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Proper Instrument hygiene practice is always required by musicians, but now more than ever, we are stressing the importance of instrument cleanliness.
Proper Instrument hygiene practice is always required by musicians, but now more than ever, we are stressing the importance of instrument cleanliness.
The following information has been published by the NFHS, NAfME and the NAMM Foundation as recommended guidelines for handling musical instruments during the COVID-19 school shutdown period. Students should learn how to properly care for their instruments, and establish a routine practice for cleaning mouthpieces at home. You can find the full guidelines by clicking the link (the Logo) to the right.
Use the links below to jump to your instrument-specific section.
Use the links below to jump to your instrument-specific section.
Flute
Flute
Supplies Needed:
Cotton swab
Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)
Link-free cloth and cleaning rod
Procedures:
Using a cotton swab saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol, carefully clean around the embouchure hole.
Alcohol wipes can be used on the flute's lip plate to kill germs.
Using a soft, lint-free silk cloth (or cotton) inserted into the cleaning rod, clean the inside of the headjoint.
NEVER run the headjoint under water as it may saturate and eventually shrink the headjoint cork.
*Instruments should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly.
Clarinet
Clarinet
Supplies Needed:
Small container
Disinfectant Solution (50% water/ 50% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide)
painters tape (optional)
mouthpiece brush
paper towel
Procedures:
Select a small container that will accommodate the mouthpiece vertically and place the mouthpiece, tip down, into the container.
Fill the container just past the window of the mouthpiece with a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar OR hydrogen peroxide. Protect the cork tenon from moisture.
After the mouthpiece has soaked for 15 minutes, use an appropriately sized mouthpiece brush to remove any calcium deposits or other residue from inside and outside surfaces. This step may need to be repeated if the mouthpiece is excessively dirty.
Rinse the mouthpiece thoroughly and then saturate with disinfectant solution. Place on paper towel and wait one minute.
Wipe dry with a paper towel.
*Important note: mouthpiece should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly
Saxophones
Saxophones
Supplies Needed:
Small container
white vinegar OR hydrogen peroxide
painters tape (optional)
mouthpiece brush
paper towel
neck swab (or flexible bottle brush and toothbrush)
mild dish soap
Disinfectant Solution (50% water/ 50% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide)
Procedures
Mouthpiece:
Select a small container that will accommodate the mouthpiece vertically and place the mouthpiece, tip down, into the container.
Fill the container just past the window of the mouthpiece with a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar OR hydrogen peroxide. Protect the cork tenon from moisture.
After the mouthpiece has soaked for 15 minutes, use an appropriately sized mouthpiece brush to remove any calcium deposits or other residue from inside and outside surfaces. This step may need to be repeated if the mouthpiece is excessively dirty.
Rinse the mouthpiece thoroughly and then saturate with disinfectant solution. Place on paper towel and wait one minute.
Wipe dry with a paper towel.
*Important note: mouthpiece should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly
Neck:
Use a swab to clean the inside of the neck. You may also use a flexible bottle brush and toothbrush
Use the bottlebrush with mild, soapy water to clean the inside of the neck.
Rinse under running water.
Disinfectant solution may be used on the inside of the neck if desired. Place on paper towel for one minute after application. Rinse again under running water, dry, and place in the case.
*Important note: saxophone neck should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly.
Brass
Brass
Supplies Needed:
mouthpiece
Small cloth (piece of cotton t-shirt or lint free rag)
Mild dish soap
Mouthpiece brush
Disinfectant Solution (50% water/ 50% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide)
Paper towel
Procedures
Mouthpiece:
Use a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to clean the outside of the mouthpiece.
Use a mouthpiece brush with warm, soapy water to clean the inside.
Rinse the mouthpiece and dry thoroughly.
Disinfectant solution may be used on the mouthpiece at this time. Place on paper towel for one minute
Wipe dry with a paper towel.
*Mouthpieces should be cleaned at least monthly.
More on how to clean a brass instrument!
Percussion
Percussion
Supplies Needed:
Sticks/Mallets
Disinfectant Solution
Cotton Pad/or Lint Free Towel
Paper Towel
Procedures
Mouthpiece:
Use a cotton pad, or lint free towel ,soaked with your disinfectant solution to wipe down the handles of your sticks and mallets.
Let sit for 1 minute.
Wipe off any excess moisture with a paper towel.
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