Cleaning Typewriter Keys & Typefaces
Cleaning Typewriter Keys & Typefaces
The keys and typefaces are the parts of a manual typewriter you interact with every time you sit down to write. While the keys are responsible for your typing experience, the typefaces are responsible for the quality of every letter printed on the page.
Over time, fingerprints, dust, dried ribbon ink, and everyday use leave their marks on these components. Fortunately, keeping them clean is simple when you use the correct methods.
At RR Typewriter Mart, we recommend regular, gentle cleaning rather than aggressive scrubbing or the use of household chemicals. Proper care not only keeps your typewriter looking its best but also helps maintain crisp, professional typing impressions.
Why Clean the Keys and Typefaces?
The keys are constantly exposed to your hands, while the typefaces repeatedly strike the ribbon and paper. This makes them the two most frequently used parts of any manual typewriter.
Routine cleaning helps to:
- Remove fingerprints and surface dust.
- Prevent dried ink from building up on the typefaces.
- Improve typing clarity.
- Preserve the appearance of your machine.
- Extend the life of your typewriter.
Small amounts of maintenance performed regularly are far more effective than waiting until heavy build-up occurs.
Cleaning the Keytops
The keytops collect natural skin oils, fingerprints and dust over time.
Fortunately, they require very little maintenance.
Simply wipe them gently using:
✔ A clean, dry cloth.
or
✔ A microfiber cloth.
That's all.
No special cleaners are required.
Regular wiping keeps the keys looking clean while protecting their finish.
Never Use Chemicals
This is one of the most important rules in the RR Typewriter Bible.
Never use chemicals on your typewriter keys.
Avoid using:
- Alcohol
- Glass cleaner
- Soap
- Plastic polish
- Surface disinfectants
- Household cleaning sprays
- Solvents
- Abrasive cleaners
Although these products may seem harmless, liquids can seep beneath the keytops and eventually reach internal mechanical components.
Your manual typewriter was never designed to be cleaned with modern household chemicals.
A dry cloth is all that's required.
Cleaning the Typefaces
Every character you type comes from a small metal typeface, also known as a type slug.
Each time a key is pressed, the typeface strikes the ribbon against the paper, transferring ink to create the printed letter.
Over time, dried ribbon ink and tiny paper fibres gradually accumulate between the letters.
As this build-up increases, the printed characters may begin to appear:
- Fuzzy
- Filled in
- Less sharp
- Uneven
Cleaning the typefaces restores the crisp, well-defined impressions that manual typewriters are known for.
The Best Tool for the Job
At RR Typewriter Mart, every typewriter is supplied with a short-handle hard nylon brush.
This is the ideal tool for cleaning typefaces.
Simply brush across the letters gently to remove dried ribbon residue and dust.
There's no need to scrub aggressively.
The goal is to lift away the debris—not wear down the metal.
Be Gentle
The typefaces are precision-made components.
Avoid:
- Using excessive force.
- Striking them against hard objects.
- Scraping them with screwdrivers, knives or metal tools.
- Twisting or bending the typebars.
Gentle cleaning is always the safest approach.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
The answer depends on how frequently you use your manual typewriter.
As a general guide:
| Usage | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Occasional use | Clean every few months |
| Weekly use | Inspect monthly |
| Frequent writers | Clean whenever ink build-up becomes visible |
There's no fixed schedule.
Simply inspect the typefaces from time to time and clean them whenever residue becomes noticeable.
What If My Letters Still Look Faded?
If you've cleaned the typefaces but your typing still appears faint, the problem may not be the typefaces at all.
Check:
- Is the ribbon dry?
- Is the ribbon installed correctly?
- Is the ribbon advancing properly?
- Is the paper suitable?
- Does the machine require professional servicing?
Many print-quality issues are caused by the ribbon rather than the typefaces themselves.
Simple Habits Make a Big Difference
You don't need expensive products to keep your manual typewriter looking beautiful.
Regularly wiping the keys and occasionally brushing the typefaces takes only a few minutes but helps preserve both the appearance and performance of your machine.
Consistency is the key.
Workshop Wisdom from RR Typewriter Mart
Your fingers touch the keys, but your words begin at the typefaces.
Clean typefaces produce clean impressions.
A dry cloth is often the best cleaning tool you'll ever need.
If a cleaner belongs under your kitchen sink, it probably doesn't belong on your typewriter.
Continue Reading
Not all typewriters are maintained in the same way. Machines that are fifty, seventy, or even one hundred years old require additional care and patience.
Next Guide: Caring for Antique Typewriters – Preserving Mechanical History for Future Generations.