Over time with continued use, a Montblanc fountain pen can become clogged and impaired. Cleaning a fountain pen is not a difficult task, but it does require precision and careful cleaning techniques. Montblanc fountain pens are less likely to perform poorly if they are maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. The following steps will help you flush a clogged pen, and they will also help prevent clogging in the future.

Flush the fountain pen with water. Use clean, cold water to wash the nib section of the pen. Hot water can damage or melt the feed, so use cold water only. Add one teaspoon of ammonia or liquid detergent to a cup of cold water and soak the nib section of the pen for twelve hours. Avoid soaking the plastic part of the pen because some older Montblanc fountain pens are not waterproof.

  • Over time with continued use, a Montblanc fountain pen can become clogged and impaired.
  • Avoid soaking the plastic part of the pen because some older Montblanc fountain pens are not waterproof.

Flush the nib section with water until it runs clear. After the nib has soaked in the ammonia or liquid detergent, use the force of water from the sink faucet to clean the nib. Use an ear syringe filled with cold water to penetrate tight places which are difficult to clean with the faucet water.

Clean the fountain pen with a soluble ink. Choose a soluble ink that cleans the pen as you write. Typically, red ink is known to clean a fountain pen as it is being used. Run a cartridge of soluble red ink through the Montblanc pen once every six months. Use the red ink until it completely runs out. Depending upon the amount of use, it could take several weeks to use up all of the red ink.

  • Flush the nib section with water until it runs clear.
  • Choose a soluble ink that cleans the pen as you write.

Insert a razor blade into the tip to remove tough clogs. If general cleaning does not fix a clogged fountain pen, use a razor blade to widen the two tines of the nib. Insert a razor blade into the Montblanc pen from the tip and pull it out slowly and carefully. The slight penetration should unclog the pen, widen the nib and allow the ink to flow smoothly.

Dry the Montblanc pen. Cover the nib of the fountain pen with a clean cotton cloth. Shake the pen gently to remove any water droplets that are still in the nib. Place the pen in a writing position with the tip downward to allow the water to drain out completely. Place a soft towel beneath the tip of the pen to protect it and to catch the draining water. Allow the pen to dry overnight.

  • Insert a razor blade into the tip to remove tough clogs.
  • Shake the pen gently to remove any water droplets that are still in the nib.

TIP

Avoid using alcohol or other chemicals to clean the fountain pen. These chemicals can corrode the pen mechanisms.

WARNING

Do not use a hairdryer or heating apparatus to dry the pen. The heat could cause damage.