I've been using fountain pens regularly since the 1980s, yet I still fear damaging my nibs, and I'm still not sure of the best way to clean a pen after use. This board seems like a good place to share my questions and concerns!

1. If I'm filling a pen, how worried should I be if the nib gently bangs into the inkwell or ink bottle?

2. Should I use (a little bit of) gentle dishsoap when cleaning the nib?

3. If I'm cleaning a cartridge/converter pen, should I separate the converter and do my best to rinse it before putting it back and using it to clean the nib?

4. How clear should water be running as I try to clean the nib until I decide the nib is clean?

5. Should I let the nib and/or converter dry separately or as one unit? Should I let them dry at all, or just put them back in the pen?

6. Similar question for piston pens: Do I let the nib dry before putting the cap back on or not?


Thanks for any help!


Bill
"Call me Ishmael."