The recommendations for cleaning are different for each instrument. It is suggested that these cleaning processes are to be carried out at home once a week for woodwind instruments and once a month for brass instruments.
Remember to wash your hands before, during, and after cleaning and don't forget to also wash your cleaning cloths/swabs weekly.
Remember to wash your hands before, during, and after cleaning and don't forget to also wash your cleaning cloths/swabs weekly.
Flutes:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth with the cleaning rod to clean the inside of the each part of the instrument. I typically use a 12" x 12" piece of cotton.
- Alcohol wipes can be used on the lip plate or a cloth saturated with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- It's critical the cork inside the top of the headjoint does not get wet!
Clarinets
- If you have a hard rubber mouthpiece, you can also use a solution of 50% water and 50% cleaning vinegar on the mouthpiece. (Let the mouthpiece stand in the solution for 15 minutes before rinsing and drying.) Use a small container where the mouthpiece can sit vertically, tip down, in the container so the cork does not get wet.
Saxes:
- If you have a hard rubber mouthpiece, you can also use a solution of 50% water and 50% cleaning vinegar on the mouthpiece. (Let the mouthpiece stand in the solution for 15 minutes before rinsing and drying.) Use a small container where the mouthpiece can sit vertically, tip down, in the container so the cork does not get wet.
- If you have a metal saxophone mouthpieces, you can use hot water with mild dish soap (not dishwasher detergent).
- Swab the inside of the saxophone neck using a swab or flexible bottlebrush after each use.
Brass:
- To clean the outside of the mouthpiece, use warm water with mild dish soap (not dishwasher detergent). You can also use a mouthpiece brush to clean the inside of the mouthpiece.
Strings:
- Wipe the strings and unfinished finger and fret boards with at least 70% Isopropyl Alcohol.
GENERAL NOTES:
- Isopropyl alcohol wipes are safe for most materials except hard rubber mouthpieces.
- A solution of 50% water and 50% cleaning vinegar can be used on plastic, hard rubber, and metal.
- Do not get pads or corks wet as it can cause significant damage to the instrument and be costly to fix.
