Instrument Care

A clean musical instrument is important because it works better and keeps you healthy.  As a musician, you should know how to clean and avoid damaging your instrument. 

  • Each instrument has its own challenges and cleaning your instrument at home may be tricky.

  • These videos are not meant to replace professional servicing and repair of musical instruments.

  • Instructions in these videos must be followed precisely. Do not vary from the recommended practices or supplies. Use of improper chemicals or cleaning agents can severly damage the instrument.

Information for Parents

Woodwinds

  • Flute

    Flute Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Cleaning Rod and Gauze

    • Silver Cloth

    • Microfibre Cloth

    • Pad Saver

    • Mini Screwdriver

  • Clarinet Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Extra Reeds (4-5)

    • Cleaning Cloth

    • Cork Grease

    • Mini Screwdriver

    • Swab/Cloth

    • Teeth Guard

    • Thumb Guard

    • Mouthpiece Cap

  • Saxophone Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Extra Reeds (4-5)

    • Pad Saver

    • Cork Grease

    • Cleaning Cloth

    • Swab for neck

    • Mini Screwdriver

    • Mouthpiece Cap

Brass

  • Trumpet Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Valve Oil

    • Slide Grease

    • Mouthpiece Brush

    • Snake

    • Brass or Silver Polishing Cloth

    • NO SILVER POLISH

  • French Horn Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Rotor Oil

    • Slide Grease

    • Mouthpiece Brush

    • Brass or Silver Polishing Cloth

    • NO SILVER POLISH

    • Extra String

  • Trombone Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Slide-O-Mix

    • Tuning Slide Grease

    • Mouthpiece Brush

    • Snake

    • Brass or Silver Polishing

    • NO SILVER POLISH

    Euphonium

    Use Trumpet Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Valve Oil

    • Slide Grease

    • Mouthpiece Brush

    • Snake

    • Brass or Silver Polishing

    • NO Silver Polish

    Tuba

    w/Piston Valves: Trumpet Care Video
    w/Rotary Valves: Use French Horn Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Rotor or Valve Oil

    • Slide Grease

    • Mouthpiece Brush

    • Brass or Silver Polishing

    • NO Silver Polish

  • Use Trumpet Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Valve Oil

    • Slide Grease

    • Mouthpiece Brush

    • Snake

    • Brass or Silver Polishing

    • NO Silver Polish

  • w/Piston Valves: Trumpet Care Video
    w/Rotary Valves: Use French Horn Care Video

    Essentials:

    • Rotor or Valve Oil

    • Slide Grease

    • Mouthpiece Brush

    • Brass or Silver Polishing

    • NO Silver Polish

Strings

Band

Orchestra