\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. | Is Peroxide OK?? To clean the keypads, therefore, place cleaning paper between the tone holes and the keypad then press it multiple times as you consistently move the paper until no marks are left on the paper. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Will this permanently affected the cork? DO NOT WASH the rest of the clarinet using water this can damage the pads that cover the tone holes. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. After a few minutes, the solution can be wiped dry. In order to get the most out of your clarinet, developing a proper maintenance and cleaning regimen is very important. For a clarinet, youll want to use an M oil (for medium). If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. "I am in a marching band during the coronavirus pandemic and needed to know how to thoroughly clean my clarinet. Chlorine bleach: Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works best to destroy mold and remove any discoloration. This can damage the pads, causing the instrument not to play at all, and actually accelerate mildew growth. Do this for all clarinet corks for the mouthpiece, both ends of the upper joint, and the bottom of the lower joint. You can also use mouthwash like Scope or Listerine, since its an antiseptic that kills up to 99.9% of germs. Pull the cord through and pull the cloth through, twisting it along the way. If the Q-tip doesnt come out clean, repeat the cleaning process until you are satisfied with the results. Drop the clarinet swab string through each section and pull it through to remove moisture and keep the bore clean. Grease the joint cork. Use a mouthpiece brush with warm, soapy water to clean the inside. Thereafter, pour a few drops of hand washing soap or dish soap in a bowl then run warm water into the bowl. As the son of a music teacher, I know firsthand the importance of keeping instruments clean and maintained. Doing this, protects the wood used on your clarinet from absorbing too much condensation and eventually cracking. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If you too much pressure on the keys, you can bend them since the hinges and metalwork can be fragile. If youve spotted any of these issues, youll want to pay a visit to your local musical instrument repair shop. Occasionally, you can also choose to use a disinfecting wipe or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. To clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet. In this case, 86% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. It is best to use a liquid soap and cold water solution to wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This can damage the tone holes! Spray down the entire mouthpiece and let it air dry. Here are a few steps you should follow when cleaning your clarinet; To start cleaning your clarinet, start by disassembling it into its 5 separate pieces. If you see any dust or other matter in your tone holes, you can remove them with your key brush or a cotton swab. To detect a leak, you could play the scale and listen if you hear any notes that are a little off. 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 Allow to air dry for a bit. You can double or triple this amount for a whole bag. Remove any keys or rods trying to get to the dirt on the body. We also show ads from our ads network Ezoic. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. If you see any spots that you missed, you can use a cotton swab (yes, like Q-tips for ears) to get the tricky spots. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Keep the Q-Tip wet, and do not force it inside a tone hole if it will not go in. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. After playing, if the clarinet is not swabbed out and the mouthpiece wiped, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive in. It was a huge help, thank you. Once it is clean and well lubricated, remove the excess oil and store it in its case. Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? WebTo start cleaning your clarinet, start by disassembling it into its 5 separate pieces. 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 though, you shouldnt swab the mouthpiece since it has a smaller opening and the cloth can get stuck and possibly cause damage. I was also in the band (clarinet & sax) and continue to play the guitar and piano. Happy playing! Be careful to avoid getting any on pads or corks, since this can damage them. Drying the Clarinet after Use 1. WebA clarinet should be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria and mold buildup. These are simple steps you can and should be doing every time you play the clarinet. 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. For the mouthpiece, Id recommend vinegar because it will break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that builds up over time. Cleaning your electric guitar will reduce your repairs and keep your instrument looking and sounding good. How much does it cost to have a clarinet cleaned? Even though your instrument is in its case, it can still be damaged by heat and moisture depending on where its stored. A clarinet is a delicate and intricate instrument that requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Specialized swabs can be bought online or at music supply stores. Often you won't have to get the cork replaced because it will dry out. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 1. Wash your mouthpiece once a week. Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution to clean the keys and rods of the clarinet. 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. What are some things that may not be so great about being a pediatrician? A low-quality student clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years. CleanMyInstrument.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Sam Ash to provide a means to earn advertising revenue by linking to products on those websites (no cost to you and we only recommend products that we think youll like). A swab is made of a piece of soft, absorbent fabric, a cord Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. This can damage the pads, causing the instrument not to play at all, and actually accelerate mildew growth. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. To learn how to use instrument oil on your clarinet, read on! WebTo clean the reed, soak it in mouthwash for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water. Add full-strength white distilled vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the mold. Now apply a little key oil to the small gap between the ball and the hinge for each key. If you notice black mold on your clarinet, it is time to discard it. For a few small stains, use a cup (8 ounces) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Without applying any more oil to the swab, pull it through 2 more times, again with the twisting motion. With a dry swab, pull the cloth through a few times to pick up any excess oil. I mix dish soap with warm water and use cotton swabs to clean my mouthpiece. Apply cork grease to the tenon corks on your clarinet when the instrument becomes difficult to put together. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Remove all the keys and rods from the clarinets body. Here are a few dos and don'ts do help guide you along the way. Another test is to cut off a thin slice of paper. It does not store any personal data. Remove the mouthpiece and the reed inside of it. If the mold and mildew are in the wood body of the clarinet it will require a complete teardown to rid it of the majority of the offensive substance. After loosening the ligature screws, you can remove the ligature and your reed. What do I do if I get lots of water on the clarinet cork? Rinse the mouthpiece and dry thoroughly. Lightly press the key and lightly pull on the paper. Use the small brush in your Clarinet Care Kit or a baby-size soft toothbrush to clean the edges and surfaces. Use canned air on the interior of the keys with posts in them and in the empty screw sockets on the clarinet.