How to Flush a Fountain Pen

Keep your fountain pen writing smoothly.

Fountain pens should be stored in an upright position, with the nib of the pen pointing upward. Failure to store your pen this way can result in clogs. Clogs will prevent your fountain pen from writing as smoothly as it should. In order to remove the clogs, it is often necessary to completely flush the ink from the components of the pen. As regular routine maintenance, your pen should be flushed once every six months, even if clogs are not present.

Things You'll Need

• Disposable container
• Cold water

Instructions

1. Unscrew the nib from the bottom of your fountain pen.

2. Remove the ink supply container from the pen. Allow the ink to drain into a disposable container, because draining the ink into your sink can stain it. Do not drain the ink back into the original ink bottle. (Skip this step if your pen uses disposable ink cartridges.)

3. Run cold water through the ink container to flush out all the ink. Run cold water through the nib as well. When the ink is completely flushed, the water will run clear.

4. Allow the ink container and nib to air-dry.

5. Refill the ink container with ink, if necessary. Reinsert it into the barrel of the fountain pen.

6. Screw the nib back onto the end of your pen.

References

• Shaw Pens: Fountain Pen Care
• Paradise Pen: Fountain Pen Care and Maintenance Guide
• My Father's Pen: Fountain Pens: Their Care and Usage