Cleaning Cloth

[chermo]

I had a question about what I can use as an inside of the flute cleaning cloth. I have 2 flutes but only 1 rod and cloth. I heard it was a good idea to have an extra spit cloth so that 1 could dry and the other can be used. I am wondering the craft stores around here sell square cotton cloths can I use cotton cloths or does it have to be one that is made for the flute?
Thank you

[fluttiegurl]

You can use anything that is soft, absorbent and the right size (something too big can get hung in the flute). Also be careful about threads that can catch on springs and pins.

[ComeThouFount]

I am wondering that too, for I really do not know what is out there in the market place especially geared for flutes except the one that I purchased, which is for silver with the polishing cloth on the out side and the tarnish remover cloth on the inside.
I am very aware that this inner cloth should be used sparingly.

But since I have done a lot of sewing in my day, I do know that there are a lot of fabrics that should not be used, because quite frankly a lot of fabrics have polyester in it and that is a plastic, which I am sure is not doing a shiny surface any favors.

Other fabrics have blends of rayon, wood, metallic, and you name it.

If you are going to the fabric department, I would definitely stick with the 100% cotton, even strips of flannel would be ideal in my opinion. As it has a soft side and the other side is typically brushed as well, and a strip could be easily wrapped around the cleaning stick and carefully used to wipe the inside.

What comes to mind of course if one is looking for something so nice, is like 100% cotton velvet, but after thinking about it, such fabrics would be probably terrible because they shed and could get all over the place, even though it sounds good, it probably is not whatsoever, or other types of furry cottons, which would seem so ideal but not at all in reality. Even terry towel fabric could be too loopy and catch.

Also, cotton strips, like flannel are so cheap and easily replaced or washed. Consider even old flannel shirts or pajamas or T-Shirts that are 100% cotton, could be great choices...just cut them up.

Also, excessively loosely woven cottons might not be so good as they might wrap around small parts and cause more annoyance than necessary.

High count cottons might be good too, but just like taking high count bed sheets through the dryer it takes a while to dry, so they could be harder to dry or take longer in the open air, but obviously could be good in taking the moisture off of the instrument, but maybe a trial an error thing with certain high count cotton fabrics.

I wonder if they make high count flannels? I absolutely do not know how it would work out.

Also, another caution, that I have been thinking a lot about. A lot of purchased or even homemade strips might be zigzagged or serged around the edges...consider that a lot of sewing thread is made of polyester blends. Make sure that it is cotton thread or one can risk putting tiny scratches on flute without realizing it.

Hence, disposable or washable flannel cotton strips might be a better choice if you do not know all the facts about a serged one.

I think a strip of flannel is the best that I have come up with so far for the inside of my instrument.

[ComeThouFount]

Also, absolutely wash your fabrics before using as most fabrics on the bolts have what they call, "Sizing" in it. This keeps it firm and looking nice.
I would even take more care to wash any fabrics in mind, and then maybe do a double rinse to make sure all soaps are out too.
Hand washing scraps or strips may work out even better as you know what was going on the whole time, from washing with very hot water and soap (like Dawn which is bio-degradable) and there are others, and thoroughly washing it out, even letting it soak in a bowl of water a couple of times. Hang over a plastic hanger over the sink and let dry and it will be ready in no time.

By the way, it does not take a very big piece of flannel for example to make a "dry inside the tube" rag. actually quite small. Just whatever you do, make sure the inserting stick part is not touching the inside, just the fibers of the cloth.

[ComeThouFount]

Since I wrote these past two messages, I have been noticing on line that other flute players are talking about micro fiber cloths that can be purchased at music supply places.

Does anyone know what these are made of?

Very curious.

Thanks so kindly.

God bless you.