Typewriter Quick Care Checklist

El Granero Typewriter Company

A few simple habits will keep your vintage typewriter working smoothly and help prevent avoidable damage. Tap each section for our quick workshop advice.

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Golden rule: if a key, lever, knob, carriage or cover does not move naturally, stop. Never force a typewriter mechanism.

01 Prepare a safe workspace
  • Place the typewriter on a stable, level surface with enough room for the carriage to move freely.
  • Remove or open the carrying case and release the carriage lock before typing.
  • Keep drinks, food, loose jewellery and small objects away from the machine.
02 Load the paper correctly
  • Insert one or two sheets behind the platen and turn the platen knob gently.
  • Use the paper-release lever only when you need to straighten or remove the sheet.
  • Return the paper-release lever to its normal position before typing.
03 Type with a light, even rhythm
  • Press each key decisively, then let it return before striking the next one.
  • Avoid hitting several keys together; this can cause the typebars to cross and jam.
  • If two typebars meet, separate them gently by hand without pulling or bending them.
04 Return the carriage gently
  • Use the carriage-return lever when you reach the end-of-line bell.
  • Guide the carriage in one smooth movement. Never slam or throw it.
  • Never push the carriage sideways unless the carriage-release control is pressed.
05 Check the ribbon and spools
  • Make sure the ribbon follows the correct path through the ribbon guides and ribbon vibrator.
  • Both spools should sit flat and turn freely. Never force a spool onto its post.
  • Replace a dry ribbon instead of striking the keys harder to obtain a darker impression.
06 Keep the machine clean
  • Remove loose dust with a soft brush and use a dry, soft microfibre cloth on the exterior.
  • Do not spray cleaner, lubricant or oil directly into the mechanism.
  • Avoid alcohol, acetone and abrasive products on painted, plastic or printed surfaces.
07 Store and transport it safely
  • Keep the typewriter covered and store it in a dry room away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Engage the carriage lock before transport when your model has one.
  • Lift the machine from its base — never by the carriage, knobs, levers or ribbon cover.
08 If something feels wrong

Stop using the machine before a small issue becomes damage.

  • Do not dismantle, bend, glue or force any part.
  • Take clear photographs and a short video showing the problem.
  • Contact a us and our qualified typewriter technician  will take care of it. Please explain what happened immediately before the issue appeared.

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"I had a wonderful experience with El Granero, which must surely rank among the best typewriter companies in Europe, if not the best! Ania and Jacek were encouraging from the beginning and kindly invited me to visit their lovely Atelier in Fuengirola. Although very busy with orders, they prioritised my selection and got it ready in a matter of hours so I could take it with me. All in all it was a terrific experience, and when I want to add to my collection, it will certainly be at El Granero. Thank you Ania and Jacek!"

Peter Silke
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"Por suerte descubrí El Granero Typewriter, donde fui atendido con profesionalidad y amabilidad por Jacek y Ania. Restauraron mi Olivetti Estudio 45, máquina muy especial para mí, ya que fue un regalo de mis padres. Además les compré una Olivetti Lettera 32 en perfecto estado. Más allá de la restauración y la compra, aprendes escuchando a Jacek y Ania. Les estoy muy agradecido."

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"For 12 years, we have been a dedicated typewriter company, reviving analog magic one key at a time. We are incredibly humbled to have received over 1000 five-star reviews from our passionate community. Each review tells a unique story of a writer reconnecting with the tactile joy of typing, and we invite you to explore the incredible testimonials from our global family of enthusiasts.

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"Our journey began with a profound respect for mechanical craftsmanship and a mission to rescue forgotten pieces of history. To date, we have painstakingly restored over 5000 typewriters, bringing them back to their former glory. Each restoration in our atelier is a true labor of love, preserving the soul of the machine while ensuring it functions flawlessly for a new generation of writers, poets, and dreamers who appreciate the analog rhythm.

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"Operating a specialized typewriter repair shop allows us to breathe new life into intricate mechanisms from decades past. Our meticulous servicing standards have earned the trust of a global community, allowing us to ship safely to over 4500 clients across 79 different countries. Whether it is a complete mechanical overhaul, sourcing rare vintage parts, or a fine-tuned cleaning, our dedication ensures that every machine leaves our workbench ready for decades of reliable use.

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"When we reflect on the incredible distances our typewriters have travelled to reach your desks, the numbers are truly staggering. Just imagine six continents! The combined shipping distance of sending these heavy, beautiful machines to our international customers equates to approximately 760 laps around the Earth. Knowing that our restored typewriters are sparking creativity in almost every corner of the globe is the greatest reward for our daily work at the workbench."

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