How to Clean and Maintain Your Pelikan Fountain Pen

A Pelikan fountain pen is built to last a lifetime, but only if you look after it. The good news is that cleaning and maintaining your pen is straightforward once you know how. Follow this guide and your Pelikan will reward you with decades of smooth, reliable writing.

When Should You Clean Your Pen?

• When changing ink colours
• If the pen has been unused for more than 4–6 weeks
• If the ink flow becomes scratchy or inconsistent
• At least every 3 months as routine maintenance

What You'll Need

• Lukewarm water (never hot)
• A clean cup or glass
• A soft cloth or paper towel
• Optional: a bulb syringe for stubborn ink

Step-by-Step: Cleaning a Pelikan Piston Filler

1. Empty the ink. Twist the piston knob to expel any remaining ink. Do this over a sink or cloth.
2. Fill with water. Submerge the nib in a cup of lukewarm water and draw water into the barrel using the piston.
3. Expel and repeat. Twist the piston to expel the water. You'll see ink-coloured water come out. Repeat this process until the water runs clear, usually 5–10 times.
4. Final flush. Do one last fill and expel with fresh water to ensure the barrel is clean.
5. Dry the pen. Expel as much water as possible, then leave the pen nib-down on a soft cloth or paper towel for a few hours to drain. For a thorough dry, leave overnight.
6. Re-fill. Once dry, fill with your chosen ink and enjoy.

Dealing with Stubborn or Dried Ink

If ink has dried in the nib or feed, soak the nib section in lukewarm water for a few hours. For particularly stubborn blockages, a diluted solution of pen flush can help dissolve dried ink without damaging the pen.

Never use hot water, alcohol, or household cleaning products. These can damage the resin, seals, and nib.

Storing Your Pen

• Store pens horizontally or nib-up to prevent ink from pooling in the nib
• Keep away from direct sunlight, which can fade resin colours over time
• If storing long-term, clean the pen thoroughly first and store empty

Nib Care Tips

• Never press hard on the nib, fountain pens write with almost no pressure
• If the nib feels scratchy, it may need a light adjustment, bring it to us rather than attempting this yourself
• A smooth nib is a happy nib: use quality paper where possible

Need pen cleaning supplies or advice? Visit us in South Wales or browse our accessories online - we're always happy to help.