How to Clean & Care for Your Bijou Fountain Pen (Step-by-Step)

Introduction

Your Bijou Fountain Pen is a compact yet elegant writing tool: brass body with Snowfall lacquer, an intricately engraved grip, a two-tone No. 5 steel nib, and a removable feeder unit + standard international size ink converter. 

Because the Bijou has a removable feeder and is designed for serviceability, cleaning it is relatively straightforward. Here’s how to do it well — and treat it kindly.

When to Clean the Bijou

• Routine flush: Every 2–4 weeks if you use it regularly.

• Switching colours (especially shimmering or pigmented inks): Clean beforehand to avoid cross-contamination.

• After inactivity: If your pen has sat unused for a few weeks or months, it can help to soak the nib/feeder to loosen dried ink.

• If you notice flow problems: Hard starts, skipping, or pale lines are clues it’s time for a cleaning

What You’ll Need

• Cool or room temperature water (never hot)

• Soft cloth or lint-free paper towel

• (Optional) Bulb syringe or pipette for extra flushing

• A container (cup or small jar) for soaking

Step 1: Disassemble Gently

1. Unscrew the barrel from the grip section to expose the converter (twist the grip/section away from the body).

2. Pull the converter off the grip assembly.

3. For deeper cleaning: remove the nib + feeder unit, as the Bijou’s feeder is removable. (This gives you better access to clean all ink passages.) 

4. Lay all parts (nib, feeder, section, barrel, converter) on your soft cloth so they don’t roll away or get lost.

Be gentle with threads and lacquer — avoid forcing pieces apart.

Step 2: Rinse Nib + Feeder

• Hold (or submerge) nib + feeder under cool running water and gently flush until the water runs clear.

• If ink residue persists (especially after long storage or with shimmering inks), soak nib + feeder in a cup of water for 30 min to an hour (or more) to help dissolve dried pigment.

• You may use a bulb syringe to push water through the feed channels to help dislodge stubborn ink.

Step 3: Flush the Converter

• Attach the converter (if detached) and flush water through it repeatedly — fill and empty it until the outflow is clear.

• Do not force it — just repeat the cycle patiently.

Note: Some Bijou users have reported there’s a spring or agitator inside the converter to help with ink mixing. That’s normal.

Step 4: Dry Everything Thoroughly

• Pat each part dry gently with your soft cloth or paper towel.

• Then leave all parts to air dry completely (several hours or more) before reassembly. Even a single droplet of water left inside can dilute your ink or cause flow issues.

Step 5: Reassemble and Refill

1. Reattach the feeder + nib (if you removed them) into the section. Make sure they seat cleanly.

2. Insert the converter back onto the grip assembly.

3. Screw the barrel back onto the grip/section.

4. To fill:

   • Twist the end knob to fully depress the piston of the converter.

   • Submerge the entire nib (nib + feeder) into your bottle of ink.

   • Slowly twist the converter piston to draw ink in until full.

   • It’s normal to see small air pockets at the top of the converter. 

   • Wipe off any excess ink from the nib before writing.

Bijou-Specific Care Tips

• Do not post the cap while writing. The Bijou is designed to be balanced without the cap posted, and the cap threads (made of brass) could scratch or wear the lacquer if posted.

• The cap threads are brass — posting might damage the finish.

• Store the pen upright, nib pointing up when not in use, to reduce the risk of ink clogs.

• With sparkling or shimmer inks, consider cleaning more often. Their mica particles or pigments can be more prone to clogging.
  

FAQ: The Bijou Fountain Pen

1. Can I soak the Bijou nib overnight?

Yes — the Bijou’s nib and feeder can be safely soaked in cool water for several hours or overnight.

2. Can I use shimmering inks in the Bijou?

Yes — the Bijou performs beautifully with shimmer and special inks.
Because it has a smaller No. 5 nib, clean it more frequently (every 1–2 weeks) to minimize buildup in the feed channels.

3. Can I post the cap while writing?

It’s best not to.
The Bijou is balanced for use without the cap posted, and posting could wear down the lacquer or brass threads over time.

4. How should I store my Bijou?

Keep it upright with the nib facing up when not in use.
If you won’t be writing for a while, clean and dry it first to prevent ink from drying inside.

5. What inks work best with the Bijou?

Any high-quality fountain pen ink will do, but Ferris Wheel Press inks are designed to complement the Bijou’s precision feed and nib size.
They offer balanced flow and vibrant colour that enhances your writing experience.