Public Service Announcement: Here’s your gentle maintenance reminder to clean the slugs on your typewriter to keep your type fresh and crisp.
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Chris Aldrich
I'm a biomedical and electrical engineer with interests in information theory, complexity, evolution, genetics, signal processing, IndieWeb, theoretical mathematics, and big history. I'm also a talent manager-producer-publisher in the entertainment industry with expertise in representation, distribution, finance, production, content delivery, and new media. View all posts by Chris Aldrich
This morning. I use a kneadable art eraser to clean them every day and give them a thorough cleaning with mineral spirits a couple of times a month.
Thank you!
I don’t do enough typing on a particular machine to warrant a type slug clean, but every time I get a new machine, I do clean the type, and it always makes a world of difference.
The last slugs I cleaned were on a 1955 Imperial Model T, and the easiest way is with a piece of mounting putty, called Blue tack, but soon to be rebranded Black tack because of all the ink mixed in.
But that also reminds me that I should be doing it on the 4 loan machines I picked up for my next type in!
Check often, pick it out with a wooden toothpick as not to scratch the typeface. Dab with a paper towel for juicy ribbons if I notice splotching. Ive got an eagle eye for detail
Just today. I’m planning to give an Olympia SM2 with a freshly resurfaced platen, new rubber bushings, a fresh ribbon, a non-slip mat, and a felt mat to a close friend as a gift. The young lady was so happy to try a typewriter that I couldn’t resist. It’s her birthday and Christmas gift for the last years. The cleaning of the slugs was the last bit I could do for that machine. I hope it will see a bright future.
Probably once a month.
Idk what that is (I joined this sub because I have a typewriter, but I actually know little about them).
Once. My cleaning technique once a machine is put back into service is to…
1) Replace in cupboard after use
2) Delay changing the ribbon until it’s all but impossible to read what has being typed. (To be honest I don’t know if this does any harm though it’s also great exercise for the fingers).