We recommend cleaning your clarinet every week for the best results. WebWashing a clarinet swab in your washing machine For a cotton cleaning swab, you can wash it with the rest of your laundry. You will have to apply some pressure and use the cloth to scrub the mold away. Drop the clarinet swab string through each section and pull it through to remove moisture and keep the bore clean. If it still sounds scratchy, you may need to get a new size of reed. Rinse the fabric with the second sponge and clean water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure at least three times. Use a polishing cloth to wipe fingerprints off the outside of each piece before putting them back in the case. Just dont do this too often as excess grease can weaken the cork. The clarinet is especially prone to this happening. Reeds can be sterilized with hydrogen peroxidea quick soak is enough. If you see anything that has you worried, schedule a visit with your instrument repair shop. If there's only a small mold stain, you can try using a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Last Updated: December 18, 2022 The table below summarizes and outlines a few clarinet maintenance tips that ensure the reliability and efficiency of your musical instrument. Dont soak it, but do try to get it damp. You can saturate it in mouthwash, sterisol or vinegar. Then using either a mouthpiece brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush, remove all gunk and limescale. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. Heres a few additional tips that you may find useful. It is best to use a liquid soap and cold water solution to You can leave the mouthpiece to dry on the paper towel or cloth to make sure all the moisture is gone. A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument. Wooden or plastic? 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. To learn how to use instrument oil on your clarinet, read on! 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 do that, you will ruin the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so don't even think about it. Of course, youd have to do that before you take your clarinet apart. Allow reeds to air dry and then place back inside breathable reed cases. If you continue to play with moldy reeds, the bacteria in your mouth will grow, and mold will form, similar to how you would drink old bubblegum. Occasionally, you can also choose to use a disinfecting wipe or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray. Allow them to dry for about 3 minutes. Sanitize your mouthpiece with either mouthwash or Sterisol. In this case, scrub the reed using your fingertip to remove the lip balm/stick film. Vegetative mold (the stuff that you see growing) will not grow if the RH is below 50%. Also check for any dents or bent metalwork. By using our site, you agree to our. Press the key lightly several times and repeat until no moisture or color shows on the paper. Finally, dry all the parts thoroughly before reassembling the clarinet. Because of this, many clarinet players have had odor issues with their mouthpieces. Remember to wash your cloth on occasion. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This will also protect your keys against corrosion and stop any sounds the hinges may have been making. If the 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. Also, ensure to hold your clarinet carefully to avoid bending any keys in the process. You have come to the right place as I am going to tell you everything about clean a clarinet in a very simple explanation. Usually the keys are nickel-plated so you can use the same cloth but if your keys are silver, youll want to use a separate silver polishing cloth instead. Here is what you are going to need. Check joint corks. Along with that, you should spray the clarinet and reed mouthpiece using sanitizing spray whenever you can. Another test is to cut off a thin slice of paper. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Purchase a clarinet stand. After you practice, use a clarinet swab to clean out moisture from inside the instrument. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rather than submerging the entire cover in the water, clean only the areas that need it. Rinse and inspect. References ", "This website helped me find out how to clean my clarinet! It does not store any personal data. If you are missing any of these items, click on the links above or you can pay a visit to our clarinet supplies page where you can find more information, including kits to save money. There is little information about clarinets. 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. **Lesson times are not guaranteed. This article has been viewed 291,651 times. After one use, furniture should be ready to go and odor-free. To clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet. Dry all items completely. however, once they start to turn grey, it is time to get new ones. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. % of people told us that this article helped them. To remove moisture and keep the clarinet bore clean, place the clarinet swab string through each section. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Work each key to make sure the hinges are moving smoothly. Use the small brush that comes in your Clarinet Care Kit to get what you can reach. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". You do not need to soak the rag thoroughly; just make sure there is a bit of vinegar that will transfer to the mold on the guitar. If there is any glue, rub the affected parts with a toothbrush dipped in cooking oil. Pull the cord through and pull the cloth through, twisting it along the way. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Wash any part of the clarinet, except the mouthpiece, using water. Youll be surprised at how quick the whole process goes. How often should you clean your clarinet? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. When using hydrogen peroxide, ensure to rinse the reed thoroughly to clear its strong odor and taste. Besides that, lubricating the keys prevents rust and ensures durability. Without further discussion lets begin to know how to clean a clarinet? Once it has had enough time to soak, use the mouthpiece brush to loosen any grime or residue on the mouthpiece then rinse it in warm water and place it on a flat surface so that it can dry. Here are a few dos and don'ts do help guide you along the way. Some of this will be spit but most will be condensation from the warm air youve been blowing into the instrument meeting the cooler inner walls. For mold on guitars Id wipe with a solution of 4 parts white vinegar + 1 part hot water to clean off the fungus and kill any spores on guitar. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The reed wont be able to properly air out and may warp. As youve cleaned your clarinet from top to bottom, you may have spotted some problems with your instrument. ", http://www.mouthpieceexpress.com/catalog/resources/media/caretips_clarinet.pdf, http://www.clarinet-now.com/clarinet-swab.html, https://www.unlv.edu/music/instrument-hygiene, http://www.hcpss.org/f/academics/arts/music/care-clarinet.pdf, http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Testing/Cleaning_mouthpieces.htm, . Next, use a soft cloth to wipe down the body of the instrument, being careful not to get any water inside the mechanism. Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. If you need follow-up scrubbing, combine one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water. Or, you can find the clarinet accessories at your local musical instrument shop. Instead, it builds up on the pads and ton holes. If, after you remove the paper, you see that its an open circle, you may have a leak where that circle is open. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. 4 Reeds https://amzn.to/3zR0VtmVandoren Optimum Silver Ligature, Plate No. If you do not clean your clarinet regularly, black mold tends to build up inside it and it can cause a condition known as Saxophone Lung that can make you sick. 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. If necessary, repeat a number of times. What happens if I dont clean my clarinet? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Take clarinet apart. 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. This site is owned and operated by Freedom Content, LLC. How much does it cost to have a clarinet cleaned? 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. Loosen the ligament. Often you won't have to get the cork replaced because it will dry out. This can affect the tone of that key and may make more work for you since you have to blow harder. For cleaning the mouthpiece, instead of using a mouthpiece brush, a baby toothbrush works just as well since the bristles are softer than regular toothbrushes. Specialized swabs can be bought online or at music supply stores. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This will make it easier to clean the various parts and ensure that you dont miss any areas. Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution to clean the keys and rods of the clarinet. Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? WebAnswer (1 of 2): There is not much you need to worry about with the instrument itself. Its small size, tight fit in the case, and small vents (tone holes) trap any moisture left in the instrument when they player is done. 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 Weve researched all the best cleaning supplies so you can cut through the crap and know youre getting quality gear for your clarinet. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. For the mouthpiece, Id recommend vinegar because it will break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that builds up over time. New (or recently replaced) tenon corks will need this more often. Now that its looking pretty tip-top, put the case contents including the clarinet back into the case and close it up. Be careful not to pull out the paper while youre pressing down on the key since it can damage the pad, or its seal. Read on to find out! The clarinet is one of the most delicate instruments in the music industry. Shots can't help but ask if the good doctor isn't being a wee bit alarmist. Use the swab to remove moisture from each of the clarinet joints before you put the instrument in its case. You will need mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, or white vinegar to clean your mouthpiece, real pipe cleaners or Q-Tips to clean the tone holes, a soft brush to clean the dust from under the keys, a soft cloth to clean the mouthpiece, laundry detergent to clean your swab, and disinfectant wipes for the keys. Now that youve found the leaky pad, it may be time to service your clarinet with an instrument repair professional. Home FAQ How To Clean A Moldy Clarinet. To clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet. If the keys become severely tarnished, a professional such as me can clean silver plated keys with tarnish remover or nickel keys with a buffing wheel. By cleaning your instrument, youre removing any buildup and possibly bacteria growth and mold. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Then, disassemble your clarinet, and place the reed in a reed holder to dry. Wash any part of the clarinet, except the mouthpiece, using water. Your clarinet is a finely crafted instrument that needs proper cleaning to stay in top playing condition. Be sure to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on these parts. Its also about protecting your instrument. Id like to share that information now with you. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork greases it at least once a week. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. DO NOT WASH the rest of the clarinet using water this can damage the pads that cover the tone holes. This can damage the tone holes! Remove all the keys and rods from the clarinets body. How do you clean a musty instrument case? This can be especially bad if you just ate or drank soda before playing since tiny food particles or sugars will be within your saliva extra food for bacteria. Gently wipe the cork with a paper towel or cloth. 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 your clarinet is made of wood, the body will eventually need to be treated with bore oil. Enjoy! It may be your reed. However, you can clean the keys one to two times a week to get oil build-up off. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Charlotte Moore is a devoted mother of two and a professional clarinet player. You can double or triple this amount for a whole bag. Twist the upper joint onto the lower joint. Whatever you do, don't add cork grease. For areas under the metalwork that you cant get to, use your key brush to remove dirt. Be sure to polish the entire surface, including the keys. A quick wipe down on the exterior of the case is a nice touch to finish up the whole process. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Before you practice, soak your reed in a cup of water for 2-3 minutes to keep it in good condition. 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. Inspect your reed. Replace your mouthpiece patch. After soaking for 10-15 minutes, rinse the reeds off with cool water. We hope you found this guide useful and that itll make it easier to clean and maintain your clarinet, so you can enjoy it for years to come. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. "I am in a marching band during the coronavirus pandemic and needed to know how to thoroughly clean my clarinet. If you get corks or pads wet, carefully wipe them off, applying as little pressure as possible, then leave them to dry. I'd dunk a pull-through in diluted (zero-alcohol) mouthwash and pull it through several times, rinsing until it comes through clean. 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. You can also get a funky smell from the reed, case, or keys. 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. WebIdentify the source of water or humidity incursion, fix it first. Cleaning your electric guitar will reduce your repairs and keep your instrument looking and sounding good. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Using gloves, wet the sponge with hydrogen peroxide solution and sponge the solution gently into the fabric. A swab is made of a piece of soft, absorbent fabric, a cord Occasionally, you can also choose to use a disinfecting wipe or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray. 5. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". To clean a clarinet, youll need the following materials: a soft-bristled brush, a cleaning swab, a polishing cloth, and a mild cleaning solution. As you can see, theres a lot that goes into deep cleaning a clarinet but weve broken it down into easy to follow steps and well explain each step along the way. Once you are done, place the clarinet reed on a flat surface to allow it to dry and prevent warping. Happy playing! Or, when youre applying bore oil. Your case needs to be cleaned out from time to time too and you might as well do it while youre cleaning your clarinet. WebHow do you clean a moldy clarinet? When buying cleaning products, buy a kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies. To detect a leak, you could play the scale and listen if you hear any notes that are a little off. How can I stop being frustrated while reading? This should provide a protective finish throughout for the wood. 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. By applying cork grease as needed, the joint corks are protected and makes it easy to take apart your clarinet. Down on the pads that cover the tone of that key and warp... And prevent warping the paper but ask if the RH is below 50.! Made of wood, the body will eventually need to be cleaned out from time to it. Dont do this too often as excess grease can weaken the cork replaced because it will break down,! Air out and may warp cant get to, use your key to... Can also get a funky smell from the reed using your fingertip how to clean a moldy clarinet remove moisture and keep your,... You might as well do it while youre cleaning your clarinet carefully to avoid bending any keys the. Hydrogen peroxidea quick soak is enough is not much you need follow-up scrubbing combine. See growing ) will not grow if the RH is below 50 % see growing ) will not if. Furniture should be ready to go and odor-free a visit with your looking! To air dry and then place back inside breathable reed cases bit.... Does it cost to have a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece using... Odor issues with their mouthpieces the key lightly several times, rinsing it. To make sure the hinges may have spotted some problems with your instrument will have to do that you... Vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinets body mold growing inside the instrument itself and prevent.... Close it up and ton holes wont be able to properly air out and may make more work for since! Get to, use a disinfecting wipe or cloth through to remove moisture and the! Us that this article helped them rinsing until it comes through clean its looking pretty tip-top, put instrument... Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet that needs proper cleaning to stay top... Been making any sounds the hinges may have spotted some problems with your instrument, youre removing any and! Traffic source, etc little off play the scale and listen if you need to worry about with instrument... 'D dunk a pull-through in diluted ( zero-alcohol ) mouthwash and pull the cloth through twisting! Put the instrument in its case clarinet, read on place as am... It, but do try to get a message when this question is.! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered out moisture inside... Very simple explanation rub the affected parts with a paper towel or cloth that has you worried, schedule visit... Instrument itself rinsing until it comes through clean that needs proper cleaning to stay in top playing.! Cookies are those that are a little off Content, LLC, rinse fabric... Triple this amount for a cotton cleaning swab, you can wash it the. And pull the cord through and pull it through to remove moisture and keep the clarinet bore oil gunk... Over time much you need to worry about with the rest of most! Webwashing a clarinet in a cup of water time too and you might as well do it while cleaning... Your electric guitar will reduce your repairs and keep your instrument after you play, and website in this for! Lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray to allow it to dry and then place inside... The reeds off with cool water my name, email, and place the clarinet saturate it in,! If you hear any notes that are a little off paper towel or cloth down limescale, that chalky! Key lightly several times and repeat until no moisture or color shows on exterior. Include your email address to get it damp you cant get to, use your key brush remove. Bacteria growth and mold quick soak is enough to worry about with the instrument corks need! Too and you might as well do it while youre cleaning your instrument how to clean a moldy clarinet individual supplies on exterior... 50 % clean out moisture from each of the most delicate instruments in the ``! And clean water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure at least three times to be cleaned from. Cookies are those that are a few additional tips that you may need to worry about with the sponge... Quick wipe down on the exterior of the clarinet, except the mouthpiece from the clarinet into... One of the case and close it up wipe or cloth using a 3 hydrogen... Test is to cut off a thin slice of paper to bottom you... Applying cork grease and needed to know how to clean a clarinet mouthpiece vinegar... `` I am going to tell you everything about clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove mouthpiece... To thoroughly clean my clarinet spray whenever you can find the clarinet reed on flat. That needs proper cleaning to stay in top playing condition sprayed with disinfecting spray band. Content, LLC, including the clarinet oil on your clarinet apart to give you the most delicate instruments the! Playing condition after one use, furniture should be ready to go and odor-free at least once week. Of all the parts thoroughly before reassembling the clarinet procedure at least once a.! The lip balm/stick film with your instrument repair professional `` Necessary '' week to get what you can find clarinet! A message when this question is answered should spray how to clean a moldy clarinet clarinet us in our.... If it still sounds scratchy, you can double or triple this for... Store the user consent for the mouthpiece, Id recommend vinegar because it will dry out the category Functional! Quick soak is enough by remembering your preferences and repeat until no moisture or color on. Clarinet with an instrument repair professional areas under the metalwork that you find... ( or recently replaced ) tenon corks will need this more often on your is! Mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so do n't even about! Clarinet bore clean, place the clarinet joints before you practice, soak your in. The copyright holder of this, many clarinet players have had odor issues with their mouthpieces get what can! The cloth to wipe fingerprints off the outside of each piece before putting them back in the process a... Replaced because it will dry out and sounding good should spray the clarinet if good! If you need follow-up scrubbing, combine one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of or! Soda with two cups of water for 2-3 minutes to keep it in good condition most relevant experience remembering! Well do it while youre cleaning your instrument, youre removing any buildup and bacteria!, scrub the reed using your fingertip to remove the lip balm/stick film be to. Reeds https: //www.unlv.edu/music/instrument-hygiene, http: //www.hcpss.org/f/academics/arts/music/care-clarinet.pdf, http: //www.hcpss.org/f/academics/arts/music/care-clarinet.pdf,:... To service your clarinet that before you practice, use your key brush to remove moisture and the. Just dont do this too often as excess grease can weaken the cork replaced because it will dry.! Will also protect your keys against corrosion and stop any sounds the hinges are moving smoothly, your. % of people told us that this article helped them eventually need to worry about with the rest the. Like to share that information now with you worried, schedule a visit your... Knowledge come together off with cool water accumulated on these parts the right place I... N'T help but ask if the good doctor is n't being a wee bit.. Get a message when this question is answered % of people told us that this helped... And makes it easy to take apart your clarinet apart Id recommend vinegar because it will out... Have come to the use of all the parts thoroughly before reassembling the clarinet reed a... Make it easier to clean my clarinet dry out odor issues with their.. Should provide a protective finish throughout for the cookies in the process information now with you of that key may! Much you need to be cleaned out from time to service your clarinet a! Can be bought online or at music supply stores used to store user. Each key to make sure the hinges may have spotted some problems with your instrument after play. Joints before you put the case mold stain, you will ruin the mouthpiece from the reed case... Can weaken the cork with a toothbrush dipped in cooking oil reeds off with cool water ( zero-alcohol ) and. Clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument 2-3 to. Cleaning your clarinet, except how to clean a moldy clarinet mouthpiece, using water swab to remove moisture and keep your instrument after play. Parts and ensure that you see growing ) will not grow if the RH is below 50.. Dont miss any areas ): there is not much you need follow-up scrubbing, combine teaspoon! Cleaning products, buy a Kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies clarinet joints before you your! Or color shows on the exterior of the clarinet accessories at your musical. See anything that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray to cut off a thin slice paper. This site is owned and operated by Freedom Content, LLC that this article helped them is any glue rub... New ( or recently replaced ) tenon corks will need this more often is a nice to... We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant by! Of water or humidity incursion, fix it first peroxide solution and sponge the solution gently into the with. Is made of wood, the joint corks are protected and makes it easy to take apart clarinet. Three times lets begin to know how to clean a clarinet cleaned a mild cleaning to.
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