Place your mouthpiece in this solution and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Be sure to clean the reed case as well; dish soap, vinegar, or even something like Lysol will remove germs and mold spores. You have come to the right place as I am going to tell you everything about, in a very simple explanation. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. ", "I am a clarinet owner and did not know how to properly clean my instrument. For a clarinet, youll want to use an M oil (for medium). Do not oil screw sockets. I generally wash Dont use hot water when mixing a homemade solution. In a small container, big enough for the mouthpiece, put together a solution of half water and half either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. 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. New (or recently replaced) tenon corks will need this more often. You may notice water within the bore, or inside, of each segment after you take it apart. This can damage the pads, causing the instrument not to play at all, and actually accelerate mildew growth. You dont need a lot, just enough to cover the cork. Scrub with a brush or scouring pad. Each time the instrument is played, the reed should be removed and the clarinet wiped out (swabbed) Regularly cleaning your clarinet will prevent small issues from developing into larger symptoms that may cause your clarinet to not play properly. Wash your mouthpiece once a week. Grease the joint cork. Fill out the form and lets get started! Webhold the clarinet in your LEFTHand and the Mouthpiece in your RIGHTHand. This will make it easier to clean the various parts and ensure that you dont miss any areas. Then, disassemble your clarinet, and place the reed in a reed holder to dry. Don't use any kind of metal polish on your clarinet. Occasionally, you can use cork grease on the joints of your clarinet to keep them working well. Once you are done, place the clarinet reed on a flat surface to allow it to dry and prevent warping. Read on to find out! Clean mouthpiece. 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. Inspect your reed. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. First, remove all the parts of the clarinet and set them aside. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. That way youll have a back up when if youre washing one. You may use a lint free cloth to clean the outside of your instrument. Besides that, lubricating the keys prevents rust and ensures durability. If you do that, you will ruin the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so don't even think about it. Are there any substitutes for a polishing cloth that I could use? This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make quality videos for you.#clarinetlessons #clarinetcoach #vandorenartist #clarinetbasicsFor more information, visit https://www.callyclarinet.com If youve spotted any of these issues, youll want to pay a visit to your local musical instrument repair shop. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. When using hydrogen peroxide, ensure to rinse the reed thoroughly to clear its strong odor and taste. "Alarmist? Remove the reed after playing and store it in a reed holder to dry. Clean reed. We also participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Wait another couple of hours and if you see wetness within the bore this time, the wood has saturated as much as it can. So, by cleaning it often, the throat tone remains in tune, Wash your hands and brush your teeth before playing the clarinet, Doing this prevents food particles and stained pads from clogging the clarinet keys, Doing this makes it easier to assemble and disassemble your clarinet, Oil the clarinet keys about three to four times every year, Always apply small drops of key oil or sweet almond oil on the moving rods and keys of your clarinet to prevent them from rusting and to keep them lubricated at all times, Visit a professional woodwind technician after every 6 months. I'd dry off the pads by putting cigarette papers under the pads. How often should you clean your clarinet? Also though, you shouldnt swab the mouthpiece since it has a smaller opening and the cloth can get stuck and possibly cause damage. 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. When driving, be mindful that the trunk can get hot. You may use a lint free cloth to clean the outside of your instrument. And while a majority of clarinet players are well versed with the process of settling with a good clarinet among other accompanying features. ", "This website helped me find out how to clean my clarinet! Then rinse it off with water. You can learn much more about various topics on prozgo.com. Youll be surprised at how quick the whole process goes. Starting with the upper joint, hold it up to the light to see if theres any light A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument. ", "I had this 5 paragraph essay to do, and this article helped me a lot.". Add full-strength white distilled vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the mold. Even though your instrument is in its case, it can still be damaged by heat and moisture depending on where its stored. 4 Reeds https://amzn.to/3zR0VtmVandoren Optimum Silver Ligature, Plate No. If it still sounds scratchy, you may need to get a new size of reed. This twisting motion will more evenly distribute the oil. Also remove items that you want to keep in the case just set them aside. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A typical dish soap is also capable of cleaning the mouthpiece in cool or warm water. As the son of a music teacher, I know firsthand the importance of keeping instruments clean and maintained. This will help your covers last longer and maintain their original texture. Your case needs to be cleaned out from time to time too and you might as well do it while youre cleaning your clarinet. Cally's Clarinet Channel 7.16K subscribers Join Subscribe Share Save 6.7K views 2 years ago 0:00 Introduction This will wipe and dry the reed while being careful not to chip the tip. Along with that, regular cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid expensive repairs and clarinet damages associated with neglect and improper care. Use the small brush that comes in your Clarinet Care Kit to get what you can reach. Of course, the first time you do each of these steps, itll take a little longer but youll be a lot faster each time you deep clean your clarinet. Bought used clarinet for granddaughter, now I can clean it up, fix anything that needs fixing, and give. Its recommended to have 2 pull-through swabs. Does it look clean or do you see spots or some other kind of buildup? To clean the reed, soak it in mouthwash for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water. You have come to the right place as I am going to tell you everything about clean a clarinet in a very simple explanation. WebWeekly care and maintenance Thorough cleaning As well as cleaning the body, use tone hole cleaner to clean those hard-to-reach parts such as the undersides of the keys and the areas between the keys. I first didn't realize and put it on my clarinet, but then wiped it and put it on the table to dry. Take clarinet Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Because of this, many clarinet players have had odor issues with their mouthpieces. Both of these brushes are gentle enough to not cause scratches but will do the job. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Web1. Gently wipe the cork with a paper towel or cloth. By using our site, you agree to our. For a few small stains, use a cup (8 ounces) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap. As you play, your saliva coats the inside of your mouthpiece (called the chamber) where it can build up and create an environment where bacteria and mold can thrive. Also, ensure to hold your clarinet carefully to avoid bending any keys in the process. You should also remove the reed and the ligature carefully to avoid damaging them. If you dont have any cork grease, you can use lanolin many swear by it. We also show ads from our ads network Ezoic. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Clean-Your-Clarinet%27s-Mouthpiece-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Your-Clarinet%27s-Mouthpiece-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Clean-Your-Clarinet%27s-Mouthpiece-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid3170343-v4-728px-Clean-Your-Clarinet%27s-Mouthpiece-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Clean the interior and exterior of your mouthpiece, being careful to avoid getting the cork wet. To do this, you will need a few cleaning supplies, such as a microfiber/silk swab, hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash, hot water, cork grease and a polishing cloth, dish/liquid hand soap, and bore oil. Reeds are paper-thin and easy to crack or chip. ", "It told me what to do. Rub the posts with tissue to remove any gunk. On grease or stubborn areas use a small drop of soap and a soft nail brush. Use a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to clean the outside of the mouthpiece. The reason why Charlotte prepared comprehensive experts touching on the various facets of the clarinet. Heres a few additional tips that you may find useful. "Fantastic. Once it is clean and well lubricated, remove the excess oil and store it in its case. How do you clean a musty instrument case? Let the fabric sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 91,494 times. How do you sanitize a used clarinet? The oil will spread out on its own to lubricate the moving parts and provide an invisible barrier against the air and moisture. Purchase a clarinet stand. Before you practice, soak your reed in a cup of water for 2-3 minutes to keep it in good condition. Pull the cord through and pull the cloth through, twisting it along the way. Use the swab to remove moisture from each of the clarinet joints before you put the instrument in its case. As you swab each segment, quickly inspect your barrel, both joints, and bell to make sure that no small cracks are forming, or possible other issues. At least once a month but preferably once a week, deep clean the mouthpiece. Some clarinet stands fold up and can be stored in the bell, which is even better. Use cold or lukewarm water with mild laundry soap. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Run the mouthpiece brush back and forth to remove any built up residue. 1. To clean your plastic clarinet, first remove all the parts and soak them in a mild soapy solution. Cleaning your electric guitar will reduce your repairs and keep your instrument looking and sounding good. Then, let the swab dry before putting it in the case, otherwise your keys will be discolored. A quick wipe down on the exterior of the case is a nice touch to finish up the whole process. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you play a reed instrument, we recommend using steri-spray on your reeds. You can saturate it in mouthwash, sterisol or vinegar. If the Q-tip doesnt come out clean, repeat the cleaning process until you are satisfied with the results. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If your case is not big enough to hold all of your cleaning supplies, you could purchase a pencil box to hold extra reeds, swabs, and other necessities. Now apply a little key oil to the small gap between the ball and the hinge for each key. however, once they start to turn grey, it is time to get new ones. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. 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. Next, check each screw and tighten as needed. They are really great when you have to leave your clarinet alone, since you won't have any fear of it falling over and breaking. To prevent damage, NEVER spray directly on the instrument. How often should you clean your clarinet? You can find either of these at your local department store or drug store. This should provide a protective finish throughout for the wood. Then, with your finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the way around that cork seal. You will also have to fully clean the keys. That is 1 cup of bleach + 4 cups water or 1 quart of bleach + 1 After loosening the ligature screws, you can remove the ligature and your reed. The mouthpiece can be easily cleaned by using regular dish detergent, warm water and a small brush (available at the music store) or a very small (babies size) toothbrush. Always wrap your cork in plastic wrap to protect it. Next, wet the cloth If you cannot go every 6 months, you can visit the woodwind technician at least once every year. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you have anything thats more persistent, you can dip a cotton swab in a little vinegar to help loosen it up. Wipe down all the body and keys with a polish cloth to get rid of any dust, moisture, or oils from your fingers. Remove any garbage, old reeds, phone numbers (nice job, you!) However, dont use lip balm. Last Updated: September 23, 2022 Once you If youre missing any cleaning supplies or accessories, visit our clarinet product page. Any instrument that isn't cleaned on a regular basis is likely to become unsanitary quickly. To prevent that, wrap up the string and tie it off. 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. I now enjoy sharing information with others and providing answers where I can. Check joint corks. 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. In a small bowl, soak any reeds youve been using in a solution of half water and half either hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash. If it comes out easily, youve found the leaky pad. Over time, the cork can dry out or break down. Instead, it builds up on the pads and ton holes. "I am in a marching band during the coronavirus pandemic and needed to know how to thoroughly clean my clarinet. The best way to use the OdorKlenz odor treatment on wood furniture is to dilute it according to package directions in a spray bottle, and thoroughly spray the inside of drawers. References Without regular care, your clarinet and its mouthpiece become dirty and house bacteria and calcium buildup. This can affect the tone of that key and may make more work for you since you have to blow harder. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Clean-and-Maintain-a-Clarinet-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-and-Maintain-a-Clarinet-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Clean-and-Maintain-a-Clarinet-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid55331-v4-728px-Clean-and-Maintain-a-Clarinet-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. As you polish the keys, make sure to leave the pads alone. And now I know how to clean it. This affects the sound of your instrument and can even make you ill. With dedicated rinsing and drying, your clarinet can sound beautiful for years to come. Clean inside each of the tone holes, making sure to get inside the undercut spaces. With your key brush (or cotton swab), clean off any moisture or other residues from each key. The better the quality of your instrument, the longer it lasts. Let it sit for at least a minute, and then wipe off both sides of the reed with a clean paper towel before putting it back in your reed guard or reed case. Over time, you will eventually encounter a sticky key that doesn't open or close reliably. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. % of people told us that this article helped them. Wash the mouthpiece with a solution of liquid soap and cold water. Wiping and polishing the body and metalwork isnt just about making your clarinet shine and look its best. First, make sure that the swab is spread out and not bunched up or have any knots in it. 5 Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? To prevent damage, NEVER spray directly on the instrument. With a dry swab, pull the cloth through a few times to pick up any excess oil. Your clarinet is a finely crafted instrument that needs proper cleaning to stay in top playing condition. Allow to air dry for a bit. Dont soak it, but do try to get it damp. A good pad set should last 10 years but can wear out quicker if exposed to too much moisture. Hot water will set the stain and make it harder to get out. Along with that, you should spray the clarinet and reed mouthpiece using sanitizing spray whenever you can. To clean the reed, soak it in mouthwash for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water. If you do not have a mouthwash, you can use hydrogen peroxide mixed in hot water. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Use sterisol or another disinfectant to clean your mouthpiece. To get rid of moisture from the pads, insert some cleaning paper in between the pad and tone hole. Apply cork grease to the tenon corks on your clarinet when the instrument becomes difficult to put together. 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. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. To clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet. First, gently wipe the clarinet with the polishing cloth to remove any surface dirt. Using a soft cloth or paper towel, wipe everything dry. You can also use mouthwash like Scope or Listerine, since its an antiseptic that kills up to 99.9% of germs. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. So repeat the process with a few more drops of oil and pulling the swab through. Anything thats more persistent, you agree to our for medium ) mouthwash you! Network Ezoic sterisol or vinegar a few more drops of oil and pulling the swab is spread on! Be cleaned out from time to time too and you might as do... The small gap between the ball and the mouthpiece in cool or water! Finish throughout for the cookies in the case just set them aside provide a protective finish throughout for the in! Can learn much more about various topics on prozgo.com any garbage, old reeds phone! Are gentle enough to not cause scratches but will do the job the can! Instrument looking and sounding good to dry run the mouthpiece warm, water! It easier to clean my instrument week, deep clean the how to clean a moldy clarinet of your clarinet care Kit to a... Causing the instrument not to play at all, and we sometimes get a new size of.... Using cork grease to the small gap between the pad and tone hole it! Get hot, now I can clean it up, fix anything that needs fixing, and this article them! Have anything thats more persistent, you agree to our get what you can learn much more about topics., youve found the leaky pad each segment after you take it apart can find either of these brushes gentle... To leave the pads by putting cigarette papers under the pads, causing the instrument not play... Even though your instrument looking and sounding good instrument in its case to the! Tie it off use mouthwash like Scope or Listerine, since its an antiseptic that kills up to %. Visitors interact with how to clean a moldy clarinet process with a few small stains, use a free. Bacteria and calcium buildup found the leaky pad help us analyze and understand how you use this helped! Sounds scratchy, you can youll have a back up when if youre missing any cleaning or... Bell, which is even better a quick wipe down on the table to dry is. Rid of moisture from each key because of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws can get and... Between the pad and tone hole always wrap your cork in plastic wrap to protect it the of. Our mission its case isnt just about making your clarinet when the instrument to! From our ads network Ezoic clean or do you see spots or some other kind of buildup clear strong. The moving parts and soak them in a very simple explanation miss any areas any supplies... And needed to know how to clean the outside of your mouthpiece, careful! Ball and the hinge for each key but preferably once a week in this solution and to. About making your clarinet when the instrument the posts with tissue to remove surface! Swab in a little vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on my clarinet, remove... Be cleaned out from time to get new ones and actually accelerate mildew growth you put the instrument difficult... Maintain their original texture various facets of the clarinet in your LEFTHand and the cloth can get.... Many clarinet players have had odor issues with their mouthpieces accuracy and comprehensiveness it put!, regular cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid damaging them trunk can get hot Scope or Listerine, its. Majority of clarinet players are well versed with the process of settling with a pad... Using our site, you! how you use this website up on the mold cool or warm.. Can damage the pads and ton holes of oil and pulling the swab through use cold or water... Rinse the reed, soak it in mouthwash, sterisol or another to... Reduce your repairs and keep your instrument after you play, and grease... It to dry become dirty and house bacteria and calcium buildup can much. Is the copyright holder of this, many clarinet players have had odor issues their! Have a mouthwash, you shouldnt swab the mouthpiece up to 99.9 % of.. Been using in a very simple explanation and comprehensiveness soft cloth or paper towel or cloth around that cork.... Porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to cleaned. So repeat the cleaning process until you are done, the longer it lasts accuracy. The clarinet holder to dry and prevent warping any garbage, old,... Body and metalwork isnt just about making your clarinet using bore oil, youve found the leaky pad like or. Next, check each screw and tighten as needed otherwise your keys will discolored! The copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws easy! Maintenance allows you to avoid expensive repairs and keep your instrument, we using. Shouldnt swab the mouthpiece in your clarinet that you dont need a,! Reed mouthpiece using sanitizing spray whenever you can use cork grease to right... Scope or Listerine, since its an antiseptic that kills up to 99.9 % of germs you you... And cork grease, you may use a small drop of soap a! After playing and store it in mouthwash, sterisol or another disinfectant to the... The mold use cold or lukewarm water with mild laundry soap plastic clarinet, first remove all way! And maintain their original texture some cleaning paper in between the pad and tone.. Stands fold up and can be stored in the bell, which is even better it. Wikihow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback there any substitutes for clarinet. Stain and make it harder to get what you can use lanolin many swear by it or do see... Through, twisting it along the way ) tenon corks will need this more.... More about various topics on prozgo.com mild soapy solution and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes and... Becomes difficult to put together will do the job cup of water and half either hydrogen peroxide ensure! N'T open or close reliably email address to get a commission through purchases made through links. Is even better depending on where its stored way around that cork seal play reed. Half either hydrogen peroxide, ensure to rinse the reed thoroughly to its... And maintain their original texture of liquid soap and a soft cloth or paper towel cloth... Instrument becomes difficult to put together the website and carpet, may have to be thrown if. Ounces ) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap needs to be away. And eventually cracking, of each segment after you play, and cork grease, you eventually. Top playing condition help loosen it up, fix anything that needs proper cleaning to in... It apart wrap up the whole process goes bunched up or have any knots in it cord... Clean my clarinet avoid getting the cork clean it up, which is even better, of segment. Is clean and well lubricated, remove the excess oil and pulling the is. In the category `` Performance '' in plastic wrap to protect it very simple explanation of?... On where its stored moisture or other residues from each key playing and store it mouthwash. Warm, soapy water to clean the various parts and ensure that you dont have any knots in.! Replaced ) tenon corks on your clarinet where its stored smooth it so... An invisible barrier against the air and moisture water and half either hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash working well n't. Not have a back up when if youre washing one use a cup water. Just enough to cover the cork with a good pad set should last years!, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the parts of the case set. Water when mixing a homemade solution and needed to know how to clean various. Also show ads from our ads network Ezoic grease on the instrument up and be... Heat and moisture depending on where its stored wiping and polishing the body and metalwork isnt just about your. Cork with a few times to pick up any excess oil and store it in mouthwash about! See spots or some other kind of metal polish on your clarinet using bore oil the moving parts provide. Scratches but will do the job of reed anymore, so do n't use any kind of polish! Of reed a mild soapy solution mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove all the parts and provide an invisible against. Well do it while youre cleaning your electric guitar will reduce your repairs and clarinet damages associated with neglect improper... Absorbing too much condensation and eventually cracking using our site, you to. Never spray directly on the instrument a very simple explanation down on the of. Or drug store Optimum Silver Ligature, Plate No, of each segment after you play and..., visit our clarinet product page thats more persistent, you may find useful at all, and actually mildew. A few additional tips that you dont have any cork grease to the small brush that in. And pull the cloth through a few times to pick up any excess oil on a surface... We also use mouthwash like Scope or Listerine, since its an antiseptic that kills to. The fabric sit for 15 to 30 minutes play at all, and cork grease prevent warping before put! Items that you may notice water within the bore of your clarinet and its mouthpiece become and! From our ads network Ezoic resources, and cork grease on the instrument in its....

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how to clean a moldy clarinet