The flute is one of the world’s most popular instruments, but because of its small size, it can be one of the hardest instruments to clean. But, we are here to help.
If you are wondering how to clean a flute, well you have come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll be telling you everything you need to know about flute cleaning, and we will give you an in-depth guide on how to clean your flute!
Cleaning Your Flute Safely
How do you clean your flute without damaging it? To answer this question, first, consider the cleaning solutions and tools that are best to use and how to properly use them.
This is, of course, to ensure that you do not damage your flute while you’re maintaining its cleanliness and sanitation. Simply guesswork on what kind of cleanser to use is not ideal because it may lead to your flute getting damaged instead.
First, you will need a cleaning solution. The best options are rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and anti-tarnish silver polish. Prepare some microfiber cloths to rub-down the flute. Use one cloth with a few drops of your chosen cleaning solution to wipe the exterior in a circular motion carefully, making sure that the pads and cork are avoided.
Using a cleaning rod wrapped in a cloth, clean the interior with a few sprays of alcohol to disinfect it. Better to disassemble the flute first for a more thorough cleaning. With another clean, dry cloth, wipe any excess wet streaks.
How To Use Soap and Water To Clean Flute – How To Clean A Tarnished Flute
Can you wash a flute with soap and water? The answer is yes; you can use soap and water as a cleaning solution. It should be noted, though, that this is not the ideal option. The key to using soap and water as a cleanser is to apply it in moderation and to avoid getting water on the cork and pads.
Using a non-abrasive dish detergent and water, carefully wipe your flute’s interior and exterior parts. It would be easier to disassemble the parts first for a more thorough cleaning. You will need a few microfiber cloths for this. First, cloth with soap and water, then the second one to wipe the soap, and lastly, to dry the flute. Make sure that the flute is properly dry so as not to lead to rust.
As a reminder, although you can use water and soap, your flute is not just a simple metal object, so you cannot wash it simply under the sink or dishwasher. The flute is an intricate musical instrument that needs careful handling.
Can You Use Alcohol To Clean Flute – How To Clean A Flute With Rubbing Alcohol
“Can I clean my flute with alcohol?” Are a flutist who is asking himself this question? The simple answer is yes, you can. Alcohol, more particularly called rubbing alcohol, is a great option to making your flute cleaned and, more importantly, disinfected.
Isopropyl alcohol is easy to find and inexpensive way of sanitizing your flute. It is an ideal option to clean and disinfect the headjoint and the area surrounding the pads. These two parts are very delicate and should be done with utmost care. Using a Q-tip or a swap of cotton slightly doused in alcohol, carefully wipe the headjoint so as not to dent the blowhole. Likewise, do the same process in cleaning the area around the pads. For flute’s that are played by several, make sure to also wipe the flute lip plate with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab before and after using. Air-dry the instrument after cleaning before playing it again.
How Do You Deep Clean The Inside Of A Flute? – How To Clean A Recorder Flute?
Everybody has to worry about germs, especially when a pandemic is going on. People who play an instrument like the flute also have to make sure their instrument is clean. If you’re not sure how to clean your flute, we got the best way to do so down below:
Headjoint
You do not want to use water to clean this part. Underneath the crown, there is a cork that takes in water easily. Even if you do your best to avoid the cork, accidents can happen.
Instead, you want to use little alcohol pads to sterilize the riser and lip plate. If there is still alcohol left on those parts, you want to use something soft to get rid of the alcohol left behind.
When you are cleaning the tubing, you want to use a soft clean cloth tied onto a rod to clean out the tube part.
If you have something possible for other people to catch, then germs could get in the cork. If that is the case, then you want to get a new cork.
Body & Footjoint
When you are cleaning the keys and body of the instrument, you want to use a dry cloth instead of alcohol. You want to use a small cloth to clean the inside of the tube. You don’t want the cloth to get stuck inside the flute.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, our guide on how to clean a flute. We hope this guide was able to help you clean your flute; thank you for reading, and we wish you the best on your musical journey!