Cleaning an Old Typewriter

How would you clean the keys, the actual letters that strike the ribbon, on an old typewriter? Carbon tetrachloride isn't around any more and it's nasty stuff anyway.

Eileen from Canton, OH

Answers:

Cleaning an Old Typewriter

How about OOPS or GoO Gone, or maybe WD-40, on a cloth or sponge (throw cloth/sponge away afterward). I used to use something with a play-doh like/putty-like consistency that was pressed on each key, but I don't know what it was called. (10/27/2005)

By Linda

Cleaning an Old Typewriter

In typing class we used a typewrite bud. that is the name that comes to mind anyway. it felt like play dough, it is usually red in color and is on a handle. i would think staples or office depot would sell them.
we also vacuumed it out and used a soft brush. (10/27/2005)

By Sandy

Cleaning an Old Typewriter

You might try rubbing alcohol on the keys, then a stiff brush. (10/27/2005)

By Robert

Cleaning an Old Typewriter

How about plain ol' rubbing alcohol on a gauze pad? (10/27/2005)

By Lynne

Cleaning an Old Typewriter

You could try using blue tack pressed into the keys and removed to lift off the ink - I don't know if it will work if it has been a long time since the keys were cleaned (10/27/2005)

By Sharyl

Cleaning an Old Typewriter

I remember using nail-polish remover and a stiff brush - back in the "olden days" (10/28/2005)

By Joan

Cleaning an Old Typewriter

We used to use a sheet of pink slightly "fuzzy" material that was fed into the typewriter like a sheet of paper. You then hit each key so that it struck the cleaning paper several times. Not sure how it worked or what it was made of, but it sure cleaned the keys. Has anyone come across this lately? We have an old typewriter in a legal office that sure could use it! (05/01/2007)

By Linda S.

Cleaning an Old Typewriter

I wrote my first magazine article on a typewriter. To clean the keys, use a soft toothbrush with rubbing alcohol when they are really dirty with ink and bits of paper stuck in the hollows of the letters. For "normal" cleaning, knead a lump of Silly Putty and stick it on the type keys to remove built up ink. They used to make a product like Silly Putty especially for typewriters, but Silly Putty always worked just as well. You can get several normal cleanings out of one Silly Putty egg. (10/05/2007)

By Robert M.

cleaning typewriters

Make sure, if you use WD40 or any solvent like sprays, to remove rubber belts, feet, and wheels. True rubber doesn't like certain complex cleaners. Best not to take chances with an old Underwood or anything Italian--especially prewar Italian. (01/16/2009)

By Conor