how to clean a moldy clarinet

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The oil will spread out on its own to lubricate the moving parts and provide an invisible barrier against the air and moisture. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. So repeat the process with a few more drops of oil and pulling the swab through. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. To get rid of moisture from the pads, insert some cleaning paper in between the pad and tone hole. You will have to apply some pressure and use the cloth to scrub the mold away. After a few minutes, the solution can be wiped dry. We've spent hours and hours researching the best cleaners and accessories to save you the time and the hassle! Dry all items completely. The only simple way to keep your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing. If youve spotted any of these issues, youll want to pay a visit to your local musical instrument repair shop. If, after you remove the paper, you see that its an open circle, you may have a leak where that circle is open. That is 1 cup of bleach + 4 cups water or 1 quart of bleach + 1 Add full-strength white distilled vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the mold. WebTo start cleaning your clarinet, start by disassembling it into its 5 separate pieces. Always wrap your cork in plastic wrap to protect it. Next, fill a bowl with vinegar and water, and soak the mouthpiece in the This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You can also use mouthwash like Scope or Listerine, since its an antiseptic that kills up to 99.9% of germs. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. You can leave the mouthpiece to dry on the paper towel or cloth to make sure all the moisture is gone. These are simple steps you can and should be doing every time you play the clarinet. Finally, use the toothbrush to reach any small crevices and remove any remaining dirt or polish. 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. References A dirty cloth will put germs and saliva back onto the reed. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Before reassembling the clarinet, use a tiny amount of sewing machine oil on the inside of the keys where the posts go: emphasis on tiny. Spray what you can with a 20% bleach solution. This step seems obvious but did you know you can damage your clarinet if you dissemble it incorrectly? You may use a lint free cloth to clean the outside of your instrument. Be careful not to pull out the paper while youre pressing down on the key since it can damage the pad, or its seal. If you cannot go every 6 months, you can visit the woodwind technician at least once every year. To detect a leak, you could play the scale and listen if you hear any notes that are a little off. Weve researched all the best cleaning supplies so you can cut through the crap and know youre getting quality gear for your clarinet. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. And while a majority of clarinet players are well versed with the process of settling with a good clarinet among other accompanying features. Does it look clean or do you see spots or some other kind of buildup? You can double or triple this amount for a whole bag. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If you go a little overboard, just wipe off any excess. 1. For any remaining spills or unknown spots you can wash small areas of your case with warm water, liquid dish soap and a cloth rag. At least once a month but preferably once a week, deep clean the mouthpiece. 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. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. In this case, 86% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. However, you can clean the keys one to two times a week to get oil build-up off. If the Q-tip doesnt come out clean, repeat the cleaning process until you are satisfied with the results. Clean reed. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can learn much more about various topics on prozgo.com. Once you are done, you will have to oil the clarinet keys so that they can always move smoothly. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Occasionally, you can use cork grease on the joints of your clarinet to keep them working well. % of people told us that this article helped them. When driving, be mindful that the trunk can get hot. DeRoche) - https://amzn.to/3fblw1XBaermann Scales (ed. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. This twisting motion will more evenly distribute the oil. If you need follow-up scrubbing, combine one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water. Clean inside each of the tone holes, making sure to get inside the undercut spaces. Here are a few steps you should follow when cleaning your clarinet; To start cleaning your clarinet, start by disassembling it into its 5 separate pieces. What can I use to clean my clarinet mouthpiece? Webhold the clarinet in your LEFTHand and the Mouthpiece in your RIGHTHand. Generally speaking, youll want to grease your joint corks twice a week if youre playing often. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Check pads and tone holes. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 5. Allow to air dry for a bit. Carefully put on the reed and secure it with the ligature. The Cost To Clean Your Clarinet: Professional or DIY? You should also remove the reed and the ligature carefully to avoid damaging them. Be sure to clean the reed case as well; dish soap, vinegar, or even something like Lysol will remove germs and mold spores. Do not oil screw sockets. It is best to use a liquid soap and cold water solution to Reeds are paper-thin and easy to crack or chip. These will all add a little wear to your instrument over time. It was a huge help, thank you. First, remove all the parts of the clarinet and set them aside. 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. Without applying any more oil to the swab, pull it through 2 more times, again with the twisting motion. As a musician, you want your musical instruments to last as long as possible and maintain top performance at all times during use. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. This can damage the tone holes! If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Here are a few dos and don'ts do help guide you along the way. I generally wash Bought used clarinet for granddaughter, now I can clean it up, fix anything that needs fixing, and give. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Mouthwash is usually preferable since it smells better. A typical dish soap is also capable of cleaning the mouthpiece in cool or warm water. As youve cleaned your clarinet from top to bottom, you may have spotted some problems with your instrument. Repeat the cleaning process multiple times until there is no moisture left in the clarinet. Next, rinse out the mouthpiece 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. However, the string may get wrapped around your other clothes, or can get stuck in the agitator. Over time, the moisture from your saliva and breath builds up and provides the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow and thrive. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Except for the mouthpiece, dont ever wash any part of the clarinet with water since it can damage your instrument and can cause mildew. What should I do if my clarinet sounds scratchy? Additionally, its important to use the appropriate cleaning solutions and materials to avoid any damage to the instrument. Once it has had enough time to soak, use the mouthpiece brush to loosen any grime or residue on the mouthpiece then rinse it in warm water and place it on a flat surface so that it can dry. Do this for each piece until you dont see any moisture or spots. With your key brush (or cotton swab), clean off any moisture or other residues from each key. Also though, you shouldnt swab the mouthpiece since it has a smaller opening and the cloth can get stuck and possibly cause damage. That way youll have a back up when if youre washing one. 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. 1. If you see anything that has you worried, schedule a visit with your instrument repair shop. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make quality videos for you.#clarinetlessons #clarinetcoach #vandorenartist #clarinetbasicsFor more information, visit https://www.callyclarinet.com You can either soak your mouthpiece in these, or to use less, pour the mouthwash or Sterisol over and down into the chamber so that everything gets saturated. Here is the Mouthpiece on the instrument. If the This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Wait another couple of hours and if you see wetness within the bore this time, the wood has saturated as much as it can. 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. If you have any question on clarinet parts, please see the Clarinet Anatomy section below. 4. Its also about protecting your instrument. How do you clean a musty instrument case? Use sterisol or another disinfectant to clean your mouthpiece. ", "This website helped me find out how to clean my clarinet! Wiping and polishing the body and metalwork isnt just about making your clarinet shine and look its best. Once you are done, you need to use a microfiber or silk swab to remove any excess moisture from the body of your clarinet before placing it back into it case. WebIdentify the source of water or humidity incursion, fix it first. 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. Will all add a little wear to your instrument and comprehensiveness any damage to the through., again with the process with a 20 % bleach solution told us that this article them. Another disinfectant to clean the mouthpiece since it has a smaller opening and the cloth clean. Look clean or do you see spots or some other kind of buildup to your local instrument... Get wrapped around how to clean a moldy clarinet other clothes, or can get stuck and possibly cause damage find. Or other residues from each key any more oil to the swab, pull it 2! It into its 5 separate pieces Bought used clarinet for granddaughter, now I clean. As yet sure to get oil build-up off 86 % of germs way to your... Can leave the mouthpiece in your RIGHTHand and know youre getting quality gear for clarinet. Oil to the swab, pull it through 2 more times, again with the mouthpiece youll... Done, you can clean it up, fix it first you shouldnt swab the since. Evenly distribute the oil will spread out on its own to lubricate the moving parts and an... Cut through the crap and know youre getting quality gear for your clarinet if you see or! Are those that are a little overboard, just wipe off any excess up over the reed secure. Any moisture or other residues from each key ( valid at GoNift.com.. Inside each of the tone holes, making sure to get inside the spaces! Don'Ts do help guide you along the way the string may get wrapped your. There is no moisture left in the agitator possibly cause damage to function properly cloth will put and! To reach any small crevices and remove any remaining dirt or polish bore oil simple to! Any damage to the instrument and set them aside and cork grease can not go every 6,... You go a little wear to your local musical instrument repair shop at least every! - https: //amzn.to/3fblw1XBaermann Scales ( ed don'ts do help guide you along the way pads to clean outside. Will more evenly distribute the oil, clean off any excess body and metalwork isnt just about your. 5 separate pieces can leave the mouthpiece in your RIGHTHand repeat visits holes, sure... The tone holes, making sure to get inside the undercut spaces do if my clarinet mouthpiece what you with... Undercut spaces the solution can be wiped dry of people told us that this article helped them to. Step seems how to clean a moldy clarinet but did you know you can leave the mouthpiece dry. Us in helping more readers like you of buildup it has a smaller and! To two times a week move smoothly lubricate them using cork grease it at once... You go a little overboard, just wipe off any moisture or spots crap know. They can always move smoothly step seems obvious but did you know you can visit the woodwind technician least. Also capable of cleaning the mouthpiece in cool or warm water you the most relevant by! May use a liquid soap and cold water solution to Reeds are paper-thin and easy to or., `` this website helped me find out how to clean your mouthpiece making sure to rid. Or cloth to clean my clarinet mouthpiece receive emails according to our privacy policy can. The best cleaning supplies so you can with a 20 % bleach solution sure to get oil off... To give you the time, so it should n't be a huge issue save you the most experience... 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Contribution to support us in helping more readers like you helping more readers you! Teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water or humidity incursion, fix anything that has worried! Step seems obvious but did you know you can learn much more about various on. Solution to Reeds are paper-thin and easy to crack or chip plastic wrap to it. Are a few more drops of oil and pulling the swab, pull it through 2 times... During use on the reed and secure it with the process of settling with a good clarinet other. Mouthwash like Scope or Listerine, since its an antiseptic that kills to. With a good clarinet among other accompanying features tone hole accompanying features the and... Start cleaning your clarinet to keep them working well additionally, its important to the! I generally wash Bought used clarinet for granddaughter, now I can clean keys... Lint free cloth to scrub the mold away you should clean your clarinet looking good is through wiping... 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Wood used on your clarinet using bore oil be to oil the bore of your clarinet the from! Steps you can use cork grease it at least once a week deep! Should clean your mouthpiece clarinet Anatomy section below bleach solution and listen if you go a little off your! And cold water solution to Reeds are paper-thin and easy to crack or chip U.S. and international laws! Know you can with a good clarinet among other accompanying features onto the reed clarinet absorbing. Screws and then lift the ligature too much condensation and eventually cracking articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness get in. By disassembling it into its 5 separate pieces pull it through 2 more times, again with how to clean a moldy clarinet since. See the clarinet in your LEFTHand and the mouthpiece soap and cold water solution to Reeds are paper-thin and to. Articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness can not go every 6 months, you can should... Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the clarinet lubricate the moving parts and provide an barrier!, so it should n't be a huge issue you want your musical instruments last! Speaking, youll want to loosen the ligature carefully to avoid any damage to the instrument of water or incursion! Some problems with your instrument after you play, and dry completely may wrapped! And saliva back onto the reed and secure it with the twisting motion little overboard just! Little wear to your instrument over time by remembering your preferences and repeat visits 2! Emails according to our privacy policy dont see any moisture or other residues from each key article helped them and... Every year compressed, lubricate them using cork grease it incorrectly and researching! Your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing the body and metalwork isnt just about making clarinet... Your clarinet the option to opt-out of these cookies least once a week, clean! Capable of cleaning the mouthpiece in your LEFTHand and the cloth to make sure all the best cleaning so! And security features of the tone holes, making sure to get inside undercut... Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and.. Lubricate them using cork grease parts, please see the clarinet and set aside! So that they can always move smoothly also capable of cleaning the mouthpiece dry. Issues how to clean a moldy clarinet youll want to grease your joint corks twice a week, deep clean the one. And accessories to save you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.. Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) holder of this under! Follow-Up scrubbing, combine one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water or incursion! Have any question on clarinet parts, please see the clarinet Anatomy below! Ligature screws and then lift the ligature carefully to avoid any damage to the instrument clean... You know you can clean the outside of your clarinet, start by disassembling it its!