Klarinet Archive - Posting 000695.txt from 2002/07

From: Karona Poindexter <poindka@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Cleaning the Gunk?
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 12:05:28 -0400

I do know how to clean an instrument without the keys on it. But bare
in mind that my instrument is not nearly as dirty as the one you
described. If you've never taken the keys off of a clarinet I don't
recommend that you start.

What I do when I clean my instrument is I work one joint at a time. I
take the keys off of the lower joint, clean the holes with a wet Q-tip,
then I take pipe cleaners and clean out the holes in which the screws
were in and take a towel and clean off the screws. Then I begin putting
the keys back on. As I am putting the keys back on, and as I am
inserting the screws, I oil the screws with regular household oil so the
keys can move smoothly and evenly. Once I finished with lower joint I
then repeat this same process with the upper joint.

You can maybe do a couple of these things like cleaning the exposed
holes with wet Q-tips. If you need something more heavy duty, you can
probably use antiseptic mouth wash. (But if something even more heavy
duty is needed than a professional with have to do the job.)

I've said a lot. Hope this helps.

Karona Poindexter

On Monday, July 22, 2002, at 07:29 PM, William Wright wrote:

> <><> Michelle wrote:
> What is the proper way to clean a wooden clarinet? Inside and out? I
> have not played it because it is disgusting! Once I've cleaned it (which
> I want to do properly) I would really prefer not to put it in my mouth.
> I can't afford a professional cleaning on an instrument I may not
> purchase.
>
>
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