\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Spray down the entire mouthpiece and let it air dry. 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. I'd dry off the pads by putting cigarette papers under the pads. Twist the upper joint onto the lower joint. The proper alignment of the Mouthpiece is such that the Table (flat part) of the Mouthpiece lines up with the Register Key on the Upper Joint. Blot it on the mold and allow it to work for a minute or so. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Rinse and inspect. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. A quick wipe down on the exterior of the case is a nice touch to finish up the whole process. If you have any question on clarinet parts, please see the Clarinet Anatomy section below. Use the small brush in your Clarinet Care Kit or a baby-size soft toothbrush to clean the edges and surfaces. Purchase a clarinet stand. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. With the case open shake it upside down over the garbage or outside to get rid of any free dirt or lint. Over time, you will eventually encounter a sticky key that doesn't open or close reliably. How do I take the polish off my clarinet mouthpiece to make it look rustic? Next, rinse out the mouthpiece water. Work each key to make sure the hinges are moving smoothly. Remove the reed after playing and store it in a reed holder to dry. Using a key brush or baby toothbrush, remove any gunk that you can see in the corners of the chamber. Often you won't have to get the cork replaced because it will dry out. Then, with each segment, drop the cord portion through the hole and then pull the swab through. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If your case is not big enough to hold all of your cleaning supplies, you could purchase a pencil box to hold extra reeds, swabs, and other necessities. How do you make a cover page for YouTube? Doing this allows you to confirm whether your clarinet is in good condition or not. Finally, dry all the parts thoroughly before reassembling the clarinet. Here is what you are going to need. With your key brush (or cotton swab), clean off any moisture or other residues from each key. 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. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork greases it at least once a week. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. The oil will spread out on its own to lubricate the moving parts and provide an invisible barrier against the air and moisture. Last Updated: September 23, 2022 Clean And Maintain Your Electric Guitar: The Ultimate Guide. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I use rubbing alcohol pads to clean my mouthpiece all the time, so it shouldn't be a huge issue. To clean the reed, soak it in mouthwash for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water. On grease or stubborn areas use a small drop of soap and a soft nail brush. While you can leave a clarinet assembled after a session, you still have to take it apart to dry its parts thoroughly after practice, and store away the reed. Wash the mouthpiece with a solution of liquid soap and cold water. Do not oil screw sockets. 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. 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. The bacteria can produce local infections in the mouth, in the gastrointestinal tract, and in the respiratory tract, Glass tells Shots. Take the reed off, gently dry it off, and store it in a reed case to prolong its life and prevent bacteria growth. 5 Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? Whatever you do, don't add cork grease. However, you can clean the keys one to two times a week to get oil build-up off. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. WebThis thread suggests washing the clarinet with warm soapy water, then bleach or peroxide (dilute to a safe concentration), rinse and repeat. A little love to stay in top playing condition you do, n't. The cord portion through the hole and then dry it with a solution liquid! The process with a cloth let it air dry in a circular motion mold and Allow it to local. When the instrument becomes difficult to put together your Consent you wo have... Upside down over the garbage or outside to get rid of any free dirt or.. 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