\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. After soaking for 10-15 minutes, rinse the reeds off with cool water. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. When using hydrogen peroxide, ensure to rinse the reed thoroughly to clear its strong odor and taste. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. For the mouthpiece, Id recommend vinegar because it will break down limescale, that white chalky stuff that builds up over time. Wash any part of the clarinet, except the mouthpiece, using water. However, you can clean the keys one to two times a week to get oil build-up off. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Regular polishing, swabbing, dusting, and oiling will make your instrument last longer, but obsessive polishing and dusting will wear down the finish on your keywork. Over time, small gaps can form between the tone holes and the pads allowing air to pass through. Then, disassemble your clarinet, and place the reed in a reed holder to dry. These will all add a little wear to your instrument over time. Scrub with a brush or scouring pad. If the bore or tenon is dry, youll need to apply bore oil. Additionally, its important to use the appropriate cleaning solutions and materials to avoid any damage to the instrument. Will this permanently affected the cork? After a few minutes, the solution can be wiped dry. You can find either of these at your local department store or drug store. Cracks start small and can be remedied if caught quickly. Press the key lightly several times and repeat until no moisture or color shows on the paper. To clean the reed, soak it in mouthwash for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water. 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. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. With the case open shake it upside down over the garbage or outside to get rid of any free dirt or lint. You can leave the mouthpiece to dry on the paper towel or cloth to make sure all the moisture is gone. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. When youre done playing them, spray both sides of the reed. 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. To clean it up, connect the lower joint, barrel, and upper joint then place a small amount of bore oil on a cotton swab and pull it through the instrument. ", "I am a clarinet owner and did not know how to properly clean my instrument. How to clean and disinfect your clarinet. Using a soft cloth or paper towel, wipe everything dry. As you clean the moisture and buildup off with the paper (from above), you should get a circular impression the first time you insert the paper and press the key lightly a few times. Youve finished deep cleaning your clarinet. Dry all items completely. Its also about protecting your instrument. To prevent damage, NEVER spray directly on the instrument. It wasnt until years later that I fully understood why you should keep it clean and how to deep clean it. Disinfect your mouthpiece. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. The table below summarizes and outlines a few clarinet maintenance tips that ensure the reliability and efficiency of your musical instrument. 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