Cleaning Your Typewriter

A clean manual typewriter is a reliable manual typewriter.

Whether you own a portable typewriter, standard typewriter, vintage typewriter, or antique typewriter, regular cleaning is one of the simplest yet most important aspects of typewriter care and maintenance. Dust, paper fibres, lint, and dried ribbon residue slowly accumulate over time, affecting both the appearance and performance of your machine.

The good news is that keeping a typewriter clean doesn't require expensive equipment or specialist products. With the right tools, a little patience, and a consistent routine, you can preserve your typewriter for many years to come.

At RR Typewriter Mart, every machine that enters our workshop is carefully inspected and cleaned before servicing or restoration. We've seen beautifully preserved typewriters that are over fifty years old simply because their owners followed good maintenance practices. We've also seen newer machines suffer unnecessary problems due to incorrect cleaning methods.

This guide will help you clean your manual typewriter safely without risking damage to its delicate mechanical components.

Why Cleaning Matters

Unlike modern electronic keyboards, a manual typewriter is a precision mechanical machine made up of hundreds of moving parts. Every key press activates the typebars, segment, carriage, escapement, drawband, and numerous other components.

Over time, dust and debris find their way into these mechanisms. Left unattended, this build-up can lead to:

Sticky typebars
Sluggish key movement
Reduced typing performance
Poor print quality
Premature wear of moving parts

Regular cleaning prevents these issues and helps maintain the smooth operation your typewriter was designed to deliver.

Dust Is Your Biggest Enemy

If there's one thing every typewriter owner should protect their machine from, it's dust.

Dust may seem harmless, but it settles into every exposed opening of your typing machine. With each keystroke, tiny vibrations allow dust to travel deeper into the mechanism, where it gradually interferes with the movement of precision parts.

Here's a fact we often share with customers at RR Typewriter Mart:

Even a single human hair can make a typebar feel sticky or slow.

Now imagine what months or years of accumulated dust can do.

The best solution isn't complicated.

Remove dust regularly before it has the chance to build up.

The Right Cleaning Tools

You don't need a toolbox full of expensive equipment.

In fact, a few simple tools are more than enough.

Long-Handle Soft Nylon Brush

Every typewriter purchased from RR Typewriter Mart includes a complimentary long-handle nylon brush.

This brush is ideal for:

Removing loose dust
Cleaning around the keyboard
Dusting the carriage
Cleaning body panels
General exterior maintenance

Its soft nylon bristles lift dust without scratching painted surfaces.

Short-Handle Hard Nylon Brush

The second complimentary brush has firmer nylon bristles.

Its purpose is different.

It's designed specifically for cleaning:

Typefaces
Type slugs
Dried ribbon ink
Letter impressions

These slightly firmer bristles remove residue far more effectively than extremely soft brushes.

Can I Use a Paint Brush?

Yes—but choose carefully.

A good-quality paint brush with durable nylon bristles can work well for general dust removal.

However, avoid very cheap paint brushes.

Many have overly soft bristles that simply glide over the dust instead of removing it effectively.

When cleaning a manual typewriter, quality tools make the job easier and safer.

Never Dig Deep Into the Mechanism

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is trying to force a brush deep into the machine.

Don't.

Inside your manual typewriter are delicate springs, hooks, clips, and finely adjusted linkages.

Accidentally dislodging one of these components can affect the operation of the machine.

Brush gently.

Guide dust out of the mechanism.

Never force anything inside.

Using a Microfiber Cloth

A clean microfiber cloth is excellent for exterior cleaning.

Use it to wipe:

Side panels
Body panels
Space bar
Carrying case
Painted surfaces

Microfiber safely removes fingerprints and dust without damaging the finish.

However, avoid pushing cloth deep into the internal mechanism.

That's not what it's designed for.

Cleaning the Keys

Your typewriter keys naturally collect fingerprints and everyday dust.

Fortunately, cleaning them is simple.

Use:

A dry soft cloth

A clean microfiber cloth

That's all you need.

Never Use Chemicals on the Keys

This is extremely important.

Never use:

Alcohol
Glass cleaner
Soap
Plastic polish
Surface cleaners
Household sprays
Chemical cleaners

Liquids can seep beneath the keytops and eventually reach internal mechanical components.

Your manual typewriter doesn't need chemical cleaners.

It needs careful maintenance.

Cleaning the Typefaces

The typefaces are responsible for creating every printed letter on the page.

As the ribbon transfers ink during typing, small amounts of dried residue gradually build up on the letters.

Over time, this can reduce print clarity.

Using your short-handle hard nylon brush, gently brush each typeface to remove accumulated residue.

A few gentle strokes are all that's needed.

There's no need to scrub aggressively.

What About Cotton Buds?

Cotton buds can be useful for cleaning small, specific areas.

However, they shouldn't become your primary cleaning tool.

Trying to clean an entire manual typewriter with cotton buds is slow, inefficient, and unnecessary.

Use them only where precision is required.

Never Use Compressed Air

Many people reach for compressed air when they see dust.

Please don't.

A manual typewriter is not a computer keyboard.

Compressed air can:

Push dust deeper into the mechanism.
Disturb delicate springs.
Move fine adjustments.
Blow debris into areas that are difficult to access later.

Instead, use a proper nylon brush.

It takes a little more effort, but it's considerably safer.

As we like to say at RR Typewriter Mart:

Don't be a lazy person—do some work.

Your typewriter will thank you.

How Often Should You Clean Your Typewriter?

The frequency depends on how often you use it.

Usage	Cleaning Recommendation
Occasional use	Light cleaning every few weeks
Weekly use	Dust after every session and clean monthly
Frequent writers	Light dusting after each use and a thorough cleaning every two to three weeks
Display machines	Dust regularly even if not in use

Remember, dust doesn't stop accumulating simply because the machine isn't being used.

Workshop Wisdom

A clean typewriter is usually a reliable typewriter.

Dust never takes a day off, so neither should basic maintenance.

Cleaning doesn't repair a typewriter—it prevents it from needing repairs.

Don't be a lazy person—do some work. Five minutes with a brush is far better than a costly repair later.

Continue Reading

Now that your manual typewriter is clean, it's time to address one of the biggest myths in typewriter ownership.

Many people believe every typewriter needs regular oiling.

In reality, this advice has damaged countless machines.

Next Guide: Why You Should Never Oil a Typewriter.