Bleach for plastic pen cleaning

[cuteline]

There seems to be much discussion about the use of bleach for cleaning pens. For BHR pens, it can help remove the discoloration, but also leaves a very unsightful layer of pore-like surface. Okay, that is fine. No bleach on HR. But what is wrong with using bleach for plastic pens such as those made of celluloid? One argument is that bleach also attacks metals. But if you just dip the pen in for 20 minutes or so, there should not be any noticeable difference. Another argument is that the bleach residue will be bad. But can we use some bleach neutralization agent such as those sold in pool supply stores to neutralize the unwanted bleach? That is, after some good rinsing, immerse the pen in a de-bleach solution for a while, then rinse again. Can you see any adverse effect for this procedure?

 

Bleach is very effective to get rid of ink stains on pens' caps and barrels. Discussions are welcome.

[savarez]

Not a repair expert here, but it seems to me that a highly alkaline solution may well clean the pen, but might also strip it of any protective rosins or waxes that coat and protect the pen, and may ultimately make the pen more susceptible to staining.

 

I am thinking of the poor, unfortunate yellow Lamy that got so much attention recently. So many chemicals were used in attempting to clean the stain, including, as Nathan suggested, a "common water" 1/4 bleach solution, I'd wager that the pen is much more susceptible now to staining by inks which may not have originally stained the untreated sections.

 

Of course, I could be wrong. I often am.

 

 

[cuteline]

That is a very good point. But how about vintage pens, which have been used or abused for more than 60 years?

[Jinnayah]

Ever use ammonia to clean your pens? Ever plan to? Ammonia + bleach = chlorine gas = bad. I wouldn't want to take the chance with even traces.

 

Beyond that, though, IIRC, ammonia destroys the dyes used in inks; it breaks them down on a chemical level. Bleach will set some of them, and may have unknown reactions with other.

[cuteline]

Ever use ammonia to clean your pens? Ever plan to? Ammonia + bleach = chlorine gas = bad. I wouldn't want to take the chance with even traces.

 

Beyond that, though, IIRC, ammonia destroys the dyes used in inks; it breaks them down on a chemical level. Bleach will set some of them, and may have unknown reactions with other.

 

I tried both, not at the same time though. Bleach definitely works much faster. Ammonia takes much longer time. But if there is a valid reason for not using bleach, that would be what I am asking for here. So far what I saw is mostly bad "feelings" about bleach, not at a chemical level.

[Buzz J]

I've found that water & an ultrasonic clean 99% of what I've encountered. I only use ammonia in 10% solution.

 

These are used by and recommended by guys who repair thousands of pens.

 

Unless you've got one of those rare circumstances that water, diulte ammonia & ultrasonic won't clean, why go looking for trouble?

 

John

[Deirdre]

Bleach is a really strong oxidizing agent, and who knows what it'll react with. Chlorine is the second most reactive element (after Fluorine).

[Goshzilla]

Bleach is a really strong oxidizing agent, and who knows what it'll react with. Chlorine is the second most reactive element (after Fluorine).

 

It's an oxidizing agent which is a good reason why it should never be used on a steel nib pen. Steel rusts when it comes into contact with chlorine.

Edited February 14, 2008 by Goshzilla