What is a converter on a fountain pen?

Fountain Pen Ink Converter?

• I've heard that you could clean a fountain pen's nib by submerging it into water and filling the converter up with water to flush out ink residues in the nib of the pen. Would the water be able to damage my pen or converter in any way if I try to clean it this way?

• Answer:

  I've cleaned pens the way you describe, and haven't had any problems. I leave the pens to dry by laying them out on a paper towel. Some other cleaning methods I've read about, but not tried: TO CLEAN:  Soak it in olive oil for at least 24 hours then rinse it out with rubbing alcohol.  If it's clogged, keep it in a jar of rubbing alcohol for a few days.