Woodwind instrument family consist of names like oboes, flutes, clarinets, saxophones as well as bassoons. Although the range of sound varies from reed to robust and it surely creates soothing sound when it’s clean. If you have a wind instrument and are looking out for tips to clean it, then here are some suggestions to clean woodwind instruments.
Tips
Ideally, it is advised that to clean the woodwind instrument, one must follow the manufacturer’s instructions first. Although the techniques of cleaning differ as according to the issue at hand.
If there is a problem of sticky fingerpads because of excess moisture, then one can clean the same by using pad paper/ thin paper or cigarette paper. Use any of these paper and put it under fingerpad, push the same down, release and then detach the paper. With this process, the paper will absorb all the moisture and smoothen your fingerpads. It is advised that you do the same with care as it may happen that the paper pushes down the moisture for a while. Apart from this, if it’s not a basic cleaning, then one must go to the professional to have an inspection of their instrument.
Cleaning of Woodwind Instruments
It is not from outside but the basic care of the woodwind instrument is from the inside. Especially removing moisture is a big task. As to do so you need to disassemble the instrument and clean it out. Here are some more specific notes for different instruments.
Flutes
Firstly disassemble the instrument (flute) into three pieces and then clean each of them with a lint-free cloth piece. Once the cleaning process is done from the inside, one needs to wipe out the outer part of the flute so as to erase the smudges and fingerprints. Sometimes it happens that some gunk cannot be removed by simply wiping it, then one must gently dip a cotton swab in alcohol and then clean the same.
Saxophones, Clarinets & more
One can easily clean these kinds of instruments with the use of cotton swab dipped in warm soapy water. Although one is advised to only clean the mouthpiece without harming the reed and ligature. Also before string the same, one needs to dry it completely. It is advised not to use water on the instrument. Lastly one has to again apply cork grease often as per need.
Harmonicas
To be precise its a free-reed aerophone and falls under the woodwind instrument. Whereas to clean the same, one first has to look out for a screw that is removable with a screwdriver. It is advised to clean it carefully.
Once it is opened, then one has to detach the reed plate and soak it in water and vinegar solution. During the time of soaking, one must use a soft brush to remove the comb dirt. It is advised not to use a wooden wet comb for the same. Whereas to get rid of gunk use a small cotton swab or a pin.
Once it is completely soaked, take it out and brush it clean. Do not brush across and use a soft paintbrush. After then let the reed dry, but avoid wiping it off with a cloth. Once it is dried, then assemble the harmonica again.
To maintain your harmonica, one just needs to remove the moisture and then let it dry in the air, after each use. Also, it is advised to apply the same with a clean mouth, that means no pizza or other snacks while playing the same.
Accordions
It is yet another aerophone i.e a free reed. One has to regularly dust it out with a paintbrush to clean the accordion. Even one can use oil soap to clean the same. A person must avoid the use of furniture polish or any other product that leave a remainder. One must clean it occasionally to remove the dirt. For the further cleaning process, one can check out the tips to clean Piano.
Easy tips to Clean Woodwind Instruments
It’s tough to learn to play these instruments but its very easy to clean them. Follow the above-mentioned tips to clean up your instrument and listen to the pleasant music of your favourite woodwind instrument.