Because even the most noble nib deserves a cleaning.
A fountain pen is not merely a writing tool. It is a tiny, ink-sipping work of art with a flair for drama. Treat it well and it will reward you with velvety lines, impeccable flow, and the sort of handwriting that makes receipts feel like love letters.
The secret to keeping your pen in its best condition is delightfully simple: regular cleaning, done with a light touch and a little patience. No suspicious “hacks” involving dishwashers, boiling water, or interpretive shaking required.
Below is a straightforward, collector-friendly routine to keep your fountain pen performing like it’s just stepped out of its velvet-lined case.
When Should You Clean Your Fountain Pen?
Consider this your gentle reminder: pens are elegant, but they are not self-cleaning. Clean your fountain pen when:
- You are changing ink colours (especially from bold to pale, or shimmer to non-shimmer)
- The ink flow starts to feel dry, scratchy, or inconsistent
- You are putting the pen away for more than a week or two
- You have used a particularly saturated, shimmering, or heavily sheening ink
A quick rinse now saves you from a melodramatic clog later.
What You’ll Need
Assemble your cleaning kit. Nothing fancy, nothing frightening:
- Clean, cool water (lukewarm is fine; hot is not)
- A soft cloth or paper towel
- A cup or small bowl
- Your converter (or a bulb syringe, if you’re feeling very professional)
- Optional: a gentle pen flush (only if you have stubborn ink buildup)
If you use a converter, you’re already holding one of the best cleaning tools available. When in doubt, start here: Shop converter set →
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Fountain Pen (Converter Method)
1) Empty the pen
Remove the ink cartridge or converter and set it aside. If there’s ink remaining, decant responsibly or wipe it away with a soft cloth. This is a judgment-free zone, but do try not to baptise your desk.
2) Rinse the nib and feed
Hold the nib section under cool running water. Let water flow over the nib and feed until it runs mostly clear. You are not pressure-washing a driveway; keep it gentle.
3) Flush using the converter
Attach the converter to the grip section (where you normally would to fill ink). Draw clean water into the converter, then expel it through the nib. Repeat until the water runs clear.
4) Soak if needed
If ink is being stubborn or you’ve been writing with shimmering inks, soak the nib section in a cup of clean water for 30 minutes to a few hours. Replace the water if it becomes heavily tinted.
5) Dry thoroughly
Pat the nib section with a soft cloth, then leave it to air dry completely. For best results, place it nib-down on a paper towel so lingering water can escape gracefully.
Once everything is dry, reassemble, ink up, and enjoy that fresh-start flow.
Cartridge Users: The Simple Rinse Routine
If you use cartridges, you can still clean beautifully. The steps are similar:
- Remove the cartridge.
- Rinse the nib and feed under cool water.
- Soak the nib section if needed.
- Dry fully before inserting a new cartridge.
If you want the easiest upgrade for cleaning (and ink variety), a converter is your new best friend. Shop converter set →
Cleaning Tips for Collectors Who Rotate Pens Often
- Clean before switching colours: Especially if moving from dark to light, or shimmer to non-shimmer.
- Avoid hot water: Heat can warp or weaken components over time.
- Be patient with drying: Water left inside can dilute ink and affect flow.
- Don’t disassemble what you don’t need to: If it isn’t designed to come apart, let it remain dignified.
A well-kept fountain pen writes better, lasts longer, and looks far more impressive when you dramatically uncap it in public.
Recommended Pens to Keep in Rotation
If your collection is due for a new starring role, consider these favourites:
- Explore all fountain pens: Shop fountain pens →
- For playful everyday writing: The Carousel Fountain Pens →
- For refined, statement-making sessions: The Joule Fountain Pens →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use soap to clean my fountain pen?
Plain water is usually enough. If ink has built up, a purpose-made pen flush is safer than household soaps, which may leave residue.
How long should I soak my nib?
Start with 30 minutes. For stubborn ink, a few hours is fine, refreshing the water as it becomes tinted. If you are soaking overnight, keep it in clean water and avoid harsh solutions.
Why does my pen write lighter after cleaning?
A little water may still be inside. Let the pen dry longer, or write a few lines until the ink reaches full strength again.