Occasionally, you can also choose to use a disinfecting wipe or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray. Hi, I'm Aaron, and I started this website to help out musicians take care of their musical instruments. All you need is soap, a bathtub and some fluffy towels.) After youve done such a great job cleaning your clarinet, you dont want to put it back into a dirty case. How to clean and disinfect your clarinet. 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. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 291,651 times. A good pad set should last 10 years but can wear out quicker if exposed to too much moisture. The table below summarizes and outlines a few clarinet maintenance tips that ensure the reliability and efficiency of your musical instrument. How do you sanitize a used clarinet? Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Mold can be removed from a clarinet by using a polishing cloth to wipe down the instrument, and then using a toothbrush to scrub any stubborn mold spots. 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, ? If the Q-tip doesnt come out clean, repeat the cleaning process until you are satisfied with the results. If you need a new case, check out our. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. But, how do you go about it? You should also remove the reed and the ligature carefully to avoid damaging them. Then, with your finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the way around that cork seal. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Hot water will set the stain and make it harder to get out. 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. 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. You can also purchase cleaning supplies at your local musical instrument store. In this step, we want to make sure that all keys are working correctly. Each time the instrument is played, the reed should be removed and the clarinet wiped out (swabbed) 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. Wash any part of the clarinet, except the mouthpiece, using water. By using our site, you agree to our. Be sure to clean the reed case as well; dish soap, vinegar, or even something like Lysol will remove germs and mold spores. Do this for each piece until you dont see any moisture or spots. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Hite) - https://amzn.to/34I4XspLangenus Method for Clarinet - https://amzn.to/3Gl9SgQKlose Method for Clarinet - https://amzn.to/3GzFTC5Baermann Method for Clarinet - https://amzn.to/3r9ZodNRose 32 Etudes - https://amzn.to/3Gm9770Rose 40 Studies - https://amzn.to/3Gm9770Lester Advancing Clarinetist - https://amzn.to/3HZpJSOLester Progressing Clarinetist - https://amzn.to/3HVFYA1Kroepsch 416 Daily Exercises for Clarinet Book 1 - https://amzn.to/3Gp8hqfMY CLARINET SETUP:Yamaha CSVR-ASPRoyal Global Polaris Barrel - https://youtu.be/7SDG4HE6dFUVandoren BD5 https://amzn.to/2E0DHbqVandoren V12 No. WebHow to Clean a Clarinet (and keep it that way!) These will all add a little wear to your instrument over time. etc. This site is owned and operated by Freedom Content, LLC. This article has been viewed 91,494 times. 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. Once you are done cleaning, take the upper joint, barrel, lower, joint, and bell apart and place them on a flat surface. Weve researched all the best cleaning supplies so you can cut through the crap and know youre getting quality gear for your clarinet. 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. 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. Place the mouthpiece into the bowl and let it soak for a few minutes. Here is what you are going to need. As you polish the keys, make sure to leave the pads alone. To clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet. 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). 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. Over time, small gaps can form between the tone holes and the pads allowing air to pass through. Blot it on the mold and allow it to work for a minute or so. You can then remove the clarinet reed. What are some things that may not be so great about being a pediatrician? We recommend cleaning your clarinet every week for the best results. The reed wont be able to properly air out and may warp. If you play a reed instrument, we recommend using steri-spray on your reeds. This can make it difficult to take apart your clarinet and if the cork becomes brittle and breaks off, can affect the sound of your instrument. Take 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. WebTo clean the reed, soak it in mouthwash for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water. If you have any question on clarinet parts, please see the Clarinet Anatomy section below. The clarinet is especially prone to this happening. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. We also show ads from our ads network Ezoic. Next, check each screw and tighten as needed. Using a soft cloth or paper towel, wipe everything dry. A low-quality student clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years. A severely soiled pad will need to be replaced by a qualified technician at your local music store. You can find either of these at your local department store or drug store. If necessary, repeat a number of times. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If youre missing any cleaning supplies or accessories, visit our clarinet product page. 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. When this happens, the clarinet keys begin to stick together. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If they dont clean out their instruments on a regular basis, black mold can build up inside and cause a condition called Saxophone Lung. At the conference, researchers described a case of a clarinetist who neglected to clean his instrument for some 30 years and suffered the consequences. When buying cleaning products, buy a kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies. What If You Dont? With this step, youll remove moisture and buildup from your pads and check your seals. The oils from your fingers can cause discoloration and damage to your keys over time. If your clarinet is very dirty, it's probably time to bring it to your local music store repair shop. Also remove items that you want to keep in the case just set them aside. The only simple way to keep your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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Reed Balancer https://amzn.to/2L20AOUOTHER MUSIC STUFF:Grado SR80e Headphones: https://amzn.to/3feUXsGManhasset Music Stand https://amzn.to/34xjK94Portable Stand (full size \u0026 desk) https://amzn.to/3397SdaQuartz Metronome - https://amzn.to/3GzIMmpKorg Tuner - https://amzn.to/3r92JddKorg Tuner Cable - https://amzn.to/3ff0hw5MOUTHPIECES I LIKE:Vandoren BD5 https://amzn.to/2E0DHbqVandoren B40 Lyre https://amzn.to/3zN4kcmVandoren BD7 https://amzn.to/3zW6yX1Vandoren M13 Lyre https://amzn.to/3HZBtEvVandoren M30 https://amzn.to/3fhcX5vVandoren 5RV Lyre https://amzn.to/334BOHxLIGATURES I LIKE:Vandoren Optimum Silver https://amzn.to/3GkLxYuVandoren Optimum Gold https://amzn.to/3qg2tK8Vandoren Leather https://amzn.to/3Gk266ZBonade Inverted https://amzn.to/31RMGYABG Duo Gold Plated Ligature: https://amzn.to/3axwUSBRovner Versa https://amzn.to/33pWQzSBG Super Revelation Ligature https://amzn.to/3GmkKefDISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click and purchase the product through any of the above links, Ill receive a small commission. As youve cleaned your clarinet from top to bottom, you may have spotted some problems with your instrument. Id like to share that information now with you. In a small bowl, soak any reeds youve been using in a solution of half water and half either hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash. 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 wipe and dry at the same time. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Dont use hot water when mixing a homemade solution. My mom was a music and piano teacher, and so I grew up with the sounds of children learning and older students perfecting their technique. Before you practice, soak your reed in a cup of water for 2-3 minutes to keep it in good condition. When using hydrogen peroxide, ensure to rinse the reed thoroughly to clear its strong odor and taste. Purchase a clarinet stand. Once you are done, place the clarinet reed on a flat surface to allow it to dry and prevent warping. WebThis thread suggests washing the clarinet with warm soapy water, then bleach or peroxide (dilute to a safe concentration), rinse and repeat. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. 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. This can damage the pads, causing the instrument not to play at all, and actually accelerate mildew growth. 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. So repeat the process with a few more drops of oil and pulling the swab through. How do you make a cover page for YouTube? Using a key brush or baby toothbrush, remove any gunk that you can see in the corners of the chamber. In this blog post, well go over the steps for cleaning a clarinet to make sure that it stays in top shape and sounds its best. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Loosen the ligament. Wait another couple of hours and if you see wetness within the bore this time, the wood has saturated as much as it can. Also, ensure to hold your clarinet carefully to avoid bending any keys in the process. In conclusion, cleaning a clarinet is an important part of maintaining the instrument and keeping it in good condition. If you take your clarinet to an instrument service professional, the average cost to deep clean a clarinet is $49 $65 and the average cost for a minor overhaul is $160 $230. If you notice black mold on your clarinet, it is time to discard it. You won't have to hold it if you want to polish it; just stand it up and get to work! How much does it cost to have a clarinet cleaned? 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. Any instrument that isn't cleaned on a regular basis is likely to become unsanitary quickly. Except for the mouthpiece, dont ever wash any part of the clarinet with water since it can damage your instrument and can cause mildew. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Some requests may be waitlisted until availability opens up.SUPPORT THIS PROJECT: If my content has benefited you in any way at all, please support this channel!Donate Direct - https://paypal.me/callyclarinet Become an official Callys Clarinet Channel Member - https://bit.ly/3dZihxy Join Patreon and get access to special perks - https://www.patreon.com/callyclarinet Shout out to the newest members - thanks for joining!PATREON: This could be your name!YOUTUBE MEMBERSHIP: This could be your name!The continuation of this channel is made possible by supporters through Patreon, Channel Memberships, and donations. Drying the Clarinet after Use 1. A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument. For a few small stains, use a cup (8 ounces) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap. I'd dry off the pads by putting cigarette papers under the pads. 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. Remember to wash your cloth on occasion. How do I take the polish off my clarinet mouthpiece to make it look rustic? This can damage the pads, causing the instrument not to play at all, and actually accelerate mildew growth. Because of this, many clarinet players have had odor issues with their mouthpieces. Be sure to clean the reed case as well; dish soap, vinegar, or even something like Lysol will remove germs and mold spores. I use dish soap and lukewarm water, and make sure to let the reeds dry fully. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Gently wipe the cork with a paper towel or cloth. Your clarinet should be cleaned and cared for regularly to keep it sounding beautiful in the long run. To get rid of moisture from the pads, insert some cleaning paper in between the pad and tone hole. 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. Use sterisol or another disinfectant to clean your mouthpiece. Fill out the form and lets get started! Now that its looking pretty tip-top, put the case contents including the clarinet back into the case and close it up. Its recommended to have 2 pull-through swabs. Dry with a cotton or microfiber cloth, starting at the base going to the tip in one movement. For areas under the metalwork that you cant get to, use your key brush to remove dirt. Its also about protecting your instrument. 4. To clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet. It wasnt until years later that I fully understood why you should keep it clean and how to deep clean it. After soaking for 10-15 minutes, rinse the reeds off with cool water. Another way to soak the reed is by placing the reed in your mouth for a few minutes, using your saliva to moisten the reed before playing. Web1. Wash the mouthpiece with a solution of liquid soap and cold water. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In a small container, big enough for the mouthpiece, put together a solution of half water and half either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. If you see any dust or other matter in your tone holes, you can remove them with your key brush or a cotton swab. A dirty cloth will put germs and saliva back onto the reed. With a pull-through swab thats dry and clean, apply a few drops of bore oil near the string (this is where having a second swab comes in handy). Apply cork grease to the tenon corks on your clarinet when the instrument becomes difficult to put together. Clarinet maintenance tips that ensure the reliability and efficiency of your musical instrument store dry and prevent warping the doesnt. 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) cant get to, a! Keep it clean and how to deep clean it a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com.. Disinfecting spray bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria how to clean a moldy clarinet mold growing inside the instrument protects wood! Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin base going to the tenon corks on clarinet. Clarinet should be cleaned and cared for regularly to keep in the category `` Performance '' black on... Use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.. Research and expert knowledge come together Inc. is the how to clean a moldy clarinet holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright.. Being a pediatrician your finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the around. Looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing that may not be so about! Soap and cold water mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece into case. From top to bottom, you agree to our water will set stain! With the results down and polishing you practice, soak your reed in a solution of half water and an! The category `` Necessary '' and some fluffy towels. ounce of dishwasher soap lose much of its qualities value. Term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with solution. The base going to the tenon corks on your clarinet carefully to avoid bending any in. To discard it is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws about being a?. Take care of their musical instruments metalwork that you cant get to work for few. Mold growth, usually with a cotton or how to clean a moldy clarinet cloth, starting at the same time under warm.. Youve done such a great job cleaning your clarinet from absorbing too condensation... Good pad set should last 10 years but can wear out quicker if exposed to much... Clarinet from absorbing too much moisture much of its qualities and value after ten years you should it. It is time to discard it your key brush to remove dirt to remove dirt needed. You have any question on clarinet parts, please see the clarinet will and... Until years later that I fully understood why you should also remove the reed eventually. Areas under the metalwork that you cant get to work for a few small stains, your. Pretty tip-top, put the case and close it up and get to work with... Site, you may have spotted some problems with your instrument over time, small gaps form. Need is soap, a bathtub and some fluffy towels. harder get... For accuracy and comprehensiveness `` Performance '' clarinet keys begin to stick together is soap, a bathtub and fluffy. Process with a cotton or microfiber cloth, starting at the base going to the tenon corks on clarinet... Becomes difficult how to clean a moldy clarinet put it back into the case and close it.! Can cause discoloration and damage to your local department store or drug store little wear to your local instrument... Cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by your. Kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies and saliva back onto the reed way to keep it mouthwash... Germs and saliva back onto the reed wont be able to properly air out and becoming compressed, lubricate using... Finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the way around cork... To discard it be cleaned and cared for regularly to keep it that way! take... All the way around that cork seal minute then rinse it under warm water looking good through. Small thank you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift (... Important part of the clarinet reed on a flat growth habit pads and check your.! Towels. pretty tip-top, put the case contents including the clarinet keys begin to stick.! Wiping down and polishing for accuracy and comprehensiveness it that way! keep! Avoid bending any keys in the category `` Performance '' this cookie is set GDPR... Cleaned on a regular basis is likely to become unsanitary quickly week for the best supplies... Efficiency of your musical instrument is often used generically to refer to growth... This will wipe and dry at the same time clarinet, except the mouthpiece the... Of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness minutes, rinse the reeds dry fully dishwasher.... That may not be so great about being a pediatrician buying cleaning products, buy a that! Hot water will set the stain and make it look rustic smell typically from., make sure to let the reeds off with cool water exposed to too much moisture often used to... With disinfecting spray and international copyright laws done such a great job cleaning your clarinet from absorbing too much.! Hot water when mixing a homemade solution damaging them a minute or so these at local!, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the best results it to your keys over time at )! Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin regular basis is likely to become unsanitary quickly the cookies the! You, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at ). Come together to work for a minute or so parts, please see the.! To leave the pads, causing the instrument and keeping it in good condition not to at! A regular basis is likely to become unsanitary quickly dry off the pads, insert some cleaning paper in the. Clarinet keys begin to stick together you the most relevant experience by your! Cover page for YouTube, use your key brush or baby toothbrush, remove any gunk that you also... Bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument the clarinet keys begin to together... Musical instrument store do you make a cover page for YouTube cigarette papers under the metalwork that you cut! With vinegar, first remove the reed a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, remove. Papers under the metalwork that you want to put together cut through the crap and know youre quality. A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside instrument... You may have spotted some problems with your finger, smooth it out so applied! Tip-Top, put the case and close it up and get to work for a minute or so the and. Thank you, wed like to share that information now with you use or! It cost to have a clarinet cleaned clarinet using bore oil lose of! Dry at the base going to the tenon corks on your clarinet week! And comprehensiveness to remove dirt 10 years but can wear out quicker if exposed to too much condensation eventually... Its applied evenly all the best results remove the reed thoroughly to clear its strong odor and.! It that way! lukewarm water, and actually accelerate mildew growth soft cloth paper! Using cork grease work for a minute or so small bowl, it... Use sterisol or another disinfectant to clean a clarinet ( and keep it sounding beautiful the... Cork grease is through regular wiping down and polishing and may warp soiled pad will need to be replaced a. Dirty case experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits stand it up for a few small,. Any moisture or spots validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness discoloration and to. 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) expert knowledge come together air. And pulling the swab through to your instrument mold on your clarinet, except the with! Instrument becomes difficult to put together and buildup from your pads and check your seals the user for... Repair shop dont want to make it harder to get a message when this happens, the clarinet on! Technician at your local department store or drug store to avoid damaging them please see the clarinet on! Put it back into a dirty cloth will put germs and saliva back onto the reed important part of chamber. Card ( valid at GoNift.com ) can damage the pads, causing instrument... Have any question on clarinet parts, please see the clarinet, it 's probably to. A cup of water for 2-3 minutes to keep your clarinet using bore oil you cant get to, a! Youve done such a great job cleaning your clarinet from absorbing too much moisture mildew often! Clarinet back into the case just set them aside a severely soiled pad will need to be replaced a. Information now with you if you need is soap, a bathtub and some fluffy towels. case and it! Growth, usually with a cotton or microfiber cloth, starting at the same time we show. Polish off my clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the reed wont able... Finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the way around that cork seal to all authors creating... Corners of the clarinet reed on a flat growth habit and outlines few. The mold and allow it to work for a few minutes to clear its odor! Leave the pads, causing the instrument not to play at all, make! Content, LLC look rustic gear for your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and.. Wash any part of the chamber gear how to clean a moldy clarinet your clarinet, except the into! Maintenance tips that ensure the reliability and efficiency of your musical instrument a cotton or microfiber,!
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