Maintaining dip pen nibs — what each tool does and when to use it
Dip pen nibs are consumables but they last significantly longer and perform better when cleaned regularly. The five items in this range cover different maintenance scenarios: routine cleaning between sessions (Tachikawa remover pot), stubborn or dried ink that routine cleaning cannot shift (Zest-it solvent cleaner), quick nib rinsing during a session without picking up the main cleaning pot (glass rinse jar with coil), field and travel cleaning without a jar (Yoke nib wipes), and precise ink transfer and converter filling (ink syringe). A basic maintenance setup requires the remover pot and either the rinse jar or Yoke wipes. The full set covers all scenarios from studio use to working on location.
The difference between the Tachikawa remover and the Zest-it cleaner
The Tachikawa Ink Remover Pot is a water-based cleaning solution in a small pot with a coil of wire at the bottom. Dip the nib in, agitate against the coil to loosen dried ink, wipe on a cloth. It removes fresh ink and moderately dried ink without any risk to the nib or holder materials. The Zest-it Dip Pen Nib Cleaner 50ml is a solvent-based product — a different chemistry for a different problem. When ink has dried completely on a nib and routine water-based cleaning does not shift it, Zest-it dissolves the dried ink. It should be used on the nib only (not on pen barrel materials or inside fountain pen bodies) and applied sparingly with a cloth or cotton bud rather than by soaking.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)
What is the difference between the Tachikawa remover and the Zest-it cleaner?
The Tachikawa Ink Remover Pot is water-based — it works for fresh and moderately dried ink and is safe on all nib and holder materials. It is the routine cleaning tool for after every session. Zest-it is a solvent — it dissolves dried ink that water-based cleaning cannot shift. Use Zest-it when the Tachikawa remover is not effective, applied to the nib only with a cloth or cotton bud. Do not soak nibs in Zest-it and do not use it on pen barrel materials.
Can I use Zest-it to clean inside a fountain pen?
No — Zest-it is a solvent for external nib cleaning only. For fountain pen internal cleaning and feed flushing, use the Platinum Ink Cleaner Kit or flush with clean water. Solvent products should never be used inside a fountain pen body.
What is the ink syringe for?
Two primary uses: filling fountain pen converters directly from bottled ink without spilling or dipping the pen, and transferring small precise volumes of ink between containers — for example, decanting a small amount of ink into a small pot for field use. Clean the syringe between different inks by drawing up clean water, expelling, and repeating twice. The adaptor allows the syringe to seal against most standard converter fill holes.