Cleaning the horn is a relatively simple process that increases the life and performance of the instrument. It's as simple as giving her a bath every now and then and keeping her well-groomed between washes. If at any time you notice something strange with your instrument, be sure to see a professional so they can fix it properly.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Washing the Trumpet
Step 1. Gather your supplies
To wash the trumpet, you will need a large bucket or tub to place the instrument in. You will also need 2 large towels on which to place the trumpet, a wash cloth, and a polishing cloth to dry it without scratching it. To clean it, you'll use a little dishwasher, pipe brushes, and a snake trumpet brush. Lastly, you will require piston oil and sliding grease to lubricate the instrument once it is reassembled.
- You can find the oil and grease at a musical instrument store. If you are not sure what type of lubricant to buy, ask the store staff what they would use for your instrument. You can also buy kits online that are specially created for cleaning trumpets and other brass instruments.
- If you don't have a polishing cloth, you can use a microfiber cloth or an old cotton flannel that has been washed many times and has no pattern. Avoid scratching the instrument at all costs, never use a regular towel to dry it.
Step 2. Take the trumpet apart
Hold the pistons when you put them back. Take the trumpet apart to wash it, so that you can effectively clean all its parts. Separate all parts of the instrument, but set aside the springs and pads that are inside the piston after unscrewing them. These will not be washed because they can be damaged by contact with water. Be careful not to hit any part of the trumpet while taking it apart.
- Make sure to see how the pieces fit together as you take the trumpet apart.
- Getting pistons wet can affect piston shape and performance. Springs can deteriorate when in contact with water.
- If the pistons have not been properly lubricated, they can get stuck. Removing these parts and the pumps shouldn't require much effort, so if you find it too difficult to remove them, they may be stuck. Do not force them because this can damage the trumpet. Avoid damage by taking the trumpet to a professional so they can take it apart.
Step 3. Fill the bathtub
Fill the bathtub halfway with warm water. While it's filling, pour a few drops of dishwasher into the water. Make sure the drain is covered so the water doesn't run.
- Using very hot water can damage the finish of the trumpet, so check that the water is warm to the touch. Cold water will not necessarily harm the trumpet, but it will also not allow for a more effective wash.
- If you don't have a bathtub, you can fill a bucket large and deep enough to fit the trumpet lying under the water.
Step 4. Place a towel on the bottom of the tub
By placing the trumpet on the bottom, you run the risk of hitting it against the hard surface of the trumpet. Placing a towel on the bottom will give it some padding and will keep it from bumping while you are cleaning it. Take one of the towels and place it in the bathtub, stretch it so that it covers the entire bottom of it.
Step 5. Soak the trumpet pieces
Turn off the tap when the water is halfway through the bath. Then, put the trumpet and its pieces in the water on the towel. Set them apart so they don't hit each other in the water. Be careful, washing the pistons can damage the felt on the pads. Let it soak for 20 minutes or so for the dishwasher to achieve the desired effect. If you soak the nozzle separately in hot water, the wash will be more effective.
Step 6. Clean the trumpet
After soaking the trumpet for a while, you can start cleaning it. Use the snake brush and pipe cleaners to clean inside the pumps. Brush the piston cover a few times. Spend time in the area near the mouthpiece. Generally this area has a lot of accumulations and bacteria, so wash it thoroughly.
Step 7. Wipe the exterior with a wash cloth
Leave the trumpet soaking in the water, then take a cloth, dip it in the bathtub and begin to rub it gently, cleaning up any dirt on it. Avoid rubbing too hard so as not to wear down the finish of the instrument.
Step 8. Wash the pieces
After you've thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed all the parts, unclog the drain. As the water begins to drain, turn on the faucet and rinse each piece with warm water. Lay out a large towel on the floor next to the tub. After rinsing each piece, place it on the towel.
Step 9. Dry the pieces with the polishing cloth
You want to avoid wear marks on the trumpet at all costs, so be sure to use a cloth that will not tear the trumpet. Gently blot each piece with the cloth, removing excess water. Then, leave them on the towel to finish air drying.
- Air-drying the parts will take longer, but will reduce the risk of scratches on the instrument. You can put them in a sunny area to dry faster or give them more drying time indoors.
- Make sure you have completely dried the pistons. You don't want the felt to touch the pistons while they are wet, as this will cause them to lose their damping capacity. Clean the inside and outside of the pistons until they are completely dry and then leave them in the open air for a while longer.
Step 10. Reassemble and lubricate the instrument
After it dries completely, you can assemble the trumpet (it doesn't matter if the mouthpiece is wet, as brass instruments are used to a little humidity). While rearming the trumpet, grease the first and third slide pumps, and moderately oil the pistons.
- Avoid mixing oil and grease, as this will create buildup and sediment that will reduce the performance of the instrument. Use only what is necessary so that the pumps and pistons can enter smoothly.
- Gently return the pistons to their cover until you hear a “click” and avoid rotating them to avoid excessive wear.
Part 2 of 2: Caring for the instrument
Step 1. Be careful
Brass instruments dent easily, and when this happens, they become more difficult to play. Be careful with the trumpet, place it in the case or on your lap whenever you can. Pistons and pumps can get stuck with dents. If this happens, take the instrument to a professional repair at a specialized store.
Step 2. Keep the pistons lubricated
Apply oil daily or every other day. Remove the pistons from the cover and pay attention to how they fit so that you can put them back. Then pour three to five drops of oil onto each piston. Gently put them back in place and repeat this a couple of times a week or whenever you feel like they're getting stuck.
Step 3. Clean with a cloth regularly
To prevent dust and grime from accumulating, clean your trumpet daily using a polishing cloth or a piece of old flannel. Clean all parts of the instrument, especially where you hold it. This will keep the horn relatively clean between washes.
Wash the washcloth at least once a month, as it fills up with grease and oil. Wash it with the trumpet. If you use a dirty cloth, you are not effectively cleaning the instrument
Step 4. Wash the instrument every month
Even if you clean your trumpet constantly after using it, you need to give it a good rinse every month or two, depending on how often you play it. By doing this, you will keep it in optimal condition and allow it to perform better.