Typewriter Care and Maintenance Bible

Welcome to the RR Typewriter Bible

The Complete Typewriter Care & Maintenance Knowledge Base

Owning a manual typewriter is unlike owning any modern machine. Every keystroke, every carriage return, and every mechanical movement is powered by hundreds of precisely engineered components working together in perfect harmony. With the right care, a well-built typewriter can continue typing beautifully for generations. Without proper maintenance, however, even a minor issue such as accumulated dust or incorrect handling can gradually affect its performance.

At RR Typewriter Mart, we've spent decades restoring, repairing, servicing, and preserving manual typewriters, portable typewriters, standard typewriters, and vintage typewriters from around the world. Throughout those years, we've seen one common pattern: most problems aren't caused by age—they're caused by incorrect maintenance or a lack of basic knowledge.

That's exactly why we created the RR Typewriter Mart Bible.

This isn't just another online article. It's a growing knowledge base dedicated entirely to typewriter care and maintenance, designed to help every typewriter owner—from first-time users and collectors to writers and institutions—understand how to properly care for their machines.

Whether you've recently purchased your first typing machine or you've owned one for decades, this guide will help you develop the right habits to keep your machine operating smoothly for years to come.

What You'll Learn

The RR Typewriter Bible is organised into dedicated guides, each covering a specific aspect of typewriter care and maintenance in detail.

Inside this knowledge base, you'll find comprehensive articles on:

  • Daily Typewriter Care – Simple habits that keep your typewriter performing at its best.
  • Cleaning Your Typewriter – The correct way to remove dust, clean typefaces, keytops, and exterior surfaces without causing damage.
  • Why You Should Never Oil a Typewriter – Understanding one of the biggest myths in typewriter maintenance and why incorrect lubrication can create more problems than it solves.
  • Proper Typewriter Storage – Best practices for protecting your machine from dust, moisture, sunlight, and long-term deterioration.
  • Transporting a Typewriter Safely – How to move, carry, and ship your typewriter while minimising the risk of damage.
  • Typewriter Ribbon Care – Everything you need to know about ribbons, their lifespan, replacement, storage, and proper handling.
  • Cleaning Typewriter Keys & Typefaces – Safe methods for maintaining crisp typing impressions and preserving the appearance of your keyboard.
  • Caring for Antique Typewriters – Special considerations for preserving older and historically significant machines.
  • When Should You Service Your Typewriter? – Learn how servicing intervals vary depending on usage and recognise the signs that professional maintenance may be required.
  • DIY Repairs vs Professional Repairs – Understanding what owners can safely do themselves and when it's best to consult an experienced typewriter technician.
  • Common Typewriter Mistakes – Avoid the most frequent maintenance errors that can lead to unnecessary repairs.
  • Signs Your Typewriter Needs Servicing – Troubleshoot common symptoms before they become major problems.
  • Typewriter Maintenance Checklist – A practical maintenance schedule to help keep your machine in excellent working condition.
  • Workshop Wisdom – Practical advice, tips, and lessons learned from years of restoring and servicing typewriters at RR Typewriter Mart.

Built on Experience, Not Guesswork

Every recommendation in the RR Typewriter Bible is based on practical workshop experience. Rather than relying on myths, assumptions, or outdated advice, we've compiled techniques and maintenance practices that have proven effective through years of working with thousands of manual typewriters.

Our goal is simple: to help you protect your investment, preserve a piece of mechanical history, and enjoy the unique experience of typing on a manual typewriter for many years to come.

Whether you're here to learn how to clean your machine, store it correctly, replace a ribbon, or simply become a more knowledgeable typewriter owner, you're in the right place.

Welcome to the RR Typewriter Bible—your trusted companion for keeping every typewriter in exceptional condition, one keystroke at a time.