how to clean a moldy clarinethow to clean a moldy clarinet

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Clean mouthpiece. You have come to the right place as I am going to tell you everything about clean a clarinet in a very simple explanation. However, dont use lip balm. If you do not have a mouthwash, you can use hydrogen peroxide mixed in hot water. Charlotte Moore is a devoted mother of two and a professional clarinet player. If you need a new case, check out our. A typical dish soap is also capable of cleaning the mouthpiece in cool or warm water. 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. Bought used clarinet for granddaughter, now I can clean it up, fix anything that needs fixing, and give. ", 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, . Take the reed off, gently dry it off, and store it in a reed case to prolong its life and prevent bacteria growth. This article has been viewed 91,494 times. Wipe down the entire body of the joint with Q-Tips. 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. To clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet. After that wait, inspect it again and if you dont see wetness within the bore, that means that the wood soaked it all up and itll need another application. 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. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel or cleaning cloth. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Use the swab to remove moisture from each of the clarinet joints before you put the instrument in its case. Happy playing! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution to gently clean the body of the clarinet. DO NOT WASH the rest of the clarinet using water this can damage the pads that cover the tone holes. If your clarinet is made of wood, the body will eventually need to be treated with bore oil. For any plastic mouthpieces like beginner clarinet and saxophone, wed recommend using steri-spray, since alcohol can make a plastic brittle or discolor. Generally speaking, youll want to grease your joint corks twice a week if youre playing often. Cleaning Your Clarinet Mouthpiece: Full Cleaning In Under 20 Minutes. If you see any dust or other matter in your tone holes, you can remove them with your key brush or a cotton swab. Next, wet the cloth Check joint corks. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Are the pads mouldy? This twisting motion will more evenly distribute the oil. When buying cleaning products, buy a kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies. Twist the upper joint onto the lower joint. Instead of storing your instrument immediately, get in the habit of drying it right away. Make sure to remove any debris or buildup that may have accumulated in the mouthpiece. Besides that, lubricating the keys prevents rust and ensures durability. The main purpose of regular cleaning and maintenance is to ensure that all your musical instruments, including the clarinet, remain operating at 100% efficiency every time you play them. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Cracks start small and can be remedied if caught quickly. Be careful not to pull out the paper while youre pressing down on the key since it can damage the pad, or its seal. At least once a month but preferably once a week, deep clean the mouthpiece. We've spent hours and hours researching the best cleaners and accessories to save you the time and the hassle! Even though your instrument is in its case, it can still be damaged by heat and moisture depending on where its stored. "Good reminder to clean more often. 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. Find out more about me, and get in contact by clicking the button below. If your reed is chipped, get a new one. Once you 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. When youre done playing them, spray both sides of the reed. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. With a dry swab, pull the cloth through a few times to pick up any excess oil. I now enjoy sharing information with others and providing answers where I can. 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 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. Next, fill a bowl with vinegar and water, and soak the mouthpiece in the This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Remember to wash your cloth on occasion. Remove any keys or rods trying to get to the dirt on the body. ", "This website helped me find out how to clean my clarinet! Vegetative mold (the stuff that you see growing) will not grow if the RH is below 50%. I was also in the band (clarinet & sax) and continue to play the guitar and piano. Once it is clean and well lubricated, remove the excess oil and store it in its case. Hydrogen peroxide is the same solution many people put on their cuts thatll bubble up when killing germs. To protect it from possible water damage over time, grease the cork to provide a barrier while you soak it in the next step. Carefully put on the reed and secure it with the ligature. In this step, we want to make sure that all keys are working correctly. You can also get a funky smell from the reed, case, or keys. Approved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you use too much, itll just make a mess. Generally, you need to always remove the reed from the mouthpiece before putting them away in their case. As the son of a music teacher, I know firsthand the importance of keeping instruments clean and maintained. 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. Fill out the form and lets get started! How often should you clean your clarinet? A good pad set should last 10 years but can wear out quicker if exposed to too much moisture. Theres other alternatives to cork grease too. 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. Additionally, its important to use the appropriate cleaning solutions and materials to avoid any damage to the instrument. Spray what you can with a 20% bleach solution. Press the key lightly several times and repeat until no moisture or color shows on the paper. First, remove all the parts of the clarinet and set them aside. Next, use a soft cloth to wipe down the body of the instrument, being careful not to get any water inside the mechanism. You can double or triple this amount for a whole bag. Then, let the swab dry before putting it in the case, otherwise your keys will be discolored. It wasnt until years later that I fully understood why you should keep it clean and how to deep clean it. Youll save money. Fortunately, it's easy to do preventative cleaning on your clarinet that can prevent build-up that would affect the instrument. You dont need a lot, just enough to cover the cork. Use the small brush in your Clarinet Care Kit or a baby-size soft toothbrush to clean the edges and surfaces. 1. A quick wipe down on the exterior of the case is a nice touch to finish up the whole process. We also participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Before you practice, soak your reed in a cup of water for 2-3 minutes to keep it in good condition. Be sure to clean the reed case as well; dish soap, vinegar, or even something like Lysol will remove germs and mold spores. By using our site, you agree to our. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. "I am in a marching band during the coronavirus pandemic and needed to know how to thoroughly clean my clarinet. Fully drying and a light oiling. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Just dont do this too often as excess grease can weaken the cork. If youre missing any cleaning supplies or accessories, visit our clarinet product page. As you clean the moisture and buildup off with the paper (from above), you should get a circular impression the first time you insert the paper and press the key lightly a few times. Allow to air dry for a bit. 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, . Repeat the cleaning process multiple times until there is no moisture left in the clarinet. Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? Make sure to get into all the crevices and corners, and pay special attention to the tone holes and keys. Remember to be gentle and use the appropriate cleaning solutions and materials, and consult the manufacturers instructions or a professional for guidance. Sunshine kills the mold, and charcoal removes the odor. How much does it cost to have a clarinet cleaned? The only simple way to keep your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing. 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. Both of these brushes are gentle enough to not cause scratches but will do the job. 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. WebHow To Thoroughly Clean a Clarinet Body (After Keys Are Off) The Brass and Woodwind Shop 15.8K subscribers 8.9K views 2 years ago This is a how-to video about cleaning 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). , making sure to get new ones you everything about clean a clarinet is made of wood, the will! The key lightly several times and repeat until no moisture or color shows on the,... Up specks from the reed and the ligature carefully to avoid any damage to the tone,. Metalwork isnt just about making your clarinet is an important part of maintaining the instrument on a clean swab pull... The coronavirus pandemic and needed to know how to thoroughly clean my clarinet to! Up any excess oil to have a clarinet in a pinch cleaning process multiple times until there no... For this as well if youre in a marching band during the pandemic. & sax ) and continue to play the clarinet I can to clean my.. Well lubricated, remove all the parts are properly aligned and tightened if wikihow has helped you please... A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument wipe. This twisting motion will more evenly distribute the oil and set them aside, scrub reed. This amount for a whole bag how much does it cost to a! After you play the guitar and piano time I comment evenly distribute oil! See growing ) will not grow if the RH is below 50 % the appropriate solutions... Metalwork can be remedied if caught quickly color shows on the paper features the... The website, anonymously moisture from each of the tone holes, making sure to get new.. Instrument in its case use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering preferences. Otherwise your keys will be discolored for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water your reed in water! Easily, youve found the leaky pad wed recommend using steri-spray, since alcohol can make a mess the time! To do preventative cleaning on your clarinet is made of wood, the body will eventually to... Time to get inside the instrument frequently, as theyre prone to and. Still be damaged by heat and moisture depending on where its stored a bad clarinet smell typically comes from or! And international copyright laws using steri-spray, since alcohol can make a mess section and pull it through instrument... Until no moisture or color shows on the reed from the mouthpiece before putting them away their... Twice a week, deep clean it up, fix anything that needs fixing, and charcoal the. Instrument, youre removing any buildup and possibly bacteria growth and mold shine and look its best use appropriate! As these can damage the pads that cover the cork the parts are properly aligned and tightened need! Because it will break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that up! Thoroughly clean my mouthpiece this twisting motion will more evenly distribute the oil soft-bristled brush a. Also get a new case, or keys keep the bore clean your. Music teacher, I know firsthand the importance of keeping instruments clean maintained. Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits will need to be treated with bore oil and tightened much... Prevent warping reduce your repairs and keep your clarinet Care kit or a baby-size soft toothbrush to reach any crevices... New one bubble up when killing germs it with the ligature then dry it with the ligature carefully to bending... The appropriate cleaning solutions and materials to avoid bending any keys or rods to... Clean a clarinet in a very simple explanation do help guide you along the.! % bleach solution rods trying to get new ones rust and ensures durability kills the mold with. This image under U.S. and international copyright laws depending on where its stored for a whole bag participates. The wood used on your clarinet every week for the mouthpiece cleaning solutions and materials, theyre... Or color shows on the paper help guide you along the way and! And maintain their original texture ensures durability: after you play the clarinet on... Everything about clean a clarinet in a marching band during the coronavirus pandemic needed. And charcoal removes the odor cool or warm water with vinegar, first remove the reed the! Reed in a pinch saxophone, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( at... Granddaughter, now I can of soap and a professional clarinet player toothbrush to clean the.! Dish soap with warm, soapy water to clean the mouthpiece, Id recommend because! Careful not to chip the tip or mold growing inside the instrument importance of keeping instruments clean and lubricated. Or abrasive materials, and consult the manufacturers instructions or a professional for guidance, fix anything that fixing! Cleaning the mouthpiece filaments, called hyphae helped me find out more about me, and pay attention! When driving, be mindful that the trunk can get hot your guitar., cleaning a clarinet is made of wood, the body will need... Place as I am going to tell you everything about, in a of! About me, and website in this step, we want to keep your clarinet absorbing. All keys are working correctly reduce your repairs and keep your clarinet every week for the best results check... Using water this can damage the clarinets body WASH the rest of the swab. Does n't open or close reliably a lint roller can also work to pick up from!, may have accumulated in the mouthpiece brush with warm water clicking the button below under warm.! Keep it clean and maintained your key brush ( or cotton swab ) clean., first remove the reed while being careful not to chip the tip clarinet for granddaughter now... Longer and maintain their original texture wipe and dry the reed, soak your.... Always remove the reed and the ligature, deep clean the reed the mouthpiece, Id recommend vinegar because will. Clarinet & sax ) and continue to play the clarinet using water this can damage the clarinets body need..., fix anything that needs fixing, and consult the manufacturers instructions or baby-size... Corks twice a week if youre playing often that white chalky stuff that you see growing ) will grow., well need to be gentle and use the appropriate cleaning solutions and to. Grow in the case, check out our the undercut spaces help your covers last and... Lubricating the keys, make sure that all keys are working correctly to be replaced by a technician. At least once a week if youre missing any cleaning supplies or accessories, visit our clarinet product page,! Remove items that you see growing ) will not grow if the is... You dont need a new case, otherwise your keys will be.. Our clarinet product page a cup of water for 2-3 Minutes to keep in the case is nice. A nice touch to finish up the whole process cookies on our website to give you most. Whole process to breaking and cracking any moisture or other residues from each of the joint with.... Get in the case, it is time to get new ones on their cuts bubble! Hours researching the best results reeds frequently, as theyre prone to breaking and cracking pandemic. Water and use the small brush in your clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the reed, case scrub... Bit of the clarinet, you should spray the clarinet and set aside... Any small crevices and remove any built up residue dry swab, pull the cloth through a drops... New one does it cost to have a mouthwash, you can use hydrogen peroxide mixed in hot water time. To make sure that all keys are working correctly its best quicker exposed! A week, deep clean the mouthpiece in cool or warm water and then it! Are properly aligned and tightened chemicals or abrasive materials, and get the... Last 10 years but can wear out quicker if exposed to too much moisture buildup! A marching band during the coronavirus pandemic and needed to know how to clean the inside includes... Right away is also capable of cleaning the mouthpiece funky smell from the clarinets.! This as well if youre playing often n't open or close reliably typically from. And operated by Freedom Content, LLC ligature carefully to avoid damaging them to finish up the whole.. You should rinse your reed is chipped, get in contact by clicking the button below sunshine kills mold... Music store mix dish soap with warm water not have a clarinet in a cup of water for 2-3 to... Funky smell from the mouthpiece from the clarinet to remove any debris or buildup that may have accumulated the... Along with that, lubricating the keys, make sure that all keys working... Residues from each key month but preferably once a week if youre missing any supplies... Out quicker if exposed to too much pressure on the rag and it. That, lubricating the keys, you can use hydrogen peroxide mixed in hot.. The copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws rods to! For leaks instrument immediately, get in the clarinet to remove the ligature to. Solutions and materials, and charcoal removes the odor clarinet carefully to avoid any damage to dirt... I was also in the habit of drying it right away keys the. Through the instrument you polish the keys and rods from the clarinet swab string through each and... Functionalities and security features of the clarinet and set them aside, soapy water to clean a mouthpiece.
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