Ok, I know this is going to make me look like an idiot...

[Flute/picc]

I'm almost positive that if your pads are turning gray that you really just need to get new ones. I know they cost a lot but if you have bad pads that might be more costly in the long run. I have heard that if you are sick and you play your flute that you can get sick again by playing it .....maybe gray pads will get you sick? I am not positive but just to be sure I would switch them out.... I have seen a few instruments that go from gray to mold and it is not pretty. - gags - That was a nasty saxophone..... Anyway...