 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BassClarinetBaby23
Date: 2013-05-13 19:41
I used to play bass clarinet in Jr High and High school. and I just recently pulled my bass clarinet out of storage and it smells like mildew and mold. Does any one know how to clean mildew and mold off? it seems to be in the bell, body and neck. I would take it to a Music store or instrument repair place but I don't have the money. Please Help.
Post Edited (2013-05-13 20:09)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-05-14 00:38
The metal bell and neck shouldn't be a problem to clean, just use cold water and dishwashing detergent. Don't use any domestic cleaning agents containing ammonia or chlorine bleach, they will react with the metal. Swab the body thoroughly and then apply sweet almond oil on a dry swab. If you are able to do so safely, remove the keywork and wipe the body down with a detergent solution. Pay particular attention to the tone holes, there may be a build-up of crud in them. Watch out for the springs, they bite!! If the musty smell is still present then it may be in the pads. If this is the case, then a repad will be needed.
Tony F.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-05-14 18:48
If the body is wood, take the keys off and scrub everything, including the bore and tone holes, in a sink full of very warm water with a bottle brush and a generous amount of Dawn dishwashing detergent. (Wear rubber gloves and an apron.).
If the body is plastic, do the same with perhaps 1/4 cup of bleach added to the sink. (Wear over-the-elbow rubber gloves, goggles, a cap and a rubber apron.)
Follow with many rinses in warm, clear water until the smell of detergent is gone
Let everything dry thoroughly, preferably in direct sunlight.
In any case, you'll need new pads, felts, bumpers and corks.
The case will almost certainly need re-lining, though you can try Febreeze plus drying in direct sunlight
All in all, it may be better to trade it to a music store for a clean Bundy.
Oh, and never put away any instrument wet. If you're at home, lay the pieces vertically across the open case to dry.
Ken Shaw
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Author: eaglgenes101
Date: 2013-05-15 05:49
> I don't know anything less expensive than a repad.
It's less expensive than splurging on a new bass clarinet. If in doubt, carry it to your instrument repairer and ask for how much it would cost.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2013-05-15 07:18
Does it just smell funky or is it actually moldy?
First of all, air and sunbathe case and instrument. Then remove a couple of keys and see if the pads are actually mildewy or just could stand a tour-de-microfiber with a leather cleansing liquid. Sometimes it's not as bad as one would think in the first moment. While these keys are off, inspect the tone holes and the bore.
Maybe post a close-up picture?
Oh yes, the reed may need replacing. ![[tongue]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie6.gif)
--
Ben
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