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Typewriters are treasured family heirlooms and important pieces of history that are prized by collectors worldwide. Many people love the vintage feel of classically-typed letters and enjoy making documents with this machine to this day. There are even fan clubs like the Early Typewriter Collector’s Society that continue to share knowledge and enthusiasm over early typewriter models.

If you have a typewriter that you want to keep safe and functional for as long as possible, storing them properly is important. In this way, you can protect the legacy of this treasured item for years to come. Overall, you should store your typewriter in a cool, dry place after cleaning it and prepping its delicate parts properly. Here's how to properly store typewriters for long-term storage.

First Concern: Humidity

The biggest danger that faces a typewriter in long-term storage is humidity. This must be avoided at all costs for you to keep the equipment in the best condition. Humidity can cause the metal on the classic typewriter to rust. Mold is also a concern because it can develop on many surfaces and damage the interior and exterior of the typewriter.

To keep humidity away, you can do a few things. First, put your typewriter in a climate-controlled area. An air-conditioned room or storage unit is the best solution. Air conditioners are good dehumidifiers and having an environment that mitigates moisture is critical for your typewriter’s longevity.

Also, store your typewriter away with a desiccant silica gel pack. This will absorb extra moisture that can accumulate in the box or bag you store it in. It's also an acceptable alternative if you cannot find a temperature-controlled unit. If you plan to store the typewriter at home, you can also install a dehumidifier typewriter in the storage area.

Second Concern: Extreme Temperatures

Storing your typewriter in an environment that is too hot or too cold can damage its components quickly. A moderate room temperature between 40 to 80 degrees should be sufficient to keep your typewriter in the best condition.

Anything too cold or too hot can harm the rubber components at the typewriter such as the feed rollers, rubber feet, and the platen. Hot temperatures can melt the rubber while cold weather can harden it. Hot attics, damp cold basements, and outdoor sheds with no temperature control are not ideal places to store a delicate instrument like a typewriter.

Third Concern: Dust

Dust can get into all the nooks and crannies of a typewriter and make it difficult to function well. Before you put your typewriter into storage, clean it completely with a soft microfiber cloth or a gentle duster. Then, place it in a sealable bag or container. If you can, put in a silica gel pack to absorb excess moisture. However, do not choose a container that doesn't breathe at all. Not having any airflow can allow humidity to be trapped inside your typewriter if the conditions aren't perfect.

This container must remain closed so that no additional dust can come inside during its time in storage. When dust doesn't enter the typewriter’s mechanism, it is more likely to function well after you take it out of storage. This also reduces the amount of work you have to do to keep it in good shape during its storage time. If the typewriter cannot be covered, you must diligently clean all of its parts every month.

Mind the Small Parts

You must also make sure that your typewriter is in the proper arrangement for storage. For instance, disengage the feed rollers before you pack the typewriter away. This position can flatten the rubber rollers from continuous pressure. This problem cannot be fixed without finding replacement parts. Thankfully, it takes a long time for this flattening to happen — around a year or two — but it is still important to be proactive about it.

It's also important to seal the typewriter ribbons separately. The precious ink in your typewriter ribbons should be protected so that they can't work properly after you retrieve it from storage. Leaving them in the typewriter for a long time without covering them can make it difficult for them to work properly later.

Also, it's important to clean all the typewriter’s delicate Parts. Clean the typebars with a brush or pinpoint. This will get into the nooks and crannies shiny and clean. The point of a pin effectively cleans pieces of typewriter ribbon out the clogged typebars. This helps the print come out evenly for all the letters. The frequency in which you have to clean the typebars depends on the type of ribbon you use. Some ribbons clog typebars more frequently. Generally, vintage cotton cloth ribbons clog typewriters more frequently than nylon ribbons.

Oil Your Typewriter

Typewriters also need a little oil. The more frequently you use a typewriter, the more you need to oil its parts. However, you don't need a lot of it, so don't overdo it. It's also important to oil your typewriter after you clean it and put it in storage. This will ensure that it stays lubricated and in the best shape while it is not in use for some time. For the best results, gently oil your typewriter every month or two.

Find a temperature-controlled unit to protect your precious typewriter at Storage Rentals of America. Let us help you find the right-sized unit for your needs at a location near you.

We're Your Storage Solution!

Storage Rentals of America is your convenient self-storage solution. So come into our office or give our storage experts a call at 1-800-457-5678. Our call center is available 7 days a week and can help determine which storage unit size best fits your storage needs.

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