Both steel and glass nibs should be cleaned immediately after every writing process before ink or Indian ink dries; with normal fountain-pen inks lukewarm tap water suffices; with Indian inks suitable cleaning fluids are needed. Quill pens are basically removed from the holder and stored lying flat, not standing, so as not to deform the delicate slit. With glass nibs careful handling is important, since the fine grooves break easily. Regular cleaning is the most important measure for prolonging life, supplemented by dry, dust-free storage in a case or drawer away from direct sunlight.