The flute is an expensive and valuable instrument that must be cleaned and maintained regularly to keep it in good condition. The flute must be cleaned after each use. Install and disassemble the flute carefully and always store it in a safe place.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Flute
Step 1. Remove the parts carefully
To remove the parts, twist the upper and lower joints of the flute body part. You have to do it carefully. Make sure not to touch the key parts or key pads as these parts can be easily damaged.
Step 2. Clean the flute after use
Before storing your flute, it's important to remove moisture from the inside. A flute that is not cleaned will start to smell and smell dirty on the inside. Therefore, you should clean the inside and outside of the flute after each use.
Step 3. Attach the cloth to the cleaning stick
Tie a soft cloth through the pinhole-like hole on the end of the cleaning wand. Pull the cloth through the hole until half of the cloth is on either side of the cleaning wand.
Use a soft, thin cloth such as microfiber or cotton
Step 4. Wrap the cloth around the cleaning wand
Wrap the cloth around the stick until it covers the entire surface. The inside of the flute can be scratched and even damaged if it is touched by a stick that is not covered by a cloth.
Step 5. Insert the cleaning wand into each part of the flute
Remove any moisture that has built up on the inside of the flute by gently inserting a cleaning wand into each part of the flute. For example, you have to clean the top, bottom, and body of the flute. The cloth on the cleaning wand will absorb and dry the damp interior of the flute.
When cleaning the body of the flute, be sure to insert the cleaning wand into both ends of the flute. This step is to make sure the whole inside is clean
Step 6. Turn the cleaning stick to clean the inside of the flute
You can gently turn the cleaning wand while cleaning the inside of the flute to ensure it is completely dry.
Step 7. Wipe the outside of the flute with a cloth
Carefully wipe the outside of the flute using a microfiber cleaning cloth. When played, fingerprints and grease can collect on the outside of the flute. Gently clean all keys and flute body.
- Pay special attention to the ends (tenons) where the separate parts join together when they are joined. Dirt is easy to collect in this section. Use your fingers and a cloth to clean the edges and inside of the edges.
- Do not clean with a cloth containing metal polishing agents. Fabrics like this can damage the flute and should be avoided.
Step 8. Do not press the lock while cleaning it
When cleaning the flute, be sure to hold the flute against the stem and avoid pressing the key bearing. Flute keys break easily and can damage your flute. The flute key can also bend if you clean it too hard.
If the flute key is broken, take your flute to a professional to have it repaired
Step 9. Use a cotton swab to clean hard-to-reach areas
You can use a cotton swab to remove dust and dirt build-up between the keys. A cotton bud can also be used to clean the hole in the top of the flute. Be careful not to touch the keys.
Method 2 of 3: Saving the Flute
Step 1. Store the disassembled flute in its case
Make sure you always keep the flute in its case. Storing the flute outside the case can increase the chance of the flute being damaged. Do not store wet cleaning cloths in the container with the flute. This kind of moisture can contaminate the flute.
Store the cloth on the outside of the container
Step 2. Keep it in a safe place
Store the flute case in a cupboard, under your bed, or in a place where people in your home rarely touch it. You certainly don't want the flute case to fall or be knocked over. This can damage the flute stored in it.
Step 3. Avoid storing the flute in places with extreme temperatures
Room temperature that is too hot or cold can affect the mechanics of the flute as well as the bearings and plugs on the inside of the top of the flute. Heat can cause the plug to expand, and damage the top side of the flute, while too cold temperatures can shrink the plug causing discord and other tuning problems. Also make sure you store your flute away from radiators and windows where direct sunlight enters.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Flute
Step 1. Wash hands and face before playing it
Your hands and mouth may contain oil and sweat which can transfer to the flute as you play it. To reduce sweat that can stick to the flute, wash your hands and face before playing the flute. This step can also reduce the number of fingerprints that may stick to the flute.
Step 2. Remove the jewels before playing the flute
Jewelry, especially rings, can scratch or damage the outside of the flute when you play it. To reduce potential damage, remove the ring before you play the flute.
Step 3. Take the flute to a service center for a thorough maintenance at least once a year
A flute expert will be able to clean and rearrange the keys without causing damage to the instrument. They can also disassemble smaller flute parts for cleaning, adjustment, and repair. To take better care of your flute, you should take it to a service center at least once a year.
Tips
- Serious flute players should have two cleaning cloths. You can also use a clean handkerchief instead.
- If you have a wooden flute or piccolo, consult an experienced player or repairman for additional advice on how to properly care for wooden flutes and stoppers.
- If the flute pad starts to stick, take the flute to a professional cleaner for repair.
- To prevent the connection of the removable flute from getting stuck, wipe off all dirt with a clean cloth. Then, apply powdered graphite (pencil tips can also be used in an emergency) and swirl the parts around until they are easy to use.
Warning
- Never clean the body of the flute with products that contain bleach. You will damage the outer layer of the flute. The outer layer of the flute will lose its luster and luster.
- Be careful not to bend the key when you disassemble the flute. Remove the bottom of the flute with extreme care as it has delicate and delicate key joints that bend easily and if damaged, can be expensive to replace.
- Woodwind instruments must not get wet. If you leave the flute wet, the pads may expand and the flute won't be played.
