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Note: I'm posting image links
So as you probably knew, I have my dirty Underwood portable that needed a good cleaning.
So that's what I have it.
I filled the sink with hot water and dish soap. And finally I dipped the typewriter in.
Here's the typewriter ready to be dunked
And in she goes...
And finally after some light shaking (Didn't want to get the keys wet) I took it out.
A close up of a previously very dirty area. As you can see, dish soap does NOT replace what the pros use, HOWEVER since you cannot easily separate the machine from the painted shell, I had to use something weak like dish soap.
There's a light layer of dirt that easily can be wiped.
I rinsed it out again with clean water and most of it disappears after. Sill much better than it started.
It's in the oven now. I'll go over with q tips to remove that light layer, heat it up on my wood stove when done and oil lightly.
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Shouldve added this.
Verdict: Is it worth it?
I'd say if you can remove the typewriter from its painted shell, then it's definitely rewarding. Especially if using harsher cleaners. In my case, it was probably needed because these 3 banks are very tight and compact, however I probably won't do it again (unless when it is out of the oven it is cleaner than I thought)
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TyperwriterGuy wrote:
Shouldve added this.
Verdict: Is it worth it?
I'd say if you can remove the typewriter from its painted shell, then it's definitely rewarding. Especially if using harsher cleaners. In my case, it was probably needed because these 3 banks are very tight and compact, however I probably won't do it again (unless when it is out of the oven it is cleaner than I thought)
This reminds me of some squeamishness about putting non-food items in the oven - ah yes, it was shoes. The suggestion was to warm shoes coated with waterproofing silicone in an oven so it soaked into the leather. Some objected, but then presumably shoes have been in contact with worse stuff than typewriters. As a rule.
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Ok took it out. No difference.
So now it lays in pieces on my desk!!! Its getting a deep clean!