- Last 7 days
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.comPressure1
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reply to u/Omega48boar at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1knsgn8/pressure/
I was wondering what the upper limit psi would be for blowing out the gunk using an air compressor.
The highest air compressor pressures may be determined by your particular compressor's (or air canister's) maximum output as well as the maximum suggested output for any accessories you're attaching to it. Many basic air gun attachments have a max PSI of around 100 PSI even when the compressor will produce much higher outputs.
Generally I find that for most benchwork on typewriters anywhere from 50-100 PSI is generally more than sufficient.
Depending on the condition of your surroundings, I recommend putting a towel (or similar material) underneath your typewriter with a solid backstop so that if any springs, screws, or other valuable parts are blown loose, they're caught pretty quickly by the towel rather than flying across the room or down onto the floor out of sight.
Higher pressure settings may be useful in some cases. One should always take care to be wearing protective garments and eyewear to prevent being spattered with caustic chemicals. Similarly protecting plastics, paint, and decals on your typewriter with appropriate cover is advised with some solvents.
Operating the compressor, which can cause sparks as well as heat, at a reasonable distance from potential flammable vapors is also a mandatory safety precaution. Using volatile solvents frequently seen in typewriter cleaning procedures should only be done in the open in a well-ventilated area using appropriate masks to prevent inhalation of vapors. Long term exposure to vapors of substances like lacquer thinner can cause lung damage, COPD, and other adverse health effects.
For extended usage pending the sorts of air gun tips which might be used for typewriter cleaning, one is also well advised to use ear protection to prevent long term hearing damage/loss.
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Everyone mentioned most of the usual tricks, but one.
To get your sticky typewriter keys working again, while you're flushing out the segment with your solvent of choice (lacquer thinner, paint thinner, mineral spirits, alcohol, etc.), actually move the typebars using the keys or by other means. This will help to get them moving and allow the solvent and subsequently compressed air to help flush the oil, dust, hair, etc. out of your machine. You've already got a mechanical cleaning device of sorts (the typebar itself) inside the segment, so move it while you're flushing it out!
It may take a few repeated treatments/attempts to get it all clear for all the keys, but it's far easier than taking everything apart.
reply to u/nogaesallowed at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1cp75ln/how_do_you_clean_a_1mm_gap/
People were recommending all sorts of ideas and solvents here, including folded card stock, tooth brushes, floss, toothpicks, interdental brushes, wood cuticle sticks, Swiss Army knife tweezers, microbrushes, and even an ultrasonic cleaner.
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- May 2025
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Oxidized Metal on Typewriters, White Powder Substance Removed Cleaned by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
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Royal Futura 800 Typewriter Plastic Key Top White Crud Removal Cleaning Servicing by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
For the white, crusty out gassing (or off gassing) on plastic typewriter keys, Duane recommends a round or two of Simple Green with a stiff bristle brush. Follow this up with a scrub down using WD-40 to displace the water from the Simple Green and then follow up with denatured alcohol, which is safe on plastics, and a wipe down with a rag to dry.
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- Apr 2025
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Typewriter expert shares 8 helpful advice to take care of your typewriter. by [[Mr. & Mrs. Vintage Typewriters]]
Tipp-Ex correction paper
Don't bathe your typewriter
Leave oil to the professionals. "Never oil it." (Wow!) - I get why he says this, but...
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In the US, you can get one hundred 4" mascara brushes for around $5. Eye Tees (cottton swabs with a firm point on one end and a flat tip on the other) cost roughly the same. You'll find them at most beauty supply stores or online. These get into tight spaces. Dipped in mineral spirits (or whichever solvent you've come to like), the brush gets the stuff loose and the Tee wipes it away. Blasting air helps as well. Works for me. Others will have other ideas.
via u/scmowner
https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1jyr2hc/the_best_way_to_get_rid_of_all_this_gunk/
Colloquial advice to use 4" mascara brushes as a replacement for a segment pick for cleaning out typewriters.
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- Mar 2025
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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Old school repair guys used a lot of different stuff that's no longer available due to being... Not good. Ha. But naphta was one that's still widely available as white gas aka "coleman/camping fuel" Essentially naphtha with stabilizers to keep it from going bad. Mineral spirits works as well, but naphtha leaves less residue in my experience. Lacquer thinner is good for especially stubborn crap and cleaning slugs, but evaporates really fast and the fumes are no bueno. Alternatively; non toxic degreasing cleaners like simple green are usually my preferred method of cleaning up especially gross machines. Typically very safe on paint finishes and internals, just make sure to keep it off the decals. (It can and WILL erase them if it sits for more than 10 secs) Really though, nothing beats air and a long handled "paint" brush. My air compressor and blow out tube are some of my most cherished tools.
quote from Nashville Typewriter
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Cleaning with Air Compressors (testing portable air compressors) by [[Just My Typewriter]]
Sarah Everett uses: - Porter Cable portable air compressor (loud, high powered) - Uses smaller USB chargeable one for smaller jobs: PeroBuno mini car vacuum and compressor with attachments
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Sarah Everett recommends the Vogma air duster / air compressor for cleaning out her typewriters. https://amzn.to/3FjqZ76
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How to Clean a Typewriter (Apartment Friendly Guide!) by [[Just My Typewriter]]
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- Jan 2025
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www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
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He is sure they can be working again after a paraffin bath to clean up accumulated gunge and some careful plier work to straighten bent keys.
Alan Thorpe cleans his Perkins Braillers in a paraffin bath.
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- Nov 2024
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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It's the story of convenience seen everywhere. Could you clean your machine with household items like isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip? Sure. Are mineral spirits better solvents in combination with compressed air for doing this? Definitely.
People will tend toward the least common denominator for doing what is cheapest and easiest for their time, location, expediency, availability of materials, level of knowledge, and experience.
The trade off may be long term life of the typewriter with respect to risk of rust, corrosion, or other potential issues.
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It only means, your caps lock key is a tiny bit sticky. If you want to, give a drop of barbecue igniting fluid to the hinge. This will flush the grime out.
https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1grn0jx/just_found_an_unmentioned_feature_on_my_sg3/
Suggestion to use "barbecue igniting fluid"! 🤣
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www.austintypewriterink.com www.austintypewriterink.com
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Do not "dunk wash" your machine. Though some may debate, it is our opinion that this actually does more harm than good. Rusted parts will flash-rust, grime cannot be removed without violent agitation and no matter how thorough you are, you will never get all the water out.
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Mineral spirits are still the best for cleaning non-painted metal parts. Magic in a bottle, this is! Be careful to avoid getting it on painted surfaces, rubber, and/or plastic bits.
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- Oct 2024
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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Zippo Lighter Fluid (Naphtha)
While Zippo lighter fluid (Naphtha) is a bit more expensive per ounce than other solvents (mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, et al), it does usually come packaged in a dispensing container that may make it easier to dispense in a directed method into the internals of typewriters for cleaning them out.
The other benefit is that some may have it on hand for general household use without needing to make a separate trip to the hardware store.
via, but not really directly suggested by https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g9ntnj/lubricant_reccomendations/
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Local file Local file
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Cylinders and feed rollers may be cleaned,and the rubber rejuvenated, by wiping themwith denatured alcohol. Just do this whennecessary, as too much alcohol counteractsits own good effects.
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Beforegivingamachineabathingasolinewithsomemachineoiladded,removerubberfeet,ribbon, andifpossible,thecarriage.
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Cakedinkmayberemovedwithtypeputty,alcohol,carbontetrachloride,oroneoftheproprietarydry-cleaningfluids,appliedwithabrush.Pressthetypeputtyontothetype,peelitoff,andthecakedinkcomeswithit.Ifyouusealiquid,firstliftthetypeandputpaperunderitto prevent dirt from dripping into the machine. When using type-cleaning fluid, be sure toWipe the type dry with a cloth before using the place paper under type to prevent dirt frommachine again.
dry cleaning solvents in 1941 were likely Varsol or Stoddard's Formula.
compare to trichloroethane<br /> https://hypothes.is/a/EyBIAFXAEe-AcP-Atlj_aQ
Note discontinuation of carbon tetrachloride<br /> https://hypothes.is/a/bfdi_I90Ee-OQLN0HpsE7Q
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Royal Quiet DeLuxe Typewriter Complete Total Body Removal by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]
Gerren uses a Weaver gunsmith screwdriver set for most of his screwdriver needs. [5:00]
On the newer QDLs two of the screws for removing the rear plate are accessible from the top underneath the carriage instead of all on the rear.
The screws for the front body plate can be loosened and don't need to be fully removed to take the body plate off of the machine.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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quietly cleaning a quiet deluxe by [[Just My Typewriter]]
Cleaning the case, exterior and some of interior of a Royal Quiet De Luxe typewriter. She does a somewhat minimal job here.
She could have disassembled a bit more and done a better job with a toothbrush and mineral spirits on the inside.
Not a horrible recommendation for a beginner, but could have gone further and been a bit more comprehensive.
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www.amsterdamtypewriter.com www.amsterdamtypewriter.com
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https://www.amsterdamtypewriter.com/en-us/products/typewriter-care-kit-diy
Amsterdam Typewriter's kit contains all the following essentials:<br /> * Brass wire brush (for cleaning the typeface) * Natural bristled brush (general cleaning purposes) * Microfiber cotton cloth (for polishing, gentle to paint) * New ribbon (black, red or black or purple color) * 3 compact cotton tissues (disposable, soak in cleaner or mild soap solution to clean typewriter) * Alcohol spray for cleaning (removes ink, oxidation, stains, surface rust) * Deodorizing spray (for disinfection and removing odor from cases and felt lining) * 10 Special cotton buds with long reach (do not leave cotton strings behind) * Our miracle polishing paste (wonderfully revives paint, also polishes on metal, paint, glass, fiberglass, plastic) * Leather rolling pouch for carrying * Comfy cotton bag for storage * Checklist for cleaning * Copy of manual with tips on cleaning of your typewriter and detailed steps
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- Sep 2024
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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#401B Nu-trol Control Cleaner for Electronics, a specialty cleaner
Nu-trol is a a degreaser/cleaner which also has a bit of oil in it as well for cleaning and oiling the rails, mainspring, and friction points of a typewriter. Follow up with compressed air to knock off the excess.
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The Royal Ten (and later standard typewriters in the line) have a mechanism such that when the carriage is advanced it causes the ribbon to advance simultaneously. Sometimes this mechanism can be gummed up with oil causing issues with ribbon advance. Hitting it with lacquer thinner and/or Nu-trol can free this up.
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Royal 10 Manual Typewriter Carriage Flush and Lube, Basic Procedure by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
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delivery-dan 2 points3 points4 points 6 hours ago (1 child)Mineral spirits with just a touch of transmission fluid. Used to own typewriter repair shop large parts washer with mineral spirits with transfluid strip off case and submerged in fluid ti clean then air blower to dry and reassemble. Wd 40 marvel mystery oil will only be temp fit and become worse over time.
Some advice on cleaning typewriters from someone who previously had a typewriter shop.
Recommendation: mineral spirits with a touch of transmission fluid.
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Typewriter Clear Plastic Card Guide Holder Clean Polish White Out Dirt Restore by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
For cleaning white out off of the clear plastic on card guides try the following: - scrape with fingernail<br /> - Simple Green - Marvel Mystery Oil (from automotive shops) followed by lacquer thinner in miniscule amounts (one drop). The oil helps protect the plastic from melting from the lacquer thinner. Rinse and repeat.
Others have indicated that floor wax stripper will remove white out without damaging the plastic of the card guides.
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Fossilized Masking Tape Removed Cleaned from Typewriter Body by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
The paint on the metal of the SMC 6 series typewriters will generally stand up well to lacquer thinner and along with scratching can be used to remove the old residual masking tape often found on these typewriters.
WD-40, gun bore cleaner, and Simple Green generally don't do much to this sort of tape residue.
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- Aug 2024
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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The case FOR WD-40 use in typewriters by [[Thom Cholowski]] in Antique Typewriter Maintenance Group
Some thorough colloquial and unreferenced, but reasonably scientific advice about the use of WD-40 to clean typewriters, particularly with respect to water displacement.
Once used for cleaning typewriter internals, WD-40 needs to be flushed out with kerosene or naphtha.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Royal KH Vintage Antique Typewriter Cleaning Wash Glossy Black Enamel Paint Tobacco removal by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
This is a fantastic advertisement for why one shouldn't smoke. The brown is just the part that settled on the typewriter and is just a tiny fraction of what entered the typist's body.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Revisiting my first typewriter restoration... by [[Just My Typewriter]]
Interesting to see someone with some broader experience looking back at what they'd done before and describing how they'd do it now.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Cleaning Type Slugs Fast ! Removing Clogged Dirty Ink Typewriter Service How to Shine Those Faces by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
Duane cleans type slugs by draping the typewriter with cloths and then using a metal bristle brush and lacquer thinner. Small picks or an X-Acto knife can help to remove gunk from the interiors of the closed letters.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Underwood Typewriter Black Matte Paint Wash & Shine Process Clean Restore Luster No Decal Damage by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
How Duane cleans black matte paint and crinkle finished typewriters: Simple Green and a stiff brush, dry, then finish off by brushing in oil or WD-40 and wiping down.
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I've thought about Silly Putty for cleaning type before, but Sarah recommends using it as well.
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crawfordtool.com crawfordtool.com
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crawfordtool.com crawfordtool.com
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Lube-All Oiler LA124 Triple Pack, 1 oz, 2 oz and 4 oz Bottles with Flexible Spout and In Cap Shut-off Valve<br /> https://crawfordtool.com/products/lube-all-oiler-la124-triple-pack-1-oz-2-oz-and-4-oz-bottles-with-flexible-spout-and-in-cap-shut-off-valve?variant=42824191901937
Bottles that could be useful for dispensing either oil or lacquer thinner/mineral spirits.
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- Jul 2024
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DIY Restoring Yellowed Plastic Featuring Royal Mercury Typewriter
Yellowed plastics can be treated with sunshine (or other UV light for several days) and hydrogen peroxide (3%) to repair the yellowing.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Typewriter Platen Cleaning How to Clean Feed and Bail Rollers Rejuvenate Remove Ink by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
Duane is obviously a fan of lacquer thinner for cleaning platens and feed rollers.
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Olympia SM Typewriter Wash, Scrub Clean Lid Cover, Restore Paint by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]
Simple Green gets off most dirt and nicotine as well as some White Out. Duane uses Nu-Trol Control Cleaner (for electronics) as a mild specialty cleaner for tougher White Out cleaning.
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COMPLETE Olympia SM1/2/3/4/5/7 Typewriter Build/Service/Tune up Series- Part 1 by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]
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It can be useful to take some mineral spirits, naphtha, or paint thinner and a tooth brush (or, even better, a brass bristle brush) to your typeface every now and then to clean the ink, dirt, paper, bits of ribbon, dust, etc. out of it. Doing it after changing ribbon is always a good idea. If you're really hard pressed, nail polish remover (acetone) or rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball along with a small pin tip for the loops of letters like 'a', 'o', 'p', 'g', etc. can be used.
How well (or not) your typewriter works from a print perspective can also change with the type of paper you're using, what your ribbon is made out of (usually nylon, silk, or cotton), how much ink it's got in it and how old/worn it may be. A good backing sheet behind your typing paper can also be helpful.
reply to u/kirrachristine at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dtuksy/one_letter_weirdly_thicksmudged/ RE: one letter weirdly thick/smudged
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- Jun 2024
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Smith-Corona 5-Series Touch Adjustment by [[Joe Van Cleave]]
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.comYouTube1
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tsesaraheverett3.wixsite.com tsesaraheverett3.wixsite.com
- May 2024
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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To be more specific on solvents for beginners, potentially try mineral spirits (white spirit in UK), paint thinner, naphtha (lighter fluid), kerosene, varnish remover, PB B'laster, or carburetor or brake cleaner. Be careful as many of these are flammable and some can remove paint or decals; use all of them in a well ventilated area. You may see some recommend household variations of alcohol, but these do contain water and generally aren't very effective solvents for the types of oil/grease/dust you'll probably want to remove; professional typewriter repair shops would not use alcohol on a machine. And for those in the back, no one but a psychopath would use WD-40 on a machine's internals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjumGF9NFE8 is a pretty solid cleaning primer. Searching YouTube will uncover some potential additional advice in addition to what you can find at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html
Good luck. That's a lovely machine!
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https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/21zpri/what_you_should_know_before_cleaning_your/
Note the stated 33 year experience as typewriter repairman
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You will notice that manual was printed in 1920. Gas was the only cleaner available then. In just one more year in 1921 Stoddards Formula was invented (Varsol) for the dry cleaning business. Everything changed then and Varsol was the cleaner of choice.
should find a better reference
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Typewriter 101: THE CLEANING GUIDE! by [[Just My Typewriter]]
A solid primer for cleaning typewriters
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it is not mold; it is plasticizers coming out of the plastic. I remove it with various means: alcohol, polishing with a very fine polish, Goo Gone™, naptha, and such.
The white gunky substances seen on the plastic keys of old, unmaintained typewriters generally isn't mold, but plasticizers coming out of the plastic. These can usually be cleaned off using simple household cleaning products or if necessary heavier cleaners (Goo Gone, alcohol, naptha, etc. - test these on hidden parts first to ensure they don't react with or destroy the plastic or remove the paint of the key letters) followed up by light waxes or polishes and buffing.
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ber10thal.com ber10thal.com
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Speaking of the keys, they had crap all around them. I used a slightly damp towel and Turtle wax rubbing compound. A light rubbing removed the dirt.
Wiping dirty plastic typewriter keys with a soft cloth and then waxing/buffing them can bring them back to life.
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Here it’s outside being cleaned with Mineral Spirits, and carb and choke cleaner. I took one trip to the eye doctor when the carb and choke cleaner bounced and sprayed into both my eyes. I was fine, but wear eye protection.
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The feed rollers and platen were also a mess. I cleaned them with Bar Keepers Friend and water. Soft scrub also works.
Cleans them but probably doesn't repair them.
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- May 2023
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbGUVjOF2uw
He still seems iffy about the value of using WD-40 on crinkle cut finish, primarily because of the smell.
Others use brass bristle brushes for applying the WD-40 instead of nylon brushes.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Hermes Rocket Typewriter Case Cleaning — Crazy Results, Simple Tools
A few hours with some mild soap and water and a toothbrush will clean up most of a plastic typewriter case.
A mild solvent like isopropyl alcohol can generally get the remainder of any tough spots or gummy spills.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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WD-40 for Crinkle Finish Typewriters — Does it work??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz1t6QtARyI
WD-40, which has paraffin wax as an ingredient, can be brushed onto the crinkle finish of a typewriter to clean it up and give it some shine. Use a rag to wipe off excess and take care not to get any in the segment comb. The difference on a generally clean typewriter appears to be negligible and primarily results in a WD-40 smell.
Would something like Armor All work better? Car wax might also work as well. Powder coating polish could work, but it may act as a gentle abrasive as it is also meant to lift stains.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Typewriter Cleaning and Repair Basics #2 Type Bars, Case, and Crinkle Finish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82O_iUAI5og
Segment comb cleaning - isopropyl alcohol (gentler solvent) - odorless mineral spirits - Lacquer thinner (maybe a bit too aggressive) - naphtha (lighter fluid) take care for flammability and ventilation
Work solvent into bearing between type bar and segment comb. To dry things out one can used compressed air when done or just air dry.
If sticking keys not due to being gummed up, bend portions slightly for better alighment.
Do not lubricate the segment comb.
Only lubricate the carriage rails when necessary.
Exterior cleaning
Brass bristle or nylon bristle brushes (toothbrushes) can be used to clean the exterior of the typewriter and/or cases with mild detergents or other solvents. Depending on the finish, try the brush and solvent on a small portion to determine colorfastness and potential scratching first.
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Typewriter Cleaning and Repair Basics #1 Assessment and Testing
Recommends against any lubrication on the key mechanism, just keep it clean. Lubrication in some cases may actually gum up the works and cause the keys to return slowly.
He suggests Krud Kutter as a cleaner/degreaser.
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- Apr 2023
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www.typewriters101.com www.typewriters101.com
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Rubbing alcohol or WD-40 for cleaning out light rust, oil, dirt and grime.
Use Rem-Oil for oiling typewriters
Toothpaste and toothbrush is great for cleaning crinkle paint on typewriters.
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