how do I clean typewriter keys?

  • Thread starter Thread starter aaronep
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A

aaronep

I know this is computer printer forum, but I cannot find a group for
typewriters, so am posting here.

My Olivetti typewriter's keys are filled with junk in the "e's",
"o's", "p's", etc.

what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?

Aaron
 
In message
I know this is computer printer forum, but I cannot find a group for
typewriters, so am posting here.

My Olivetti typewriter's keys are filled with junk in the "e's",
"o's", "p's", etc.

what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?

Aaron
Click to expand...

In olden days people used a stiff brush (often supplied with the
typewriter and clipped to the case, have a look). In this enlightened
age, a ball of 'blu tac' systematically pushed into the typeface and
withdrawn, then re-rolled and applied to the next letter, cleans it
very well and very quickly.
 
I know this is computer printer forum, but I cannot find a group for
typewriters, so am posting here.

My Olivetti typewriter's keys are filled with junk in the "e's",
"o's", "p's", etc.

what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?
Click to expand...

A toothbrush is messy but effective and cheap,
but cf. also Blue-Tack.
 
I know this is computer printer forum, but I cannot find a group for
typewriters, so am posting here.

My Olivetti typewriter's keys are filled with junk in the "e's",
"o's", "p's", etc.

what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?

Aaron
Click to expand...
Toothbrush and alcohol used to work for me.
gr
 
RCC said:
In message


In olden days people used a stiff brush (often supplied with the
typewriter and clipped to the case, have a look). In this enlightened
age, a ball of 'blu tac' systematically pushed into the typeface and
withdrawn, then re-rolled and applied to the next letter, cleans it very
well and very quickly.
Click to expand...

I recall some years ago that I used a tooth brush and a solvent like mineral
spirits or paint thinner, (not acetone or lacquer thinner), and put a little
on the key and the brush and brush away. However this is a little more
messy than 'blu tac' but it works. Any paint thinner you cannot wipe up
will evaporate in a day or so.

Dave
 
I recall some years ago that I used a tooth brush and a solvent like mineral
spirits or paint thinner, (not acetone or lacquer thinner), and put a little
on the key and the brush and brush away. However this is a little more
messy than 'blu tac' but it works. Any paint thinner you cannot wipe up
will evaporate in a day or so.
Click to expand...

Just don't light your cigarette by the typewriter in the meantime!


--
Nicolaas.


.... Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhoea --
massive, difficult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source
of mind-boggling amounts of shit when you least expect it.
 
They used to sell a mastic material for cleaning typewriter keys. It
looked a lot like the blue tack they sell now for putting posters
temporarily on the wall. You would knead it to make it pliable and it
was reusable until it got too dirty with ink. I bet the blue tack will
work fine, but once you use it on the typing keys, don't use it to mount
any papers, as it will stain them with the ink in it.

For tough buildup, you can use a sharp pin to pluck out the ribbon
residue and ink, but be very careful not to scratch the raised areas
that print the keystroke.

They used to make a typewriter key cleaning solvent which was made with
carbon tetrachloride and used a fuzzy applicator to clean the keys with,
but that stuff was taken off the market because it is a known carcinogen.

Art
 
I know this is computer printer forum, but I cannot find a group for
typewriters, so am posting here.

My Olivetti typewriter's keys are filled with junk in the "e's",
"o's", "p's", etc.

what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?

Aaron
Click to expand...
Maybe Scotch tape? It works for removing lint from clothing.
 
I know this is computer printer forum, but I cannot find a group for
typewriters, so am posting here.

My Olivetti typewriter's keys are filled with junk in the "e's",
"o's", "p's", etc.

what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?
Click to expand...
I don't have time to read through the messages to see if this was posted,
but what I used was an old tooth brush & lighter fluid. Dampen the brush &
wipe the keys in a cicular motion (filled letters). Use a tissue to shield
the area as the random surfaces will cause the ink to spatter.

HankG
 
HankG said:
news:5178a5b5-91f3-4dcb-96f7-20e710f0f67a@n20g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
Click to expand...
I don't have time to read through the messages to see if this was posted,
but what I used was an old tooth brush & lighter fluid. Dampen the brush
&
wipe the keys in a cicular motion (filled letters). Use a tissue to
shield
the area as the random surfaces will cause the ink to spatter.

HankG
Click to expand...

Lighter fluid is an another suitable solvent, naptha, I believe. Good
choice.
 
I know this is computer printer forum, but I cannot find a group for
typewriters, so am posting here.
My Olivetti typewriter's keys are filled with junk in the "e's",
"o's", "p's", etc.
what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?
Click to expand...

The grooves are usually painted inside with a good white paint. I use a
toothpick to wipe out the gross gunk, then I use isopropyl alcohol to
wipe down all key surfaces and the typewriter surfaces as well. Any
residual gunk can be cleared with a bit of tissue wrapped around the
toothpick, dipped i the alcohol, and used to clear gunk. Do not pry the
white pant, else it might come out too!

I might have misunderstood you, perhaps you mean the typeface of the
swinging printer key letters. These are cleaned similarly; with a
toothpick, using isopropyl alcohol, at least 70% and preferably 90%. An
alternative if paint thinner or lacquer thinner. The latter can dissolve
the paint on the enclosure surfaces and the touch keys, so use
sparingly. 90% isopropyl alcohol is the mst efficient solvent. You have
to partially depress the touch key so the the printhead key is exposed
half way to the platen. use yur other hand to hold it there , then with
the forst hand, maneuver the toothpick. A toothbrush also works well.
Scrub and pick out the letter printing key head depressions until
satisfied.

Angelo Campanella
 
what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?
Click to expand...


OOOOOOOPPPPS!!!

I forgot to tell you: Be VERY careful handling the exposed key, as the
slightest bend in these long and delicate key arms will most certainly
cause that key to hang partly extended and not fully retract when idle.
Avoid this like the plague.

If you are so unfortunate as to have this happen, ONLY very carefully
planned and executed re-bends to straighten will work. Clumsy and hasty
re-bends will only make matters worse.

Angelo Campanella
 
I know this is computer printer forum, but I cannot find a group for
typewriters, so am posting here.

My Olivetti typewriter's keys are filled with junk in the "e's",
"o's", "p's", etc.

what is the best method for cleaning the keys & removing this junk?

Aaron
Click to expand...

Note to all of the good people who responded to my post!
PROBLEM SOLVED. Some mentioned using a product called Blue Tack.
Could not find on store shelves, but did find similar product at
Target
store a product made by Scotch 3 M called ADHESIVE PUTTY.
It cost all of $1.99 and worked perfectly in cleaning the "o"'s and
"e"s
and "p"s in typewriter keys. Thank's for the suggestion.
ADHESIVE PUTTY works.

best, Aaron
 
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