Mael

hey,
i just pulled out my old clarinet from middle school/high school, and i think it could use a good cleaning. i'd prefer not to have to take it to the store, where i know they'll clean it for a price.

anyone know how to clean one or have any suggestions?

Ripsaw

Don't put it in the dishwasher like I did.

Oops.

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Pellaz

How long ago was highschool? How well was it stored? How bad is it? What exactly needs cleaning? Depending on age and how it was stored, it may not even need it. I'll be more than happy to guide you through the process though with a bit more info.

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shakran

You really should take it to a music shop for a cleaning. Especially since many of the pads, the cork, and possibly the springs will have gone bad after being stored that long. Plus, they really can clean it better than you can.

Took my trumpet in for a cleaning a few months back. Best $40 I've ever spent on it. Thing plays like a brand new horn.

Redlemon

Wood, plastic, or (god forbid) metal? Regular or neoprene pads? How long ago was high school for you?

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clavus

Try soaking it in alcohol for a few hours. To remove the alcohol, apply a liberal amount of fire.

...sorry. I've got some "issues" with clarinets...

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Mael

it's about 15 years old, got it when my older bro started to play it in 5th grade. it's just looking kinda old. it's a student model, so it's a wood/plastic? body with metal for the keys and what not. the metals kinda tarnished and the body isn't a nice shiny black anymore. still sounds pretty good though.

bernadette

a student model... eh, it's probably plastic then. which is good. wood requires some moisturizing & more care.

if you're not serious about it anymore & it still sounds good, personally i wouldn't worry about its looks. who cares?

i have a very rare expensive flute that i play once a year now. it's tarnished as hell, but as long as it plays, pfft! then tarnish is no issue.

once upon i time a cleaned it regularily with silver polish. i don't have time for such non-urgent chores any longer. i will still occasionally clean the pads with rolling papers. that's it. (cut off the glue edge)

if the day arrives that i am experiencing trouble playing my flute, then i will find a reputable repairman & gladly fork over the moola.

be sure to swab out your clarinet after playing & let it dry out well before you banish it back to its case for however long.

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briana

since it's an older student model wipe it down with some general (not strong though) cleaner and an old cotton washcloth, don't forget the inside. Even though you mention not taking it to a store, it probably needs to have the pads "recorked" if you're serious about playing again. That will cost you $50-70 usually.