I have a question regarding the cleaning of flutes that I really don't see addressed very often. Maybe I'm the only one with this issue, or maybe there's an assumed solution that I just haven't been clued into yet. Anyway...
My flute has a tendency to accumulate crud just inside the lip plate. I have to admit I'm not eating cookies while playing, or anything, but over time a crusty layer of nastiness tends to build up.
Now, it doesn't take long before this stuff is interfering with my air stream, making it increasingly more difficult to blow into the flute cleanly. More than anything else this is hampering my ability to produce a consistant sound. What is the best way to either keep the crud from building up or cleaning it out once it's there?
I've scrubbed at it with Q-Tips, yes, but I'm wondering if I could use something as either a solvent or a lubricant to help with the chore? I've had it recomended to me, by a professional repair shop no less, that a little rubbing alcohol would help. But that sounds a little harsh to me, I can't imagine my lip plate is going to appreciate being swabbed with rubbing alcohol on a regular basis.
What about jewelry cleaner? I'm not talking polish, but what if I dipped the Q-Tip in common jewelry cleaner to help keep the embouchure hole clean and clear? Yeah? Nah?
Yes, yes... another cleaning question..
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fluteguy18
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I understand, because clarinetists have this problem a lot too. You can use a Q-tip with alcohol (as recommended) or you can try using nail polish remover. I know they both seem very harsh, but you need a solvent that will cut through the crud, and leave the metal clean. If the flute is sterling or gold, or some other solid precious metal, you can try jewelry cleaner (not a polish though). Polishes contain abrasive materials that clean the metal by removing a thin layer of metal. you dont want to do that. I would still go with a Q tip and rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
you can also use this q tip method to clean under the lip plate if the tarnish bugs you. Also, I have been advised that nail polish remover is a good cleaning agent to use to clean the tenons of your flute (if they get stiff, and no matter how much you rub it, it wont get better).
you can also use this q tip method to clean under the lip plate if the tarnish bugs you. Also, I have been advised that nail polish remover is a good cleaning agent to use to clean the tenons of your flute (if they get stiff, and no matter how much you rub it, it wont get better).
What is in this jewelry cleaner of which you speak??? Cleaning the lip plate and opening with something that I'd probably not want to taste is more of a concern to me than anything. Maybe just use distilled water?
I try to always brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out before playing. It's an extra excuse to brush... and it keeps the needed intensity of instrument cleaning down.
I try to always brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out before playing. It's an extra excuse to brush... and it keeps the needed intensity of instrument cleaning down.
Kevin
I'll have to check the exact contents of the cleaner since I don't seem to be able to find mine at the moment. I know it's around here somewhere...
Anyway, it's just the standard stuff you get at jewelry stores or even drug stores for cleaning rings. You dunk the piece into the cleaner, shake it around a bit and that's about it. It's not supposed to be a polish (which is a no-no, and I understand why), but it is supposed to be good for removing dirt and tarnish without removing any precious metal.
It's a Lyric I so the headjoint is solid, sterling silver. As far as tasting the cleanser... well, I'm willing to make fair sacrifices to get a tight air stream. At this point in time, the buildup within that hole seems to be the largest impediment to that goal, so if I get a little soap while playing I'm pretty sure there are ways to wash the taste out afterwards
I try to brush my teeth before playing as well, though it's not always a practical option. I might throw a brush into my gig-kit from now on, though, just so I can get a quick scrub with water if nothing else. I've also learned not to use mouthwash, by the way, since the alcohol content has a tendency to numb my lips.... not a good thing, 'tell you what.
Anyway, it's just the standard stuff you get at jewelry stores or even drug stores for cleaning rings. You dunk the piece into the cleaner, shake it around a bit and that's about it. It's not supposed to be a polish (which is a no-no, and I understand why), but it is supposed to be good for removing dirt and tarnish without removing any precious metal.
It's a Lyric I so the headjoint is solid, sterling silver. As far as tasting the cleanser... well, I'm willing to make fair sacrifices to get a tight air stream. At this point in time, the buildup within that hole seems to be the largest impediment to that goal, so if I get a little soap while playing I'm pretty sure there are ways to wash the taste out afterwards
I try to brush my teeth before playing as well, though it's not always a practical option. I might throw a brush into my gig-kit from now on, though, just so I can get a quick scrub with water if nothing else. I've also learned not to use mouthwash, by the way, since the alcohol content has a tendency to numb my lips.... not a good thing, 'tell you what.
Most jewelry cleaners sold to consumers is just liquid detergent with a little dye added to make it pink. Some formulations do have ammonia in it to help cut the grease (which tends to stick to diamonds).
Liquid dishwashing soap does the same thing (that is what I use on my diamonds all the time). Haven't tried it on my flutes yet though. Don't think it would hurt since there is nothing caustic in it.
Cheryl (Gemologist, GIA and flutist)
Liquid dishwashing soap does the same thing (that is what I use on my diamonds all the time). Haven't tried it on my flutes yet though. Don't think it would hurt since there is nothing caustic in it.
Cheryl (Gemologist, GIA and flutist)
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xclairdeLune91
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fluttiegurl
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flutepicc06
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You're absolutely right, Fluttiegirl. Never use a paper towel to clean up your flute. If you wanted to put some alcohol on your cleaning cloth, the alcohol itself wouldn't cause any problems (used sparingly), but the paper towel is a bad idea.fluttiegurl wrote:I would think that a paper towel would be too abrasive. Any other thoughts on the matter?
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fluteguy18
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never use a paper towel. I know it would be easier, but it is (as already stated ) too abrasive, and will also leave fibers behind. My suggestion for cleaning the interior of the flute would be to use a thin lint free fabric, that is slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. Then run a dry piece of fabric back through to dry the interior.
For future reference, you can use rubbing alcohol and water to clean your headjoint if you become ill. I had a friend who got mono, and she asked a TECH (not some random person) how she should clean her headjoint, and they said to seal the emouchure hole with your finger, then put a little bit of hot water and rubbing alcohol inside the headjoint. then, seal the end of the headjoint with your hand, and swish the mixture around inside for about 5 seconds.
I have only done this once, and it was with a metal piccolo headjoint. It worked fine, and didnt affect it at all, but I would be very cautious about doing this. I didnt get sick again afterwards, and it still played the same, but using too much water/ rubbing alcohol could damage the cork (rot), and having the headjoint cork replaced isnt fun. But, if you do try this, dry the interior profusely.
I just thought this might be pertinent because you were talking about cleaning your headjoint.
So....... no paper towels, and if you do 'wash' your headjoint......... be careful......
For future reference, you can use rubbing alcohol and water to clean your headjoint if you become ill. I had a friend who got mono, and she asked a TECH (not some random person) how she should clean her headjoint, and they said to seal the emouchure hole with your finger, then put a little bit of hot water and rubbing alcohol inside the headjoint. then, seal the end of the headjoint with your hand, and swish the mixture around inside for about 5 seconds.
I have only done this once, and it was with a metal piccolo headjoint. It worked fine, and didnt affect it at all, but I would be very cautious about doing this. I didnt get sick again afterwards, and it still played the same, but using too much water/ rubbing alcohol could damage the cork (rot), and having the headjoint cork replaced isnt fun. But, if you do try this, dry the interior profusely.
I just thought this might be pertinent because you were talking about cleaning your headjoint.
So....... no paper towels, and if you do 'wash' your headjoint......... be careful......
paper towel too abrasive?
[quote="fluttiegurl"]I would think that a paper towel would be too abrasive. Any other thoughts on the matter?[/quote]
I think that maybe using a soft cotton cloth will do just fine if you believe that a paper towel will be too harsh
[/b]
I think that maybe using a soft cotton cloth will do just fine if you believe that a paper towel will be too harsh
[/b][quote="GKevinK"]What is in this jewelry cleaner of which you speak??? Cleaning the lip plate and opening with something that I'd probably not want to taste is more of a concern to me than anything. Maybe just use distilled water?
I try to always brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out before playing. It's an extra excuse to brush... and it keeps the needed intensity of instrument cleaning down.[/quote]
Yeah...well, I'm just saying...it's always good to brush or at leats rinse before playing. Sometimes, food and other stuff can get stuck in your flute and it's hard to blow and produce a sufficient sound. Just some general knowledge for everyone! Happy playing1
I try to always brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out before playing. It's an extra excuse to brush... and it keeps the needed intensity of instrument cleaning down.[/quote]
Yeah...well, I'm just saying...it's always good to brush or at leats rinse before playing. Sometimes, food and other stuff can get stuck in your flute and it's hard to blow and produce a sufficient sound. Just some general knowledge for everyone! Happy playing1
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bel_legend
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I have been told to to use metholated spirits arout my lip plate. It cuts grease and steralises effectivley!!!-
angelic_devil
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Rubbing alcohol will not hurt your headjoint. I take a cloth, coat it with rubbing alcohol and swab out my headjoint about every week or after playing long gigs. It will clean and take away any kind of bacteria and germs that may be on there. For the embouchure hole, just take a Q tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and gently swabbed it out with that. There is no need to use any other kind of harsh chemicals on your flute. The alcohol evaporates very quickly also, so it is not likely to damage your cork if happens to get to it.