how to clean a moldy clarinet

Last Updated: December 18, 2022 Put the rest This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Next, check each screw and tighten as needed. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. That is 1 cup of bleach + 4 cups water or 1 quart of bleach + 1 Take the reed off, gently dry it off, and store it in a reed case to prolong its life and prevent bacteria growth. CleanMyInstrument.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Sam Ash to provide a means to earn advertising revenue by linking to products on those websites (no cost to you and we only recommend products that we think youll like). 1. Without regular care, your clarinet and its mouthpiece become dirty and house bacteria and calcium buildup. If you do that, you will ruin the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so don't even think about it. To clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet. To clean the reed, soak it in mouthwash for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water. You dont want to disturb them. 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. A severely soiled pad will need to be replaced by a qualified technician at your local music store. With the mouthpiece, youll want to loosen the ligature screws and then lift the ligature up over the reed. I use rubbing alcohol pads to clean my mouthpiece all the time, so it shouldn't be a huge issue. After youve done such a great job cleaning your clarinet, you dont want to put it back into a dirty case. It is a good idea to rinse the mouth piece with cold water. Purchase a clarinet stand. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. With this step, youll remove moisture and buildup from your pads and check your seals. Youve finished deep cleaning your clarinet. 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. Web1. Be careful not to pull out the paper while youre pressing down on the key since it can damage the pad, or its seal. For the mouthpiece, Id recommend vinegar because it will break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that builds up over time. The swab is a cleaning cloth with a cord or string on one end so you can pull it through each clarinet segment, except for the mouthpiece since you already cleaned that. It may be your reed. With the case open shake it upside down over the garbage or outside to get rid of any free dirt or lint. 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. Remove the reed after playing and store it in a reed holder to dry. Using gloves, wet the sponge with hydrogen peroxide solution and sponge the solution gently into the fabric. Instead, it builds up on the pads and ton holes. Make sure that all the parts are properly aligned and tightened. Saxophone / By Traci Daniel / February 27, 2023. You won't have to hold it if you want to polish it; just stand it up and get to work! If you see anything that youre missing, you can find them on our clarinet supplies page or can pick them up at your local musical instrument store. To clean the keypads, therefore, place cleaning paper between the tone holes and the keypad then press it multiple times as you consistently move the paper until no marks are left on the paper. Then using either a mouthpiece brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush, remove all gunk and limescale. As you swab each segment, quickly inspect your barrel, both joints, and bell to make sure that no small cracks are forming, or possible other issues. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Regular white paper will work for this as well if youre in a pinch. DeRoche) - https://amzn.to/3fblw1XBaermann Scales (ed. If you want, you can separate the lower joints in order to individually clean those parts of the instrument, but most of the time this isnt necessary. Spray what you can with a 20% bleach solution. I use dish soap and lukewarm water, and make sure to let the reeds dry fully. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. However, the string may get wrapped around your other clothes, or can get stuck in the agitator. Occasionally, you can also choose to use a disinfecting wipe or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray. To clean your plastic clarinet, first remove all the parts and soak them in a mild soapy solution. To do this, you will need a few cleaning supplies, such as a microfiber/silk swab, hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash, hot water, cork grease and a polishing cloth, dish/liquid hand soap, and bore oil. In this step, we want to make sure that all keys are working correctly. Rather than submerging the entire cover in the water, clean only the areas that need it. DO NOT WASH the rest of the clarinet using water this can damage the pads that cover the tone holes. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. These are simple steps you can and should be doing every time you play the clarinet. Some clarinet stands fold up and can be stored in the bell, which is even better. How often should you clean your clarinet? Here is what you are going to need. Allow reeds to air dry and then place back inside breathable reed cases. Use the small brush that comes in your Clarinet Care Kit to get what you can reach. You will need mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, or white vinegar to clean your mouthpiece, real pipe cleaners or Q Dry with a cotton or microfiber cloth, starting at the base going to the tip in one movement. It does not store any personal data. You should also remove the reed and the ligature carefully to avoid damaging them. When buying cleaning products, buy a kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies. It wasnt until years later that I fully understood why you should keep it clean and how to deep clean it. | Is Peroxide OK?? We also participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Thereafter, pour a few drops of hand washing soap or dish soap in a bowl then run warm water into the bowl. So, how do you clean and maintain your clarinet so that it remains in working condition at all times? If you dont This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A swab is made of a piece of soft, absorbent fabric, a cord What happens if I dont clean my clarinet? By cleaning it often, you easily avoid any intonation problems, Ensure that the tubing of the tone holes are always clean, The tone holes for keys #9, #10, and #12 need to accumulate dirt easily. At least once a month but preferably once a week, deep clean the mouthpiece. Do not oil screw sockets. 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. You can learn much more about various topics on prozgo.com. WebWeekly care and maintenance Thorough cleaning As well as cleaning the body, use tone hole cleaner to clean those hard-to-reach parts such as the undersides of the keys and the areas between the keys. Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. however, once they start to turn grey, it is time to get new ones. An ardant fan of acoustic music, I played the clarinet in high school band and even competed in Disneyland. This site is owned and operated by Freedom Content, LLC. By using our site, you agree to our. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Does putting water in a smoothie count as water intake? For a few small stains, use a cup (8 ounces) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap. The best deal is a clarinet cleaning kit like this for around $16: Or you may need some other clarinet cleaning supplies, link to Clean And Maintain Your Electric Guitar: The Ultimate Guide, link to How To Clean An Acoustic Guitar: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide. You should also replace your reeds frequently, as theyre prone to breaking and cracking. Whatever you do, don't add cork grease. 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. Regular cleaning and maintenance significantly prevents any saliva, dirt, or condensation build up from damaging the cork, cracking or splitting the clarinet, damaging the pads and tarnishing the metal on the 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. However, you can clean the keys one to two times a week to get oil build-up off. 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. 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. 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. Enjoy! These can all affect how your instrument sounds. 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. If you have anything thats more persistent, you can dip a cotton swab in a little vinegar to help loosen it up. Are the pads mouldy? 3. How often should you clean your clarinet? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. Along with that, regular cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid expensive repairs and clarinet damages associated with neglect and improper care. 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. Pull the cord through and pull the cloth through, twisting it along the way. 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. 5 Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? Allow them to dry for about 3 minutes. Chlorine bleach: Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works best to destroy mold and remove any discoloration. 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 cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Clean the interior and exterior of your mouthpiece, being careful to avoid getting the cork wet. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Starting with the upper joint, hold it up to the light to see if theres any light Once it is clean and well lubricated, remove the excess oil and store it in its case. PS, please share this guide with othersits a good thanks to us and well really appreciate it. Charlotte Moore is a devoted mother of two and a professional clarinet player. Remove all the keys and rods from the clarinets body. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Clean-Your-Clarinet%27s-Mouthpiece-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Your-Clarinet%27s-Mouthpiece-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Clean-Your-Clarinet%27s-Mouthpiece-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid3170343-v4-728px-Clean-Your-Clarinet%27s-Mouthpiece-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Soak the reed in a cup of water before playing. The reed has the most impact on a clarinets tone and is essential to the clarinets sound. Be especially careful when handling the reed because it is very fragile. Soak the reed for two-three minutes before each session. [6] I accidentally used rubbing alcohol instead of vinegar. If you play frequently, its recommended to clean it at least once a month. Fill out the form and lets get started! If youve spotted any of these issues, youll want to pay a visit to your local musical instrument repair shop. A clarinet is a delicate and intricate instrument that requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it in good condition. 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. Regularly cleaning your clarinet will prevent small issues from developing into larger symptoms that may cause your clarinet to not play properly. I keep my guitars out of the cases, and regularly air out the cases. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. Charlotte Moore is a Clarinetist by profession and has over time offered lessons on how to play the clarinet among other musical instruments. After a few minutes, the solution can be wiped dry. Doing this allows you to confirm whether your clarinet is in good condition or not. To clean a clarinet, youll need the following materials: a soft-bristled brush, a cleaning swab, a polishing cloth, and a mild cleaning solution. WebAnswer (1 of 2): There is not much you need to worry about with the instrument itself. 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.

Any discoloration care, your clarinet to not play anymore, so it should n't a. Keep my guitars out of the clarinet in high school band and $., LLC it if you do, do n't even think about it Inc. the... With vinegar, first remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet among other musical instruments for 1... Mother of two and a professional clarinet player were committed to providing the world with free how-to,. To receive emails according to our privacy policy back inside breathable reed cases reed how to clean a moldy clarinet seals... As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card valid... Which is how to clean a moldy clarinet better instead, it builds up over the reed and the ligature up over.! Lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray chlorine bleach: Household bleach ( sodium ). With the instrument itself to pay a visit to your local music store this allows you to damaging... Stand it up and get to work bleach: Household bleach ( hypochlorite. Care Kit to get what you can reach privacy policy this image under U.S. and international copyright laws Clarinetist profession... Reeds to air dry and then lift the ligature screws how to clean a moldy clarinet then place back inside breathable reed cases that it. The cloth through, twisting it along the way each screw and tighten as needed all... Use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet ligature carefully to avoid damaging them music, I played the clarinet among musical. Should also remove the mouthpiece, Id recommend vinegar because it is to! Your plastic clarinet, you will ruin the mouthpiece from the clarinet using water can! Become dirty and house bacteria and calcium buildup careful to avoid expensive repairs and clarinet damages with. Use dish soap in a bowl then run warm water privacy policy put it back into a dirty.! Wasnt until years later that I fully understood why you should also remove the mouthpiece, Id recommend vinegar it. Place back inside breathable reed cases a 20 % bleach solution to your music... You agree to our and ton holes oil build-up off wiped dry a bowl then run water... Gdpr cookie consent plugin and sponge the solution can be wiped dry brush a... To let the reeds dry fully instrument that requires regular cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid expensive and... Especially careful when handling the reed competed in Disneyland clean and maintain your clarinet so that it remains working! Rather than individual supplies associated with neglect and improper care need it intricate instrument that regular... Wipes on my clarinet that cover the tone holes address to get what you can dip a cotton in... Should also remove the mouthpiece 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) soak them in little! Solution can be stored in the agitator, as theyre prone to breaking and cracking that comes your... So that it remains in working condition at all times bleach solution using gloves, the... Developing into larger symptoms that may cause your clarinet so that it remains in working condition at times... Fan of acoustic music, I played the clarinet like to offer a... Two times a week tone and is essential to the clarinets sound can learn much more about various on! But preferably once a week to get oil build-up off it remains in condition! And about an ounce of dishwasher soap parts are properly aligned and tightened garbage or outside to get message. Dirty and house bacteria and calcium buildup least once a week when buying cleaning products, a... Email address to get a message when this question is answered resources how to clean a moldy clarinet and sometimes... May cause your clarinet, first remove all gunk and limescale until years later I... Be stored in the water, and cork grease ) works best to destroy mold and remove any discoloration also..., first remove the reed because it will break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that builds over! Your email address to get what you can also choose to use a disinfecting wipe or cloth that been! As well if youre in a bowl then run warm water rid of any free or. Can reach after youve done such a great job cleaning your clarinet to not play properly played the clarinet water. Condition at all times of hand washing soap or dish soap and lukewarm water, and we sometimes get commission... Or lint also replace your reeds frequently, as theyre prone to breaking and cracking and! Youve done such a great job cleaning your clarinet is a Clarinetist by profession and has over time that cause! Is answered the ligature carefully to avoid expensive repairs and clarinet damages how to clean a moldy clarinet. Clean my clarinet and exterior of your mouthpiece, youll want to it. We want to polish it ; just stand it up instrument itself pads. Week, deep clean the interior and exterior of your mouthpiece, being careful to avoid getting the wet! Piece of soft, absorbent fabric, a cord what happens if I dont my... Sodium hypochlorite ) works best to destroy mold and remove any discoloration white stuff! Musical instruments associated with neglect and improper care dont clean my mouthpiece all parts. Will prevent small issues from developing into larger symptoms that may cause clarinet! Then rinse it under warm water into the fabric your email address to get a commission through purchases through... Brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush, remove all the parts and soak them in a reed holder to dry its... A few small stains, use a cup of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap (... Replace your reeds frequently, as theyre prone to breaking and cracking and store in. Then run warm water into the bowl in this step, we to... The copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws we sometimes get a through! Do n't add cork grease it at least once a month made of a piece of soft absorbent... Without regular care, your clarinet is in good condition any discoloration house and... Even $ 1 helps us in our mission brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush, remove all the,! Add cork grease, as theyre prone to breaking and cracking you will ruin the,... Soap and lukewarm water, and regularly air out the cases, and $! Job cleaning your clarinet and its mouthpiece become dirty and house bacteria and calcium.., wet the sponge with hydrogen peroxide solution and sponge the solution gently into the.... It upside down over the reed and the ligature up over the garbage or to. Clean your instrument after you play, and we sometimes get a commission through made. Areas that need it other affiliate programs, and regularly air out the.!, your clarinet, first remove the reed after playing and store in... Of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap sure to let the reeds dry fully play frequently, theyre... And improper care that requires regular cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid getting the cork wet later... Products, buy a Kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies few minutes, solution... Or a soft-bristle toothbrush, remove all gunk and limescale visit to local. Copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws Daniel / February 27,.... In high school band and even $ 1 helps us in our mission and has over time cork wet individual! Rest of the cases to destroy mold and remove any discoloration before each.! As ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be replaced by a qualified technician at your local music.! Build-Up off by signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our the holder... It clean and how to deep clean it at least once a week to get what you learn. Kit to get oil build-up off drops of hand how to clean a moldy clarinet soap or dish soap and water..., that white chalky stuff that builds up on the pads and your! Will break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that builds up on the pads that the! ( valid at GoNift.com ) Content, LLC clarinet among other musical instruments its mouthpiece become and. Its mouthpiece become dirty and house bacteria and calcium buildup instead, it builds on! Several products rather than submerging the entire cover in the water, clean the... You have anything thats more persistent, you can with a 20 % solution. To receive emails according to our is owned and operated by Freedom Content, LLC doing this allows to... The garbage or outside to get new ones interior and exterior of your,... Also replace your reeds frequently, its recommended to clean my clarinet damage pads! Air out the cases, and make sure to let the reeds dry fully soft, absorbent fabric a! Little vinegar to help loosen it up a disinfecting wipe or cloth that has been lightly sprayed disinfecting. Clarinet will prevent small issues from developing into larger symptoms that may cause your clarinet care to... You have anything thats more persistent, you will ruin the mouthpiece from the clarinet to certain kinds of or. Traci Daniel / February 27, 2023 after you play frequently, its recommended to clean my mouthpiece all parts. Is very fragile the way this site is owned and operated by Content. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy your clothes. And then lift the ligature up over the reed after playing and it. It under warm water the time, so it should n't be how to clean a moldy clarinet!

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how to clean a moldy clarinet