How to Clean a Noodler's Flex Pen After Using Baystate Blue

Quick Answer

To clean Baystate Blue from a Noodler's flex pen, flush with cool water first, then use a diluted ammonia solution (1:10) for stubborn residue. Avoid bleach and harsh solvents, and never let the ink dry in the pen. Repeat flushes until the water runs clear, then dry and reassemble.

Baystate Blue is one of the most vivid inks Noodler's makes, but its intense pigmentation also makes it one of the most staining. If you've used it in a flex pen, you've probably noticed blue residue clinging to the feed, the nib, and even the section. The good news is that with a careful cleaning routine, you can remove most of it and keep your pen working smoothly.

This guide walks through the steps to clean a Noodler's flex pen after Baystate Blue, including how to handle stains on the pen body and what to avoid. Whether you own a Konrad Flex or an Ahab Flex, the process is similar—just take your time and don't rush the flushing.

Why Baystate Blue Is Different

Baystate Blue is known for its intense, almost electric blue color, but that same property means it can stain plastic, skin, and even sinks. Unlike many other Noodler's inks, it doesn't just rinse away with a quick flush. The dye molecules bind to surfaces, which is why you need a more thorough approach.

The good news is that Baystate Blue is water-based, so plain water will eventually break it down. The key is patience. If you let the ink dry inside the pen, it becomes much harder to remove. So the first rule is: clean your pen soon after use, especially if you're switching inks.

• Always flush with cool water first—hot water can set stains.
• Never mix Baystate Blue with bleach; it can create harmful fumes.

What You'll Need

Gather a few basic supplies before you start: a bulb syringe or clean eyedropper, a cup of cool water, a small dish for the ammonia solution, and a soft cloth or paper towel. If you have a converter or piston filler, you'll also need a way to draw and expel water—the pen's own filling mechanism works fine.

For the ammonia solution, mix one part household ammonia with ten parts water. This is the standard recommendation for flushing fountain pens. Avoid using vinegar or lemon juice, as acidic solutions can damage some pen materials. Also, skip any cleaning products with abrasives or solvents like acetone.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Start by disassembling the pen as much as you safely can. For a Konrad Flex, that means unscrewing the section from the barrel and removing the nib and feed. For an Ahab Flex, the same applies. Be careful not to force anything—if parts are stuck, soak them in cool water for a few minutes first.

Once disassembled, rinse each part under cool running water. Use the bulb syringe to flush the section and feed thoroughly. Then, fill the barrel or converter with the ammonia solution and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing again. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Cleaning Steps for Baystate Blue

1. Disassemble the pen: Remove the nib, feed, and section from the barrel. For Konrad and Ahab models, grip the nib and feed firmly and pull straight out. Soak in cool water if stuck. Checkpoint: Make sure you can see the feed channels clearly before moving on.
2. Flush with cool water: Use a bulb syringe to force cool water through the section and feed. Repeat until the water coming out is mostly clear. Avoid hot water, which can set stains. Common mistake: Skipping this step can leave ink residue that the ammonia won't fully remove.
3. Soak in ammonia solution: Mix 1 part ammonia with 10 parts water. Soak the nib, feed, and section for 5–10 minutes. Do not soak ebonite parts longer than 15 minutes. Checkpoint: If the water turns blue, rinse and repeat with fresh solution.
4. Flush again and dry: After soaking, flush with cool water again to remove any ammonia residue. Pat dry with a soft cloth and let all parts air-dry completely before reassembling. Common mistake: Reassembling while wet can cause ink to wick into the barrel and create new stains.

Noodler's Flex Pens That Benefit from This Cleaning

• 14005 Clear Demo Konrad Flex: Clear demonstrator body for a view of the ink reservoir. Flexible nib for varied line widths. The clear body means you can see Baystate Blue residue easily, but it also means stains are more visible. Regular cleaning keeps the demonstrator look pristine.
• 14040 Northern Pike Konrad Flex: Konrad model design with ebonite construction and flex nib, allowing for expressive line variation. Ebonite can absorb ink if left soaked too long, so limit soaking time and focus on flushing to avoid deep staining.
• 15040 Gray Fox Flex: Part of the Noodler's Ink Ahab series, known for reliable construction and expressive writing capabilities. The Ahab feed is easy to remove, making thorough cleaning simpler. Just be gentle when pulling the nib and feed to avoid damage.

Cleaning Baystate Blue from your Noodler's flex pen doesn't have to be a chore. With a quick disassembly, a cool water flush, and a gentle ammonia soak, you can keep your pen looking and writing its best. Remember to clean promptly after each use, and you'll avoid most staining issues altogether.