By following these 10 simple Scottsdale Pen tips your fountain pen should last a lifetime:

1. Wash your pen every few weeks and especially whenever changing ink color. The nib should be clean of ink and clear of any debris.
2. Use only cold or tepid water (body temperature or less) when washing the pen, never alcohol or solvents as these will irreparably damage the feed or other parts of the pen.
3. If you want to empty your pen, don't pour the ink into a bottle of new ink: particles of dirt or dried ink might clog your writing section next time you fill the pen. Or worse, it might promote mold growth in the ink. Throw out the used ink. It's cheaper to refill with fresh ink rather than repair your pen.
4. Wash the pen by filling and emptying it with water (repeat this until the water is clear). If the pen uses a cartridge/converter, soak the external part of the writing section (nib + feed) section in water for a few hours.
5. If you do not plan on using your pen for a prolonged period of time, empty and wash it out before storing it away.
6. Avoid using chemically treated paper, which usually has a slick feel, because it does not absorb ink well and leaves residues on the point of the nib which might clog the ink flow.
7. If traveling by plane, either fill completely or empty your pen. Personally, I'd rather keep the pen empty when flying, and make sure its empty if you put it through in checked luggage.
8. In general it is widely accepted that you do not lend your fountain pen to other people as the nib adjusts to your writing style (angle, pressure) and you don't want that to change.
9. When not using the pen, keep it stored vertically with point upward to prevent ink from setting in, drying and clogging the feed.
10. If your pen does not write immediately (after not having been used for more than a month) the ink has probably dried and clogged the nib and feed. To restore the ink flow either wash the nib with water or fill and empty it with ink of same color. If it does not write yet, wash the writing section with tepid water.

    If all else fails, bring your pen in to our experts Jay or Karen at Scottsdale Pen and we'll find a way to solve your problem. Enjoy your writing experience!