--- title: How to Restore a 1920s Remington Typewriter in 7 Simple Steps siteUrl: https://logzly.com/timelesskeys author: timelesskeys (Timeless Keys) date: 2026-06-18T16:11:34.027588 tags: [typewriter, restoration, vintage] url: https://logzly.com/timelesskeys/how-to-restore-a-1920s-remington-typewriter-in-7-simple-steps --- **Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.** A dusty Remington on the attic floor isn’t just a relic – it’s a portal to a time when every keystroke felt like a small ceremony. **[Restoring a 1920s Remington](/timelesskeys/how-to-restore-a-1920s-remington-typewriter-in-7-simple-steps)** can turn a forgotten piece of history into a trusted writing companion, and the process is easier than you might think. ## Why Bother with a 1920s Remington? Most of us spend hours on screens, but there’s a quiet joy in hearing the click‑clack of a real typewriter. The rhythm steadies [the mind](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Mind&tag=organizationtip101-20), and the tactile feedback reminds us that words are made, not typed. Plus, a restored Remington can become a conversation starter at any gathering – “Did you know my desk holds a machine that once typed the first radio script?” is a line that never fails. If you’re curious how enthusiasts tackle similar machines, see our [step‑by‑step guide to restoring a 1930s Remington](/timelesskeys/step-by-step-guide-to-restoring-a-1930s-remington-typewriter) for additional insights. ## Step 1 – Give It a Gentle Clean Before you pry apart anything, clear away the surface grime. Use a [soft brush](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=soft+brush&tag=organizationtip101-20) (an old paintbrush works fine) to sweep dust from the keys, carriage, and the metal body. Follow with a lightly [damp cloth](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=damp+cloth&tag=organizationtip101-20) – just enough moisture to lift grime, not soak the machine. Avoid [harsh chemicals](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=harsh+chemicals&tag=organizationtip101-20); a little [dish soap diluted in water](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dish+soap+diluted+in+water&tag=organizationtip101-20) is plenty. Let the typewriter dry completely before moving on. ### Pro tip from Timeless Keys I once tried a [commercial cleaner](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=commercial+cleaner&tag=organizationtip101-20) on a 1918 Underwood and ended up with a sticky mess. Stick to [mild soap](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mild+soap&tag=organizationtip101-20) and [a soft cloth](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+soft+cloth&tag=organizationtip101-20) – the machine will thank you. ## Step 2 – Inspect the Mechanics Open the carriage and look for obvious wear: [broken springs](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=broken+springs&tag=organizationtip101-20), bent levers, or missing screws. The “platen” (the rubber roller that feeds paper) often shows cracks after decades. If the platen is cracked, you’ll need a replacement; they’re still sold by a few specialty shops. Take note of any parts that look out of place – you’ll need to address them later. ## Step 3 – Disassemble with Care Remove the key caps first. Most Remingtons have a small screw under each cap; a tiny [Phillips screwdriver](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Phillips+screwdriver&tag=organizationtip101-20) works well. Keep the caps in a bowl so they don’t roll away. Next, unscrew the main housing panels. Label each screw with a piece of [masking tape](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Masking+Tape&tag=organizationtip101-20) and a number – it saves a lot of head‑scratching when you reassemble. ### My own mishap I once tossed a handful of screws into a drawer and spent an hour hunting for the one that held the shift lever. A simple [label system](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=label+system&tag=organizationtip101-20) would have saved that afternoon. ## Step 4 – Clean the Inside Now the real work begins. Use a [cotton swab](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cotton+swab&tag=organizationtip101-20) dipped in a little [rubbing alcohol](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rubbing+alcohol&tag=organizationtip101-20) to clean the metal contacts and moving parts. For stubborn grime, a [soft toothbrush](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=soft+toothbrush&tag=organizationtip101-20) works wonders. Pay special attention to the “typebars” – the little arms that strike the inked ribbon. They can collect dried ink and dust, which makes the keys feel sticky. If you find rust, gently rub it away with [fine steel wool](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fine+steel+wool&tag=organizationtip101-20). Do not over‑scrub; you want to remove the rust, not gouge the metal. ## Step 5 – Lubricate the Moving Parts A well‑lubricated typewriter runs smooth and quiet. Use a [light machine oil](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=light+machine+oil&tag=organizationtip101-20) ([sewing machine oil](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sewing+machine+oil&tag=organizationtip101-20) is ideal) and apply a drop to each pivot point: the carriage return lever, the key levers, and the platen bearings. Wipe away any [excess oil](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=excess+oil&tag=organizationtip101-20) with a [clean cloth](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Clean+cloth&tag=organizationtip101-20) – too much oil will attract dust. ### Why [light oil](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=light+oil&tag=organizationtip101-20)? [Heavy oils](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=heavy+oils&tag=organizationtip101-20) can gum up the gears and make the machine feel sluggish. A single drop per joint is all you need. ## Step 6 – Replace Worn Components By now you should have a list of parts that need swapping. Common replacements for a 1920s Remington include: * Platen rubber * Ribbon (modern [fabric ribbons](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fabric+ribbons&tag=organizationtip101-20) work fine) * Broken springs * Worn key caps You can find these pieces on vintage‑typewriter forums or through specialty dealers. When installing a new platen, make sure it sits flush with the carriage; an uneven platen will cause paper jams. For a more concise approach, the [5‑step restoration method for a 1930s Remington](/timelesskeys/how-to-restore-a-1930s-remington-typewriter-in-5-simple-steps) highlights the most critical tasks. ## Step 7 – Reassemble and Test Follow the labels you made in Step 3 and put the panels back together. Tighten all screws but don’t overtighten – the metal can crack under too much pressure. Once the machine is whole again, load a [sheet of paper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sheet+of+paper&tag=organizationtip101-20), insert a fresh ribbon, and give each key a gentle press. Listen for the “ding” at the end of the line; that’s the carriage hitting the stop. If any key sticks, double‑check the corresponding typebar and spring. A quick adjustment now saves a lot of frustration later. ### Final thoughts from Victor Restoring a Remington is more than a [DIY project](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=DIY+project&tag=organizationtip101-20); it’s a dialogue with the past. Each cleaned key, each replaced spring, brings you a step closer to the hands that typed telegrams, [love letters](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=love+letters&tag=organizationtip101-20), and early newspaper headlines. When the machine finally clicks into rhythm, you’ll hear not just metal on metal, but a story waiting to be written. Enjoy the process, keep a notebook handy for any quirks you discover, and remember that every restored typewriter adds a little more analog romance to our [digital world](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=digital+world&tag=organizationtip101-20).