Brass Instrument Cleaning Procedure


1. Flush the instrument out about once a month with a mild solution of soapy luke warm water. Do not use hot water as this may affect the lacquer. Rinse through with cold water and dry thoroughly.
2. Use a flexible cleaning brush to thoroughly clean out the slides and tubing. Use the brush carefully and replace it regularly to avoid the possibility of it breaking whilst inside the instrument.
3. The valve casings should be carefully cleaned using a valve casing brush (NOT a standard flexible brush) and dried. The pistons should be carefully removed in sequence and dried. Use a lint free cloth for this purpose. It is critical that no moisture remains in the valve casing or on the pistons or related components.
4. Grease the slides and use a minimum amount of oil on the pistons.

General Hints For Brass instruments


1. It is worth spending a little extra on oils and lubricants to ensure that the quality is good. Poor quality materials can affect the performance of your instrument and result in you needing to clean your instrument more frequently!
2. After playing your instrument remember to loosen the valve caps by half a turn to avoid the possibility of trapped moisture causing corrosion in the screw threads.
3. Always clean the mouthpiece thoroughly with warm water and a mouthpiece brush. An accumulation of deposits in either mouthpiece or mouthpipe can have a very adverse effect on the performance of the instrument.
4. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning materials on silver plated instruments. Use only recommended cloths.
5. Try to avoid dramatic changes of temperature and humidity and never leave it in direct sunlight or near a radiator even inside the case.