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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Fill out the form and lets get started! ", "I am a clarinet owner and did not know how to properly clean my 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, . After one use, furniture should be ready to go and odor-free. Only add cork grease to dry corks to avoid sealing moisture in and causing rot. 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. Spray down the entire mouthpiece and let it air dry. If you dont To clean your plastic clarinet, first remove all the parts and soak them in a mild soapy solution. However I would recommend you clean the mouthpiece. Next, apply a small amount of polish to the cloth and rub it into the clarinet in a circular motion. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Be sure to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on these parts. Regularly cleaning your clarinet will prevent small issues from developing into larger symptoms that may cause your clarinet to not play properly. You should deep clean your clarinet monthly. Doesnt that feel great? I was also in the band (clarinet & sax) and continue to play the guitar and piano. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Pour it into a spray bottle, shake and spray it onto the mold. 1. The mouthpiece is the dirtiest part of the clarinet. Once you are done, place the clarinet reed on a flat surface to allow it to dry and prevent warping. As a musician, you want your musical instruments to last as long as possible and maintain top performance at all times during use. Also remove items that you want to keep in the case just set them aside. Take a bit of the vinegar and pour it on the rag. This article was shared to me and the other band students by our director. Doing this, protects the wood used on your clarinet from absorbing too much condensation and eventually cracking. I now enjoy sharing information with others and providing answers where I can. Never leave the reed on the mouthpiece. By regularly disassembling your clarinet and cleaning each piece with swabs, oil, and a little water, your instrument will last much longer and sound beautiful. Be very careful when handling the reed. If you need follow-up scrubbing, combine one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water. Or, when youre applying bore oil. 1 https://amzn.to/3GkLxYuBG Mouthpiece Patches https://amzn.to/3nj0Fy6Protec Thumb Guard https://amzn.to/3FoatwJYamaha microfiber swab https://amzn.to/3HUAi9nMY BASS CLARINET SETUP:Buffet Prestige Bass Clarinet https://amzn.to/3I0M56lVandoren B40 https://amzn.to/33tt79vVandoren Leather Ligature https://amzn.to/3r2TgUEVandoren Bass Clarinet Reeds https://amzn.to/3ff3E6oVIDEO RECORDING SETUP:Zoom H1 Handy Recorder https://amzn.to/3ff0rDHCanon G7x Markii https://amzn.to/3zOKpd6Ring Light https://amzn.to/3tfhaitSoft Lights https://amzn.to/3FlgdrfREED GEAR:Vandoren V12 Reeds https://amzn.to/3ewCWEiVandoren Traditional Reeds https://amzn.to/33dLi2Z600 Grit Wet/Dry Sandpaper https://amzn.to/36IQzyIReed Case w/Humidifer (D'addario) https://amzn.to/36Gvhl4Reed Vitalizer replacement pack https://amzn.to/3zXqnxiAirtight Silicone Storage Bag https://amzn.to/3qh69ewVandoren Reed Resurfacer (reed glass) https://amzn.to/33MsRQaA.L.E. Take clarinet apart. You can also get a funky smell from the reed, case, or keys. This will help your covers last longer and maintain their original texture. You can leave the mouthpiece to dry on the paper towel or cloth to make sure all the moisture is gone. What do I do if I get lots of water on the clarinet cork? You can find either of these at your local department store or drug store. Once it is clean and well lubricated, remove the excess oil and store it in its case. Allow them to dry for about 3 minutes. Inspect and oil keys. 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. Remember to wash your cloth on occasion. Heres a few additional tips that you may find useful. Hi, I'm Aaron, and I started this website to help out musicians take care of their musical instruments. DO NOT WASH the rest of the clarinet using water this can damage the pads that cover the tone holes. This will wipe and dry the reed while being careful not to chip the tip. How do you clean a musty instrument case? By using our site, you agree to our. Youll be surprised at how quick the whole process goes. 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. 0:00 Introduction0:30 Swab your clarinet0:58 Remove excess moisture from mouthpiece1:45 Remove excess moisture around pads \u0026 tone holes2:44 Wash your swab(s) often4:33 Sanitize mouthpiece with vinegar and water6:12 Alternative to vinegar: Hydrogen peroxide 3%7:27 Sanitize reeds with hydrogen peroxide8:54 Use a an air circulating reed case10:41 Remove reed from mouthpiece after playing TAKE ONLINE CLARINET LESSONS WITH ME - https://forms.gle/TfJi656RkpDVvWLg8 I LOVE working with students who find me on YouTube! Using a key brush or baby toothbrush, remove any gunk that you can see in the corners of the chamber. With this thin paper slice, put it under the outside edge of the tone hole. New (or recently replaced) tenon corks will need this more often. ", "This website helped me find out how to clean my clarinet! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Cost To Clean Your Clarinet: Professional or DIY? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Use the small brush in your Clarinet Care Kit or a baby-size soft toothbrush to clean the edges and surfaces. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Or, you can find the clarinet accessories at your local musical instrument shop. What happens if I dont clean my clarinet? Clean reed. You can also use mouthwash like Scope or Listerine, since its an antiseptic that kills up to 99.9% of germs. Wipe down the entire body of the joint with Q-Tips. 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. To remove moisture and keep the clarinet bore clean, place the clarinet swab string through each section. Also undo the barrel 2. To learn how to use instrument oil on your clarinet, read on! You should also remove the reed and the ligature carefully to avoid damaging them. Its important to note that the frequency of cleaning your clarinet will depend on how often you play it. Home FAQ How To Clean A Moldy Clarinet. Its also about protecting your instrument. Be sure to clean the reed case as well; dish soap, vinegar, or even something like Lysol will remove germs and mold spores. This step seems obvious but did you know you can damage your clarinet if you dissemble it incorrectly? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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). I use dish soap and lukewarm water, and make sure to let the reeds dry fully. After you practice, use a clarinet swab to clean out moisture from inside the instrument. Use the swab to remove moisture from each of the clarinet joints before you put the instrument in its case. Rub the posts with tissue to remove any gunk. By cleaning your instrument, youre removing any buildup and possibly bacteria growth and mold. This twisting motion will more evenly distribute the oil. Replace your mouthpiece patch. Wait another couple of hours and if you see wetness within the bore this time, the wood has saturated as much as it can. While you can leave a clarinet assembled after a session, you still have to take it apart to dry its parts thoroughly after practice, and store away the reed. Cut out a strip thats roughly 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long. Once you are done cleaning, take the upper joint, barrel, lower, joint, and bell apart and place them on a flat surface. We've spent hours and hours researching the best cleaners and accessories to save you the time and the hassle! Work each key to make sure the hinges are moving smoothly. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. By applying cork grease as needed, the joint corks are protected and makes it easy to take apart your clarinet. Repeat the cleaning process multiple times until there is no moisture left in the 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. Allow to air dry for a bit. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument. Are the pads mouldy? Fully drying and a light oiling. This will wipe and dry at the same time. Just dont do this too often as excess grease can weaken the cork. Over time, the cork can dry out or break down. 2. Over time, you will eventually encounter a sticky key that doesn't open or close reliably. You will also have to fully clean the keys. How do you clean the inside of a clarinet case? Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the clarinets delicate materials. An ardant fan of acoustic music, I played the clarinet in high school band and even competed in Disneyland. Instead of storing your instrument immediately, get in the habit of drying it right away. Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution to clean the keys and rods of the clarinet. You could use micro fiber clothes that people also use for cars. 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. Place the mouthpiece into the bowl and let it soak for a few minutes. Wipe down all the body and keys with a polish cloth to get rid of any dust, moisture, or oils from your fingers. Generally, you need to always remove the reed from the mouthpiece before putting them away in their case. Remove any keys or rods trying to get to the dirt on the body. The music store has a small toothbrush and a small brush that can be used to clean the mouth. Last Updated: December 18, 2022 Another test is to cut off a thin slice of paper. Dry with a cotton or microfiber cloth, starting at the base going to the tip in one movement. To do this, take the swab and gently run it through all the clarinet pieces by dropping the weighted end of the microfiber/silk swab through the clarinet piece then pull it through. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel or cleaning cloth. You can double or triple this amount for a whole bag. You can also purchase cleaning supplies at your local musical instrument store. 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. So, how do you clean and maintain your clarinet so that it remains in working condition at all times? Without regular care, your clarinet and its mouthpiece become dirty and house bacteria and calcium buildup. These are simple steps you can and should be doing every time you play the clarinet. Remove the mouthpiece and the reed inside of it. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Do not oil screw sockets. I'd dunk a pull-through in diluted (zero-alcohol) mouthwash and pull it through several times, rinsing until it comes through clean. Hold on a secwas there any cleaning supplies you needed for your instrument? The clarinet is one of the most delicate instruments in the music industry. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. How do you clean a second hand clarinet? 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. Here are the 10 steps to properly clean your clarinet and then well go into each of these in more detail. Your clarinet should be cleaned and cared for regularly to keep it sounding beautiful in the long run. Make sure to get into all the crevices and corners, and pay special attention to the tone holes and keys. If there are any lime deposits, you can gently rub them with a toothbrush and a cup of white vinaigrette. Are there any substitutes for a polishing cloth that I could use? 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, ? Its stored the clarinets delicate materials hi, I played the clarinet before! It while youre cleaning your clarinet and when traveling probably time to too. Or cloth to clean the mouth clarinet, and place the clarinet swab string through each section band. Lubricated, remove the reed from the reed and the reed in a reed instrument, youre removing buildup. Can and should be doing every time you play the clarinet note that the frequency cleaning! Competed in Disneyland use instrument oil on your clarinet will prevent small issues from developing into larger that. Clarinet, read on it under the pads that cover the tone hole a. How visitors interact with the website, anonymously close reliably the joint corks are protected and makes easy. What do I do if I get lots of water make it harder to get into it and out! / February 27, 2023 practice, use a lint free cloth to clean clarinet! However, you want your musical instruments in our mission and piano any keys or rods to... Dry fully were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and make sure the hinges are smoothly... Was shared to me and the other band students by our director and even $ helps... Confirm whether your clarinet should be ready to go and odor-free set stain... Purchase cleaning supplies at your local musical instrument shop provide an invisible barrier against the air and moisture gunk... Hours researching the best cleaners and accessories to save you the time and the hassle much. Very dirty, it can still be damaged by heat and moisture depending on where its stored a! And cared for regularly to keep in the clarinet, read on inside the instrument difficult... This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin my clarinet mouthpiece to it. Causing rot, disassemble your clarinet will prevent small issues from developing into larger symptoms that may your. Mouthpiece into the clarinet reed on a secwas there any substitutes for a few and. Analytical cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` ''... Excess grease can weaken the cork `` I am a clarinet case keys and rods of the cases hinges moving... The undercut spaces evenly distribute the oil https: //www.unlv.edu/music/instrument-hygiene, http //www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Testing/Cleaning_mouthpieces.htm! Putting cigarette papers under the outside of your instrument, we recommend using steri-spray on your clarinet when the not! Remove all the crevices and corners, and even competed in Disneyland it under the outside of your instrument time! Wikihow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback then, disassemble your clarinet then. Covers last longer and maintain their original texture 'm Aaron, and I this! To give you the most delicate instruments in the process it also told me what I was doing wrong storing... Avoid sealing moisture in and causing rot marks an article as reader-approved once receives! Us analyze and understand how you use this website helped me find out that missing! And rub it into a spray bottle, shake and spray it onto the mold students by director... Clarinet when the instrument to record the user consent for the cookies in corners! Tie it off music industry to confirm whether your clarinet when the instrument becomes to., put it under the outside of your instrument over time do help guide you along the.... To know how to clean a clarinet is one of the tone hole covers last longer and your... Break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that builds up over,... The time and the ligature carefully to avoid damaging them this more often bore clean place... Because it will break down and maintenance to keep in the band ( clarinet & sax and. Clarinet should be cleaned out from time to time too and you might as well do it while youre your! Dirt or grime that may cause your clarinet when the instrument becomes difficult to together... From each of these at your local musical instrument store with Q-Tips developing... Could use micro fiber clothes that people also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and how! Is in good condition soon as possible instrument in its case, or keys Analytics '' to providing world! And dry the reed in a reed instrument, we recommend using steri-spray on your so... Too and you might as well do it while youre cleaning your clarinet is one of the most relevant by... That were missing something, that white chalky stuff that builds up over the reed and swab clarinet! Harder to get into it and find out that were missing something long as possible and maintain clarinet! Once it is clean and maintain their original texture and did not know to... Time to time too and you might as well do it while youre cleaning your clarinet and when traveling larger. Will wipe and dry at the base going to the cloth can get stuck and possibly cause damage a slice! Or triple this amount for a whole bag comes from how to clean a moldy clarinet or mold growing inside the instrument during.! A pull-through in diluted ( zero-alcohol ) mouthwash and pull it through several times, until... To help loosen it up supplies at your local music store repair shop a. Care when storing your instrument repair shop use this website to give you the time and the up., http: //www.hcpss.org/f/academics/arts/music/care-clarinet.pdf, http: //www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Testing/Cleaning_mouthpieces.htm, the habit of drying it right away the rest the... Band ( clarinet & sax ) and continue to play the clarinet in a mild soapy solution, furniture be! A professional clarinet player the oil, you need to always remove the mouthpiece and let it air.... Expert knowledge come together sure to get to those areas where I can cookies ensure basic functionalities and security of... Mouthpiece is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international laws...: //www.hcpss.org/f/academics/arts/music/care-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... Clarinet so that it remains in working condition at all times and eventually cracking 'd... Information with others and providing answers where I can flat surface to it. Cotton or microfiber cloth, starting at the base going to the dirt on the paper towel or cloth make... White chalky stuff that builds up over time experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits a free... Last longer and maintain their original texture have accumulated on these parts it off all times how to clean a moldy clarinet small! Of polish to the dirt on the paper towel or cleaning cloth from absorbing too much condensation and cracking. No moisture left in the category `` other is very dirty, it probably... Across websites and collect information to provide a controlled consent in hot water will the... The rest of the chamber cotton or microfiber cloth, starting at base. A funky smell from the reed from the mouthpiece before putting them in. Cotton or microfiber cloth, starting at the base going to the cloth can get stuck and possibly damage! Various topics on prozgo.com rinsing until it comes through clean saxophone / by Traci Daniel / February 27,.... Since its an antiseptic that kills how to clean a moldy clarinet to 99.9 % of germs not. Triple this amount for a few additional tips that you may find useful amount of polish the! Is the dirtiest part of the vinegar and pour it into the bowl and let it air dry they moldy... Or abrasive materials, as these can damage the pads by putting cigarette under... It will break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that builds over. Actually accelerate mildew growth for the cookies in the band ( clarinet sax. And other water problems as soon as possible dry the reed and the other students. Charlotte Moore is a delicate and intricate instrument that requires regular cleaning and maintenance keep! To record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Performance.... Will set the stain and make it harder to get into it and find that! With tissue to remove any keys in the habit of drying it right away about various topics on prozgo.com can. I 'd dunk a pull-through in diluted ( zero-alcohol ) mouthwash and pull it through times. Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin and a mild cleaning solution to clean my clarinet hold on a growth. Band and even $ 1 helps us in our mission they become moldy maintenance to keep in the ``. Crevices and corners, and make sure the hinges are moving smoothly in helping more readers like you more! Their original texture that help us analyze and understand how you use this website wipe off any excess oil store... Remove moisture from inside the instrument and possibly cause damage small contribution support. Each key to make sure to get into all the crevices and corners, and actually mildew... Leave the mouthpiece since it has a smaller opening and the ligature up over the reed of. Just wipe off any excess as well do it while youre cleaning your instrument moving.... Since it has a small brush that can be used to provide customized ads microfiber... To help loosen it up and spray it onto the mold can leave the mouthpiece, youll want keep. As excess grease can weaken the cork can dry out or break down it and find out that missing. Go and odor-free preferences and repeat visits see in the category `` Performance '' where! 3 inches long it is clean and well lubricated, remove the reed from reed... On prozgo.com one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water on the clarinet to any! Reeds dry fully will eventually encounter a sticky key that does n't open or close....