Cleaning your fountain pen regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep it writing smoothly and extend its life. Whether you're switching inks, storing a pen for a while, or troubleshooting a flow issue, a thorough clean is usually the answer. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Clean Your Fountain Pen?
Fountain pen ink can dry out inside the feed and nib if left unused, causing blockages and poor ink flow. Different inks can also react with each other if mixed, leading to sludge or permanent staining. Regular cleaning prevents these issues and keeps your pen performing at its best.
As a rule of thumb, clean your pen:
- Every 4–8 weeks during regular use
- Before switching to a different ink colour or brand
- Before storing a pen for more than a few weeks
- When ink flow becomes scratchy, inconsistent, or stops altogether
What You'll Need
- Clean, lukewarm water (not hot — heat can damage rubber sacs and seals)
- A bulb syringe or pen flush (optional but helpful for stubborn ink)
- A soft lint-free cloth or paper towel
- A small cup or bowl
How to Clean a Cartridge or Converter Pen
- Remove the cartridge or converter. Unscrew the barrel and pull out the ink source. Dispose of or store the cartridge, and empty the converter.
- Flush the nib and feed. Hold the nib section under a gentle stream of lukewarm water, or fill a cup and dip the nib in, drawing water up through the feed repeatedly until it runs clear.
- Use a bulb syringe if needed. For stubborn dried ink, attach a bulb syringe to the section and flush water through the feed from the back. This is particularly effective for iron gall or pigmented inks.
- Soak if necessary. For heavily stained nibs, soak the nib and section in a cup of clean water for a few hours or overnight. Change the water when it becomes heavily coloured.
- Dry thoroughly. Shake out excess water gently, then place the nib section on a lint-free cloth, nib down, and leave to air dry for several hours before reassembling.
How to Clean a Piston Filler Pen
Piston fillers (such as the Pelikan Souverän or LAMY 2000) are cleaned in the same way, but you use the piston mechanism itself to flush water through:
- Empty any remaining ink by twisting the piston to expel it.
- Dip the nib into a cup of clean water and draw it up using the piston.
- Expel the water and repeat until it runs clear.
- Leave the pen uncapped with the nib pointing down on a cloth to dry.
How to Clean an Eyedropper Pen
Eyedropper pens hold ink directly in the barrel. Empty the barrel completely, then rinse it with clean water several times using a bulb syringe or by filling and emptying. Clean the nib section separately as above. Ensure the barrel is completely dry before refilling to avoid diluting your ink.
Tips for Stubborn Ink
- Iron gall inks can stain and corrode if left too long. Clean iron gall pens more frequently — every 2–4 weeks.
- Shimmer inks (with metallic particles) need thorough flushing as particles can settle in the feed. A bulb syringe is strongly recommended.
- Pigmented inks should be cleaned promptly as they can dry and clog permanently.
- Pen flush solution can help dissolve stubborn residue — add a few drops to your rinse water for a deeper clean.
How Often Should You Clean?
For everyday writers using standard dye-based inks, a clean every 4–8 weeks is sufficient. If you use iron gall, shimmer, or pigmented inks, clean more frequently. Always clean before long-term storage.
Shop Cleaning Accessories
We stock a range of pen cleaning accessories at Pure Pens, including bulb syringes, pipettes, and empty bottles — everything you need to keep your pens in perfect condition.
If you're having persistent issues with a pen, get in touch — we're always happy to help troubleshoot.