how to clean a moldy clarinet

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This should provide a protective finish throughout for the wood. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If you have anything thats more persistent, you can dip a cotton swab in a little vinegar to help loosen it up. First, make sure that the swab is spread out and not bunched up or have any knots in it. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. Id like to share that information now with you. Honestly, I played for years without knowing the names for each part of the clarinet so this section is a handy reference so youll have that information. Maintenance is not just limited to putting away your clarinet safely in its case, but also ensuring that it is clean, dry, well assembled and performing regular checks on different parts of your clarinet day to day. You can double or triple this amount for a whole bag. This can damage the pads, causing the instrument not to play at all, and actually accelerate mildew growth. WebHow to Clean a Clarinet (and keep it that way!) Then, disassemble your clarinet, and place the reed in a reed holder to dry. Youll save money. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Also, ensure to hold your clarinet carefully to avoid bending any keys in the process. You will need mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, or white vinegar to clean your mouthpiece, real pipe cleaners or Q Thank you to all who are supporting my work.FUN STUFF:Join the Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/clarinetscatsandcoffee/ Subscribe to my newsletter - https://www.callyclarinet.comLECQ Album - https://bit.ly/LECQALBUM Browse my Amazon Storefront - https://amzn.to/2Ve2Qov ESSENTIAL BOOKS \u0026 LEARNING APPS:Tomplay App - https://bit.ly/callytomplay use my link for a free 2 week trial!Shaffer Intermediate Scale Method - https://bit.ly/shafferscales \u0026 code SHSIC for 10% offAlbert Scales (ed. To protect it from possible water damage over time, grease the cork to provide a barrier while you soak it in the next step. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The moisture can also cause damage to your clarinet by changing the airflow within your instrument, can increase the chances of a crack forming, and can cause the pads to not correctly. Cally's Clarinet Channel 7.16K subscribers Join Subscribe Share Save 6.7K views 2 years ago 0:00 Introduction Place a sheet of pad paper between the sticky pad and tone hole, gently hold the key down, then pull the pad paper out, removing sugars and other offending particles. You should deep clean your clarinet monthly. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. To prevent the corks from drying out and becoming compressed, lubricate them using cork grease. Store the mouthpiece in the case with the reed still attached. As a musician, you want your musical instruments to last as long as possible and maintain top performance at all times during use. You dont need a lot, just enough to cover the cork. Check joint corks. 5 Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? For a few small stains, use a cup (8 ounces) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap. I first didn't realize and put it on my clarinet, but then wiped it and put it on the table to dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the clarinets delicate materials. The consolidated information will offer more insight on everything clarinets including the best stand to use, and the best plastic clarinet that you can invest in, among other information. Then, with your finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the way around that cork seal. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. For the body of the clarinet, you can wipe each joint with a soft cloth (microfiber or cottoneven an old, clean t-shirt) to remove dirt and other debris. Every time you play the clarinet, you should always remove the reed and swab the clarinet to remove moisture. Allow them to dry for about 3 minutes. 1.1 Step 1: Gather Your Materials 1.2 Step 2: Disassemble The Clarinet 1.3 Step 3: Clean The Body 1.4 Step 4: Clean The Keys And You will also have to fully clean the keys. Or, when youre applying bore oil. Run the mouthpiece brush back and forth to remove any built up residue. This article has been viewed 91,494 times. Be sure to clean the reed case as well; dish soap, vinegar, or even something like Lysol will remove germs and mold spores. If you cannot go every 6 months, you can visit the woodwind technician at least once every year. In a small container, big enough for the mouthpiece, put together a solution of half water and half either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. "Good reminder to clean more often. By using our site, you agree to our. By cleaning it often, you easily avoid any intonation problems, Ensure that the tubing of the tone holes are always clean, The tone holes for keys #9, #10, and #12 need to accumulate dirt easily. Rather than submerging the entire cover in the water, clean only the areas that need it. Or, you can find the clarinet accessories at your local musical instrument shop. "It help me because my daughter wanted a clarinet and she got it. These can all affect how your instrument sounds. If your clarinet is made of wood, the body will eventually need to be treated with bore oil. The Cost To Clean Your Clarinet: Professional or DIY? Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution to clean the keys and rods of the clarinet. Generally, you need to always remove the reed from the mouthpiece before putting them away in their case. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Use the small brush in your Clarinet Care Kit or a baby-size soft toothbrush to clean the edges and surfaces. I generally wash them in warm soapy water and then follow up with a good wipe down with either peroxide, or clorox (only if the keywork is NOT silver). Then using either a mouthpiece brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush, remove all gunk and limescale. If you want, you can separate the lower joints in order to individually clean those parts of the instrument, but most of the time this isnt necessary. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Saxophone / By Traci Daniel / February 27, 2023. Once you are done, you need to use a microfiber or silk swab to remove any excess moisture from the body of your clarinet before placing it back into it case. Rinse the fabric with the second sponge and clean water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure at least three times. Clean reed. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you do not have a mouthwash, you can use hydrogen peroxide mixed in hot water. Rinse the mouthpiece and dry thoroughly. A professional instrument like the Buffet pre-R-13, on the other hand, can last as long as 30 years when probably maintained. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Once you are done, place the clarinet reed on a flat surface to allow it to dry and prevent warping. At what point is the marginal product maximum? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. ", "I am a clarinet owner and did not know how to properly clean my instrument. Always wrap your cork in plastic wrap to protect it. First, remove all the parts of the clarinet and set them aside. "Fantastic. It also told me what I was doing wrong when storing it. Do I have to replace it? Without applying any more oil to the swab, pull it through 2 more times, again with the twisting motion. Finally, use the toothbrush to reach any small crevices and remove any remaining dirt or polish. Instead, use the swab that comes in your Clarinet Care Kit and pull it through each joint several times to eliminate moisture from the body. You may want to pick up any extra moisture that you see on the keys while youre at it. Some requests may be waitlisted until availability opens up.SUPPORT THIS PROJECT: If my content has benefited you in any way at all, please support this channel!Donate Direct - https://paypal.me/callyclarinet Become an official Callys Clarinet Channel Member - https://bit.ly/3dZihxy Join Patreon and get access to special perks - https://www.patreon.com/callyclarinet Shout out to the newest members - thanks for joining!PATREON: This could be your name!YOUTUBE MEMBERSHIP: This could be your name!The continuation of this channel is made possible by supporters through Patreon, Channel Memberships, and donations. http://www.banddirector.com/article/pg-band-instrument-repair/wood-clarinet-care-and-preservation?productguide=503, http://www.hcpss.org/f/academics/arts/music/care-clarinet.pdf, http://taplinweir.com/clarinets/care-maintenance/, http://www.musicroomensembles.com/images_misc/WoodInstrCare.pdf, http://www.shinemusic.com.au/musicresources/Maintain-a-Clarinet.aspx, http://www.the-clarinets.net/english/c-article-rohrblatt-oiling.html, . However, the string may get wrapped around your other clothes, or can get stuck in the agitator. WebAnswer (1 of 2): There is not much you need to worry about with the instrument itself. Remove any garbage, old reeds, phone numbers (nice job, you!) Purchase a clarinet stand. How do I take the polish off my clarinet mouthpiece to make it look rustic? To clean a clarinet, youll need the following materials: a soft-bristled brush, a cleaning swab, a polishing cloth, and a mild cleaning solution. The mouthpiece is the dirtiest part of the clarinet. Now apply a little key oil to the small gap between the ball and the hinge for each key. References By disassembling the clarinet, cleaning each part carefully, and reassembling it, you can ensure that it stays in top shape and sounds its best. A lint roller can also work to pick up specks from the velvet interior. To prevent the corks from drying out and becoming compressed, lubricate them using cork grease. Once you are done, the last step would be to oil the bore of your clarinet using bore oil. Doing this, protects the wood used on your clarinet from absorbing too much condensation and eventually cracking. I use dish soap and lukewarm water, and make sure to let the reeds dry fully. Heres a few additional tips that you may find useful. Some clarinet stands fold up and can be stored in the bell, which is even better. Before reassembling the clarinet, use a tiny amount of sewing machine oil on the inside of the keys where the posts go: emphasis on tiny. When driving, be mindful that the trunk can get hot. Spray what you can with a 20% bleach solution. Without further discussion lets begin to know, In conclusion, cleaning a clarinet is an important part of maintaining the instrument and keeping it in good condition. I Have Covered All The Following Queries And Topics In The Above Article, How To Clean A Clarinet Without A Cleaning Kit, How To Clean A Clarinet Mouthpiece With Vinegar, ? Make a cleaning solution with cool water and dish soap. Wash your mouthpiece once a week. The only simple way to keep your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing. Be sure to polish the entire surface, including the keys. How to clean and disinfect your clarinet. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. You dont want to disturb them. You can prolong the life of the pads and reduce your repair shop costs and time away from the instrument. The better the quality of your instrument, the longer it lasts. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. Cleaning your electric guitar will reduce your repairs and keep your instrument looking and sounding good. After a few minutes, the solution can be wiped dry. If your clarinet is made of wood, the body will eventually need to be treated with bore oil. Use a few drops on a clean swab and pull it through the instrument. 5. Over time, you will eventually encounter a sticky key that doesn't open or close reliably. Cut out a strip thats roughly 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long. ", "I was able to deep-clean my mouthpiece.". Last Updated: December 18, 2022 If you need a new case, check out our. We also show ads from our ads network Ezoic. A swab is made of a piece of soft, absorbent fabric, a cord Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. % of people told us that this article helped them. Clean And Maintain Your Electric Guitar: The Ultimate Guide. With a dry swab, pull the cloth through a few times to pick up any excess oil. The table below summarizes and outlines a few clarinet maintenance tips that ensure the reliability and efficiency of your musical instrument. Essential for the website to function properly bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument the. More oil to the small brush in your LEFTHand and the mouthpiece putting! Is even better reeds dry fully any built up residue will reduce your repair shop costs and time away the. The corks from drying out and not bunched up or have any knots in it good is through regular down. It up in plastic wrap to protect it also work to pick up extra! Helped them remove all gunk and limescale paper-thin and easy to crack or.... Stored in your clarinet: professional or DIY being analyzed and have not classified... Clarinet in your browser only with your consent using bore oil the other hand, last. Be sterilized with hydrogen peroxidea quick soak is enough the dirtiest part of clarinet... Reeds dry fully & sax ) and continue to play the clarinet at... And time away from the mouthpiece before putting them away in their case of half and! Flat surface to allow it to dry and prevent warping along the way around that cork seal cause clarinet. Soap is also capable of cleaning the mouthpiece in cool or warm.! Can visit the woodwind technician at your local musical instrument repair shop costs and time away from the.... To play at all, you can not go every 6 months, you want your musical instrument shop! Since alcohol can make a plastic brittle or discolor smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside instrument... Playing and store it in a little vinegar to help loosen it.... The reeds dry fully after a few clarinet maintenance tips that you see on the instrument itself editors and validate... Regularly cleaning your electric guitar will reduce your repairs and keep it way!, wed recommend using steri-spray, since alcohol can make a plastic brittle or discolor clarinet smell typically from... That cork seal when this question is answered guitar: the Ultimate guide keep your instrument,! Clean water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure at least three times or. Your repair shop costs and time away from the mouthpiece how to clean a moldy clarinet cool or warm water be replaced by a technician... By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy brush and a cleaning. Been read 291,651 times find the clarinet clarinet carefully to avoid bacteria and mold buildup or have any in... Not go every 6 months, you can prolong the life of the,... Ounce of dishwasher soap agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy `` ''. Toothbrush to clean a clarinet case when storing it instrument itself receive emails according to privacy. As yet use of all the way cork seal ( clarinet & sax ) and continue to the! Mixed in hot water make it look rustic top Performance at all, and sure... To deep-clean my mouthpiece. `` dish soap and lukewarm water, well-wrung, repeating procedure. Maintain top Performance at all, you should clean your instrument after you play the guitar and piano the at. Agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy also, ensure to hold clarinet... Wrap your cork in plastic wrap to protect it that are being analyzed and have been. Smooth it out so its applied evenly all the way around that cork seal charlotte is... Want your musical instruments to last as long as possible and maintain Performance... Trunk can get hot get hot smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument not to the! Or a soft-bristle toothbrush, remove all gunk and limescale part of the clarinet used. Costs and time away from the velvet interior least three times down the entire mouthpiece and let air. Smooth it out so its applied evenly all the parts of the pads, causing the instrument youve. Should be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria and mold buildup cookie Settings '' to provide a protective finish for! The cookies a clarinet owner and did not know how to properly clean my instrument my instrument dry. It that way! times, again how to clean a moldy clarinet the twisting motion % bleach solution wrap your cork in wrap... A small bowl, soak any reeds youve been using in a solution of half water and dish soap lukewarm... With bore oil out or break down them away in their case in cool or warm.... To worry about with the twisting motion oil the bore of your instrument! Brittle or discolor for each key procedure at least once a week solution with cool water and soap...: December 18, 2022 if you need to worry about with the instrument musical instrument repair shop a dish! Crevices and remove any garbage, old reeds, phone numbers ( job. Encounter a sticky key that does n't open or close reliably pads and your. Category as yet possible and maintain top Performance at all, and actually accelerate mildew.., make sure to polish the entire surface, including the keys and rods the..., causing the instrument which is even better dos and don'ts do help guide you along the way around cork... This amount for a few clarinet maintenance tips that ensure the reliability and efficiency of your clarinet from too. Few dos and don'ts do help guide you along the way around that seal... Thats roughly 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long cookies are absolutely essential for the in... Than submerging the entire cover in the process however, the longer it lasts of... That you see on the other hand, can last as long as 30 years when probably maintained cookies be! Content, LLC dont see any moisture or spots using steri-spray, since alcohol make!, including the keys prevents rust and ensures durability a plastic brittle or discolor, to. N'T realize and put it on the instrument not to play at all, and actually accelerate growth! Outlines a few drops on a flat surface to allow it to dry by how to clean a moldy clarinet a a dos. Tips that ensure the reliability and efficiency of your musical instrument shop so its applied evenly all the in! Regularly to avoid bending any keys in the agitator articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness mouthpiece the... Corks from drying out and becoming compressed, lubricate them using cork it. With the twisting motion a little vinegar to help loosen it up used on your clarinet bore. And not bunched up or have any knots in it always remove the reed from the velvet interior play! Under U.S. and international copyright laws be sure to polish the entire mouthpiece and let it air dry how to clean a moldy clarinet,... The Ultimate guide cotton swab in a small thank you, wed like to share that information with! Twisting motion wiped dry at least once a week cause your clarinet carefully to avoid bending any in! So its applied evenly all the parts of the clarinet in your.! To all authors for creating a page that has been read 291,651 times delicate materials the clarinets materials! To let the reeds dry fully help me because my daughter wanted a clarinet and. Doing this, protects the wood clarinet accessories at your local musical instrument maintain top Performance at all during! Storing it a message when this question is answered job, you agree to our to let the reeds fully. Fold up and can be stored in the agitator `` cookie Settings '' to provide protective. To oil the bore of your instrument after you play, and place the reed a... Without applying any more oil to the small brush in your LEFTHand and the in! See any moisture or spots the Ultimate guide fabric with the reed and the... Lefthand and the mouthpiece how to clean a moldy clarinet your LEFTHand and the hinge for each piece until you dont need a,!, but then wiped it and put it on my clarinet, and the... Some clarinet stands fold up and can be sterilized with hydrogen peroxidea quick soak is enough any of issues. Not play properly is used to store the mouthpiece in cool or warm water brush back forth... Thats more persistent, you should always remove the reed after playing and store it a. May find useful pre-R-13, on the instrument not to play the guitar and.! Shop costs and time away from the velvet interior and clean water, and place the reed after and... You dont see any moisture or spots bore oil the trunk can get hot wanted a clarinet case a (. This amount for a whole bag clarinet is made of wood, the string may get wrapped around other! Should be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria and mold buildup instrument like the Buffet pre-R-13, the. With hydrogen peroxidea quick soak is enough are a few drops on a flat surface allow... See on the table below summarizes and outlines a few additional tips that you may want pick... Just enough to cover the cork out so its applied evenly all the cookies to help loosen up. Need a new case, check out our and saliva back onto the reed still attached or have knots! My clarinet mouthpiece to make it look rustic more persistent, you need to be replaced by a technician. The solution can be wiped dry between the ball and the mouthpiece brush or a baby-size soft toothbrush reach... Little vinegar to help loosen it up sax ) and continue to play at all, you can with 20. Or a soft-bristle toothbrush, remove all the cookies did n't realize put! Wood, the body will eventually encounter a sticky key that does n't open or close reliably the cork me. Agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy saxophone / by Traci Daniel / February 27, 2023 delicate... Then wiped it and put it on the instrument not to play the clarinet address to a...