How to Clean Calligraphy Dip Pen Nibs

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

One of the most important parts of writing calligraphy is cleaning your pen, and continuing to keep the nib clean. Dip pens are cleaned similarly to fountain pens, but the designs are much less complicated. However, dip pen nibs are changed often, and new nibs require an initial cleaning to remove the protective manufacturer's oils.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Manufacturer's Oil with Dish Soap

1
Soak a soft sponge with clean water and apply a button-sized amount of de-greasing dish soap. Most dish detergent soaps are made to scrub off grease and are excellent at removing the oils from pen nibs.
- This can also be done with a soft toothbrush instead of a sponge.
2
Gently scrub the nib from all angles for about 30 seconds.
- If the nib has a removable reservoir, remove it and clean it as well.
- If the nib has a non-removable reservoir, be sure to get soap under it and scrub it as best you can without bending the reservoir away, damaging the nib.
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3
Rinse the nib in water for a few more seconds until your confident all the soap is off.
4
Dry the nib with a soft cloth and you're ready to write!
- When you dry it, drawing the nib across the cloth as if you were writing helps to draw out any water left in the reservoir.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Manufacturer's Oil with Toothpaste

1
Moisten a soft toothbrush with clean water and apply a very small amount of toothpaste. Toothpaste, oddly enough, can do an even better job at removing the oils than dish soap.
2
Gently scrub the nib from all angles for about 30 seconds.
- If the nib has a removable reservoir, remove it and clean it as well.
- If the nib has a non-removable reservoir, be sure to get under it and scrub it as best you can without bending the reservoir away, damaging the nib.
3
Rinse the nib in clean water for a few more seconds to remove the toothpaste.
4
Dry the nib with a soft cloth and you're ready to write!
- When you dry it, drawing the nib across the cloth as if you were writing helps to draw out any water left in the reservoir.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Off the Ink After Use

1
Rinse as much ink off as you can.

Tip: It may be helpful to remove the nib from the pen handle before cleaning.
2
Using dish soap and a soft sponge or toothbrush, gently scrub off any more ink.
3
Rinse the nib again to for a few seconds. Then remove the soap or toothpaste.
4
If the ink is dried on and your having trouble cleaning it off, drop the nib in a bottle of pen cleaner and let it soak for 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how bad the dried ink is.
- After letting it soak, remove the nib from the cleaner and rinse it with clean water for several seconds to remove the ink and cleaner. You may need to use soap again.
Tip: You may find it easier to leave the dirty nib on the pen handle when soaking it in the pen cleaner; this way you don't have to fish it out.
5
Dry the nib with a soft cloth a store it in a safe place!
- When you dry it, drawing the nib across the cloth as if you were writing helps to draw out any water left in the reservoir.

Community Q&A

Question

Define and specify a pen cleaner?

Community Answer

Pen cleaners are made to keep dip pens, fountain pens and technical pens clean. It also removes dried ink from drafting film and can be used to clean jewelry. Soak all parts to be cleansed for 30 minutes, then flush with warm water.