as quickly. If all else fails, brake cleaning fluid has always been my go to in a tough case

[@markhinkle2134]

Is there a way to keep the platen in good shape. Or a way to clean that. Or just any rubber such as the feet etc.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Using a backing sheet can help protect your platen over time!

[@shyamsunder131]

Can you please add link for portable air compressor that you are using in the video?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

It's actually not a portable one- it's an old one saved from a machine shop! I do have a video schedule in a few weeks that might look into portable options...stay tuned!

[@shyamsunder131]

@@JustMyTypewriter The gun and the thin end pipe of the compressor looked very classic. Still could you please share the full picture in your next video. I would use that as reference while buying

[@THEDIRTMAN1]

What is the best way to remove wd40 from a typewriter?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

mineral spirits and compressed air

[@ninjesus4079]

Would Ballistol be fine to use? I read on their website: Lubricates moving mechanical parts of typewriters, video cameras, printing calculators, etc.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Since I've never used it, I can't be sure. I would recommend you ask the Antique Typewriter Collector's group on Facebook to see if anyone has experience with it!

[@ninjesus4079]

@@JustMyTypewriter thank you, since it is also used to lubricate guns apparently, i think i will stick with mineral spirits for now to be on the safe side.

[@ArshesNei8]

Ballistol is a great product. Gun CLPS in general are formulated to clean, lightly lubricate and protect against humidity. Ballistol is great because it's not a strong as most CLPs but it does enough. It also is supposedly free of carcinogens. PB Blaster and mineral spirits work well too, they are just different types of naptha which is great at loosening up varnished gunk.

[@kellimoss3952]

Does this same apply for electric typewriters?? I just got my first one and it needs to be cleaned, but the motor makes me a little more nervous

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Then you mostly use compressed air instead of chemicals

[@MxtrZ]

What kind of air compressor do you use?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I actually just made a video on this very topic! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZquUl2hpmdh6fa8

[@Lalasmith913]

How can you clean the underside/inside with mineral spirits without it leaking or getting onto the rubber roller? Wouldn't you need to remove the paper roller first? I just got a 1967 Aristocrat Portable Typewriter and it needs a good cleaning. The letters are very faint when typing

[@JustMyTypewriter]

You can remove the rubber or use compressed air to quickly remove it

[@maximumrobespierrexvii4155]

Any tips for removing rust?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That can be difficult. I've seen some use Evaporust. I've personally used a wire brush when it's only surface level rust

[@robertriniker9200]

Can I use a McCoulagh high pressure steam cleaner on the typewriter?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That would lead to quite a bit of water being in the typewriter. You have to make sure you properly remove that from the machine in order to avoid rust

[@jared-Nokturne]

Hello, I have one type slug that has come off, the "N" head. Do I use a type of super glue to put it back on or do I sodder it back on?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

typically solder, but you have to get the height just right

[@jared-Nokturne]

@@JustMyTypewriter thank you again. I will solder it soon. Looking forward to all this content, I'm new here.

[@THEDIRTMAN1]

Do you know any seller's on Ebay that are good for typewriters?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I prefer to recommend professional repair techs! I know the Type Space, Typewriter Chicago, Unplugged Typewriter Co, Nashville Typewriter, and Tampa Typewriter also all ship their machines- they are the pros! If you want a well serviced machine that will be well packed, these are the places to go!

[@robertvazquez35]

Can we use rubbing alcohol instead of mineral spirits?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Yep! Just keep it off the exterior of the machine!

[@robertvazquez35]

@@JustMyTypewriter Thank you ☺️

[@CalistaAlvarez]

@@JustMyTypewriter have you used rubbing alcohol before on the type writter and if so did it rust after a while?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

@@CalistaAlvarez I've used mineral spirits exclusively. If you'd like some other options, Richard Polt of Typewriter Revolution has some great info on tested cleaners! Here's a link- site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

[@hitbyabus4615]

1:17 that is the one I have

[@JustMyTypewriter]

that is a Royal KMM

[@hitbyabus4615]

@@JustMyTypewriter oh

[@hitbyabus4615]

The key tops aren’t even the same 😂. I’m doing great at this

[@nicolasrecalde2799]

Rubbing alcohol would also work? Thanks.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

it would- just again make sure it's fully removed after and that you don't place it on painted surfaces

[@sofinacali8869]

How to fix the whole head is stuck

[@larosehatcompany2433]

Can Graphite dry lube be used?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I have no experience with it so I can't say for sure

[@larosehatcompany2433]

It’s like a dry graphite dust in a squeezey tube. I used to use it on a lot of things that needed lubrication but could not have oils due to oils gunking up and collecting dust.

[@ridwanmujahid2316]

Bike mechanics 🤝 Typewriter collectors Hating WD-40

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That makes a lot of sense!

[@JB-uv4hm]

WD-40 is a great non damaging cleaner/solvent. It also works great to remove old adhesives/tapes wo damaging paint. As for bikes, great quickie chain cleaner.

[@ridwanmujahid_2.020]

@@JB-uv4hm Totally, unfortunately many think it's also chain lube and will leave it on there without cleaning it off or applying a proper chain lubricant, only for it to collect dirt and grime, leading them to replace their chain way more often than it would normally need to be, or it sits and grinds away the chain-ring and cassette.

[@JB-uv4hm]

@@ridwanmujahid_2.020 yes, it’s not chain lube.

[@jackshop9681]

HOW DO I FIX MY SHIFT ITS SO STUCK OML

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That really depends- hard to know without seeing! Check to make sure your shift lock isn't on. Then you might need to check if the spring on that is working. I would look up a repair video with the name and model of your typewriter- Phoenix Typewriter has a ton of useful repair videos!

[@jackshop9681]

@@JustMyTypewriter Thank you for the help, I was more or less venting. Took me a few days, but I realized the lift spring was too tight. Loosened it a bit, now my underwood is up and running.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

@@jackshop9681 That's good- glad you got it working

[@douglasjackson9058]

😂🤣😂🥰

[@jonvincentmusic]

What you desperately need is an ultrasonic cleaner.

[@carvermarks]

Ha. I noticed you are cleaning a Remington Quiet-riter and it appears you have the same problem in that the lid will not stay open. Annoying, gotta say.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

It definitely is