Instrument Cleaning Protocol

In an effort to keep our bands healthy we’ve reviewed good hygiene for all instruments as well as musicians.

Flutes - head joint (part the student blows into) may be cleaned by using a cotton swab saturated with isopropyl alcohol. Carefully clean around the embouchure hole. Use an alcohol wipe on the lip plate to kill germs. Use a soft, lint-free silk cloth inserted into the cleaning rod, to clean the inside of the head-joint. The cleaning cloth may also be washed and hung to dry. DO NOT run the head-joint under water as it may saturate and eventually shrink the head-joint cork.

Clarinet/Saxophone - mouthpieces should be swabbed after each playing and cleaned weekly. They may be cleaned with soap and water, and a small brush may be used to scrub the inside of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is made out of hard plastic so please only use lukewarm water, very hot water will discolor the mouthpiece or even worse, melt the mouthpiece! All reeds should be replaced if a student is seriously ill, (example: strep), as reeds are made of a porous cane almost impossible to disinfect. Reminder students should always have at least two reeds on hand. Any cleaning swabs should also be washed regularly and hung to dry. DO NOT wash any other part of the instrument as it may cause damage.

Trumpets/Horns/Trombones/Tuba - mouthpieces may be cleaned with soap and water. You can also use a small brush to clean the inside of the mouthpiece. DO NOT wash any other part of the instrument unless you know what you’re doing as it may cause damage.

Percussion - Washing hands frequently and/or sanitizing sticks with wipes.

AGAIN, UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING…

NO OTHER PART OF THE INSTRUMENT SHOULD BE SUBMERGED IN WATER!!

If you think the entire instrument needs to be sanitized, please contact a director and we will happily discuss where to take it as well as cost.