This all started when I wanted a typewriter to unplug from electronic devices while still being able to type.
I dived into research to find a decent typewriter that could be found at a reasonable price. After reading about and searching for quite a few, I found the Olivetti-Underwood Studio 44 and loved the design of the machine. I found this one on eBay for less than $140 shipped. It was sold as-is and noted that the 2,Q,P,A,S keys were hard to press. Otherwise, it looked to be in great condition.
After receiving it, I confirmed that it was not functional as the previously listed keys, and more, would not complete the strike to the page or advance the carriage.
Before just diving into cleaning it, I researched different sources on cleaning typewriters and found the following information most useful.
- Do not use WD-40
- Clean the outside painted surfaces with a light detergent, testing in an inconspicuous place first.
- Clean the mechanics with alcohol or mineral spirits to remove oil and dust.
- Try not to get any alcohol or other harsh cleaner on the platen, as this could cause it to degrade.
- Do not use WD-40 or any other oil on the type bars or type basket after cleaning.
- Using WD-40 or oil may make it run smoothly for a time but will inevitably attract dust and make it potentially worse.
I am thankful to have found this information before starting, so that I did not just start adding oil to every moving surface like most mechanical items I have worked on before.
To start cleaning, I first removed the exterior shell so that I would not be worried about getting alcohol on any of the painted parts. I then vacuumed everything. The inside walls of the exterior shell are lined with a felt of some kind and had collected a good deal of general and eraser dust.
With the mechanics easily accessible, I used 91% Isopropyl alcohol to wipe it all down, alternating as needed between a cloth or toothbrush. I then used a syringe to shoot alcohol down into the individual slots for the type bars and scrubbed each with the toothbrush. Even with this cleaning, I was not able to press the keys on the outer edges of the keyboard. It wasn’t until I had the typewriter up on its side where I could see the bottom of the type basket rode on a single rail. That rail was gunked up badly, therefore not sliding easily when force was applied from the sides of the basket (2,Q,P,A,S). I tried to clean it from the bottom side but the Q key was still not able to strike smoothly. I then found I could reach the top of that rail through the top of the basket. I was able to use the syringe and a small brush to reach down and clean the rail. And with a sigh of relief, all the keys then started to work. Before getting too excited I waited 20 min for the alcohol to dry and retested. Thankfully, it was still smooth and all keys were now striking correctly.
To clean the exterior, I made a mixture of 2 drops of dish soap with 1 cup of water. With that mix, I used a cloth and gently wiped down all the painted exterior surfaces. I went back over with plain water and a separate cloth to rinse it off. There were some paint chips on the exterior that I had to clean around carefully. Some of the ink stains wouldn’t come off either, but I prefer having the patina instead of perfection.
With all the interior and exterior parts cleaned, I reassembled the typewriter. After testing all the keys once more, I was able to write a few sentences without any mechanical issues. I, on the other hand, have to get used to the amount of force and travel a typewriter requires for each key. It is a magnificent feeling to see how a key strikes the page, and it was one of the reasons I purchased one.
Based on the serial number, this machine was built around 1963-1964, and it is amazing how well it has held up and how well it was built for it to have lasted this long. Restorations aren't always this smooth, but I am thankful to the previous owner/s for storing it well. It makes me wonder, what has been written on this machine? How long has it been since it last produced a page?
My plans for this beautiful machine are to write journal pages on it and use it to create labels to help stay more organized. The journey of restoring it has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to what I'll create with it in the future.
Thank you for reading, and I will leave you with this thought: What could you restore with a good cleaning?
