Learning how to clean your pens, is just as important as learning how to use them. In one of our recent posts, How to Clean a Cartridge Converter Fountain Pen, we covered how to clean one style of pens. This week, we’re going to go over how to clean a piston filler fountain pen. These two pen styles are very similar, however, there are some slight differences in cleaning methods.

How to Clean a Piston Filler Fountain Pen

First and foremost, you will need two cups of water, and a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth. Then, follow these simple steps to clean your pen:

1. Remove the cap from your pen, and fully submerge the nib in one cup of water.
2. Unscrew the piston to expel any remaining ink. Then, screw the piston back down to draw in water. Repeat this step two, or three, times.
3. Your first cup of water is no longer clear, and you won’t be able to notice now if your pen is clean. Using the second cup of water, draw in clean water. Then, expel the water into your inky cup. Repeat this step until the water comes out clear. You may need to swap out the water in your second cup during this process for new, clean water.
4. To dry your pen, place the pen “nib down” on a paper towel or microfiber cloth to dry. You can do this with a cup, a sample vial, or even a shot glass. Alternatively, you can allow the pen to air dry. To allow the pen time to fully dry, it is recommended to allow 12-24 hours for the pen to dry.
5. Reassemble your pen and now you are ready for a new ink!

Now you know how to clean a piston filler fountain pen! Let us know in the comments below what you would like to see next! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog so that you can stay up to date on all of the latest news! And remember, we have The Write Tools, For the Analog Writer!