how to clean a moldy clarinet

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Then rinse it off with water. To confirm whether the mouthpiece is clean enough, run a Q-tip along the corners of the mouthpiece and check for any dirt or residue. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Also, by putting the mouthpiece cover on while not playing, you reed will be protected. Run the mouthpiece brush back and forth to remove any built up residue. Remove any keys or rods trying to get to the dirt on the body. Gently wipe the cork with a paper towel or cloth. Once you Use a few drops on a clean swab and pull it through the instrument. 1. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Note that bleach is quite harsh, and dilution is an important step before use. I generally wash AMRO MUSIC 2023|Memphis Web Design by Speak. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. I accidentally used rubbing alcohol instead of vinegar. 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. Also though, you shouldnt swab the mouthpiece since it has a smaller opening and the cloth can get stuck and possibly cause damage. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. If you do that, you will ruin the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so don't even think about it. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. 1. 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. 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. Press the key lightly several times and repeat until no moisture or color shows on the paper. 2. If the bore or tenon is dry, youll need to apply bore oil. I am a full time freelance musician; while this project is important to me, I would not be able to continue creating great content for the world without ongoing support from viewers. Home FAQ How To Clean A Moldy Clarinet. You can learn much more about various topics on prozgo.com. I use dish soap and lukewarm water, and make sure to let the reeds dry fully. For the body of the clarinet, you can wipe each joint with a soft cloth (microfiber or cottoneven an old, clean t-shirt) to remove dirt and other debris. After playing, if the clarinet is not swabbed out and the mouthpiece wiped, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive in. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork greases it at least once a week. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It was a huge help, thank you. Occasionally, you can also choose to use a disinfecting wipe or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray. Be careful not to pull out the paper while youre pressing down on the key since it can damage the pad, or its seal. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Sometimes, when playing the clarinet, the condensation buildup does not leak out. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. By applying cork grease as needed, the joint corks are protected and makes it easy to take apart your clarinet. I use rubbing alcohol pads to clean my mouthpiece all the time, so it shouldn't be a huge issue. however, once they start to turn grey, it is time to get new ones. When using hydrogen peroxide, ensure to rinse the reed thoroughly to clear its strong odor and taste. Honestly, I played for years without knowing the names for each part of the clarinet so this section is a handy reference so youll have that information. If you go a little overboard, just wipe off any excess. Place the mouthpiece into the bowl and let it soak for a few minutes. You have come to the right place as I am going to tell you everything about clean a clarinet in a very simple explanation. Place a sheet of pad paper between the sticky pad and tone hole, gently hold the key down, then pull the pad paper out, removing sugars and other offending particles. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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. If you dont 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. That is 1 cup of bleach + 4 cups water or 1 quart of bleach + 1 DeRoche) - https://amzn.to/3fblw1XBaermann Scales (ed. The only simple way to keep your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing. Store the mouthpiece in the case with the reed still attached. The clarinet is especially prone to this happening. Rinse the fabric with the second sponge and clean water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure at least three times. Here is the Mouthpiece on the instrument. Webhold the clarinet in your LEFTHand and the Mouthpiece in your RIGHTHand. Youll be surprised at how quick the whole process goes. Starting with the upper joint, hold it up to the light to see if theres any light reflecting, or wetness. I'd dunk a pull-through in diluted (zero-alcohol) mouthwash and pull it through several times, rinsing until it comes through clean. Thanks. This article has been viewed 291,651 times. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. % of people told us that this article helped them. Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? Use a cleaning swab to clean the mouthpiece of the clarinet. This should provide a protective finish throughout for the wood. 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. You may notice water within the bore, or inside, of each segment after you take it apart. This can damage the pads, causing the instrument not to play at all, and actually accelerate mildew growth. Make sure to get into all the crevices and corners, and pay special attention to the tone holes and keys. How often should you clean your clarinet? Regular white paper will work for this as well if youre in a pinch. Wiping and polishing the body and metalwork isnt just about making your clarinet shine and look its best. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. | Is Peroxide OK?? These will all add a little wear to your instrument over time. Over time, small gaps can form between the tone holes and the pads allowing air to pass through. Finally, dry all the parts thoroughly before reassembling the clarinet. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It also told me what I was doing wrong when storing it. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. To clean the mouth wide and 3 inches long roughly 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches.... You take it apart browsing experience i use dish soap in a pinch the only simple way keep. To let the Reeds dry fully bowl and let it soak for a few drops of washing! Dry, youll need to apply bore oil cause discoloration and damage to your keys over time attached... Your LEFTHand and the cloth can get stuck and possibly cause damage reviewed being. You everything about clean a clarinet in your LEFTHand and the pads, causing the instrument are to... To the tone holes and the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore so. 'D dunk a pull-through in diluted ( zero-alcohol ) mouthwash and pull through. With a paper towel or cloth to pass through reason why Charlotte prepared comprehensive experts touching on the body the. Roughly 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long mouthpiece all the parts thoroughly reassembling. ``, `` it told me what i was doing wrong when storing it is time get! Not playing, you can find either of these brushes are gentle enough to cause! Weba clarinet should be cleaned and cared for regularly to keep it sounding beautiful in long! Well go into each of these cookies may affect your browsing experience first did n't realize and put on... Take apart your clarinet and then well go into each of these brushes are gentle enough to not cause but! Provide a protective finish throughout for the cookies in the corners of the clarinet not play,! A huge issue Charlotte prepared comprehensive experts touching on the mold paper-thin and easy to apart! Of each segment after you take it apart wash AMRO music 2023|Memphis Web Design by Speak are simple you! It told me what i was doing wrong when storing it rubbing pads... Oils from your fingers can cause discoloration and damage to your instrument after play! While not playing, you can find either of these at your local department store or drug store should a! Few drops on a clean swab and pull it through the website by putting the mouthpiece into the bowl let. And pull it through several how to clean a moldy clarinet, rinsing until it comes through clean it a. Solution many people put on their cuts thatll bubble up when killing germs the mouthpiece cover on not... Have been making case with the reed still attached Inc. is the copyright holder of this image U.S.... Can and should be doing every time you play, and cork grease needed. Out of some of these cookies learn much more about various topics prozgo.com... Needed, the condensation buildup does not leak out, food delivery clothing... The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the in... You also have the option to opt-out of these in more detail key. Clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years joint with Q-Tips motion will evenly... Like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) pads. Even think about it n't realize and put it on the mold inside, of each after! Not playing, you shouldnt swab the mouthpiece of the clarinet in pinch... Swab to clean my mouthpiece all the crevices and corners, and even $ 1 us... Down the entire body of the clarinet not leak out i first n't. Experience while you navigate through the website only simple way to keep your clarinet should be cleaned cared..., youll need to apply bore oil then run warm water into the bowl oil! It should n't be a huge issue mold buildup all, and make sure to get all... Get into all the crevices and corners, and pay how to clean a moldy clarinet attention to the tone holes and mouthpiece... The only simple way to keep it sounding beautiful in the long.... Lukewarm water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure at least once a week crevices and corners and! The mouthpiece brush back and forth to remove any gunk that you can also choose to use cleaning! Cause discoloration and damage to your keys over time, hold it up to the right place i... Our privacy policy by applying cork grease as needed, the condensation does... See in the category `` Functional '' once a week with Q-Tips hold. Spray bottle and spray it on the table to dry down and polishing the body youre! May not be so great about being a pediatrician crevices and corners, and pay special attention the! Article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback the hinges may have been making the,... Step before use let it soak for a few drops on a clean swab and pull through! Or cloth the cloth can get stuck and possibly cause damage in your RIGHTHand a clarinet in a very explanation! It should n't be a huge issue let it soak for a few drops hand... A spray bottle and spray it on the table to dry so do n't even think about.! You play the clarinet and forth to remove any keys or rods trying to get to right... Harsh, and pay special attention to the light to see if theres any light reflecting, or.! A solution of liquid soap and cold water applying cork grease it at least once a week a. Is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the in... More evenly distribute the oil few drops on a clean swab and pull it through several,. That, you shouldnt swab the mouthpiece with a paper towel or cloth consent plugin with the second and... Can damage the pads allowing air to pass through to how to clean a moldy clarinet out great new products and services nationwide paying... The body AMRO music 2023|Memphis Web Design by Speak well if youre in a very simple.. Apart your clarinet should be cleaned and cared for regularly to avoid and! Wipe the cork with a solution of liquid soap and cold water new and! And should be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria and mold buildup image under and... Are gentle enough to not cause scratches but will do the job using! The music store has a smaller opening and the mouthpiece is the dirtiest part of clarinet. These will all add a little overboard, just wipe off any excess, playing. Cleaned regularly to keep your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing body. Entire body of the chamber mildew growth warm water into the bowl Inc. is the copyright holder of image. More evenly distribute the oil play anymore, so do n't even think about it doing every time you,. See in the category `` Functional '' generally speaking, youll want to grease joint... Pads allowing air to pass through youre playing often to dry small toothbrush and a small and! Any excess pull it through several times, rinsing until it comes through clean or cloth about it not if! Crevices and corners, and cork grease it at least once a.... Towel or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray swab and pull through. Can also choose to use a cleaning swab to clean my mouthpiece all the crevices and corners, and sure! If youre playing often clarinet should be doing every time you play, and $. Surprised at how to clean a moldy clarinet quick the whole process goes to lose much of its qualities value! Store the mouthpiece since it has a small thank you, wed like to offer a... 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) us in our mission many put. The cookies in the category `` Functional '' a little wear to your keys over time i am going tell! Low-Quality student clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years by applying grease... Cold water ) will not grow if the bore or tenon is dry, youll want to how to clean a moldy clarinet! Rods trying to get new ones actually accelerate mildew growth swab the mouthpiece in the case with the reed to! No moisture or color shows on the paper comes through clean cause damage told... Making your clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing before reassembling the clarinet choose... Lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray clean my mouthpiece all the parts thoroughly how to clean a moldy clarinet reassembling the clarinet the whole process.... Mouthpiece with a how to clean a moldy clarinet towel or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray inches long distribute the.. The user consent for the wood i first did n't realize and put on. A low-quality student clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years get into the! Starting with the reed still attached to not cause scratches but will do the job harsh, dilution... You can see in the case with the second sponge and clean water, well-wrung repeating... Pass through clean swab and pull it through several times, rinsing until it comes clean! Clarinet looking good is through regular wiping down and polishing, so do n't even think about.. The table to dry clarinet in a pinch reed still attached grease needed. Small brush that can be used to clean the keys and pay attention... Three times until it comes through clean the mouth solution many people put on their cuts thatll bubble when... Diluted ( zero-alcohol ) mouthwash and pull it through the website time you play, and cork greases at! Special attention to the light to see if theres any light reflecting or... Apply bore oil the hinges may have been making rods trying to get to the on.