A flute is considered an expensive and valuable instrument that must be properly cleaned and cared for to keep it in good condition. It is extremely important that you clean the flute after each use, handle it gently while assembling and disassembling it, and always store it in a safe space.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Flute
Step 1. Unscrew the pieces gently
To disassemble the flute, you must gently unscrew the head gasket and the base gasket from the flute frame. You must perform this procedure carefully. Make sure not to touch the keys or keypads as they can be easily damaged.
Step 2. Clean the flute after each use
Before storing the flute, it is important that you remove the moisture inside. If you leave it unclean, the flute will not only start to develop a nasty bad, but it will also get foggy on the inside. For these reasons, you should clean the inside and outside of the flute after each use.
Step 3. Place a cloth on a cleaning rod
Run a soft cloth through the needle-shaped groove on the end of a cleaning stick. You want to pull the cloth through the slot so that it is evenly distributed on each side of the rod.
Use a cloth made of a soft, thin material (for example, microfiber or cotton)
Step 4. Wrap the cloth around the rod
Take the cloth and wrap it around the rod so that it is completely covered. If any part of the rod touches the flute while you are cleaning it, the inside can be scratched and damaged.
Step 5. Insert the rod into each section of the flute
Remove the moisture that builds up inside the flute by gently inserting the wand into each section of the flute. For example, you should clean the inside of the head gasket, the base gasket, and the flute frame. The cloth will absorb and remove the moisture inside.
When cleaning the flute frame, be sure to insert the rod into both ends of the flute. This will ensure that everything inside is clean
Step 6. Twist the wand to clean the inside
You can twist the rod gently while it is inside the flute to make sure it absorbs all the moisture.
Step 7. Clean the outside of the flute with a cloth
You should carefully polish the flute with a microfiber cloth. Grease and fingerprints can accumulate on the outside of the flute as you play it. Gently clean all the keys and the body of the flute.
- Pay particular attention to the ends (or dowels) where the separate pieces connect. Often times, grime can collect in this area. Use your fingers and a cloth to clean around and inside the ends.
- Avoid using cloths that contain a metal polish. These elements can damage the flute, so you should avoid using them.
Step 8. Do not touch the keypads while cleaning
When cleaning, you should make sure to hold the flute by the frame and avoid touching the keys. These items can easily get punctured and damage the flute. You could also bend the keys if you clean the flute too hard.
If the keypads or keys are damaged, you should take the flute to a professional for repair service
Step 9. Use a cotton swab to clean hard-to-reach areas
You can use a Q-tip to remove dust and dirt buildup between the keys. You can also use a cotton swab to clean the embouchure hole on the head gasket. You should clean gently and avoid touching the keys.
Method 2 of 3: Storing the Flute
Step 1. Place the individual pieces in the case
Make sure to always keep the flute in its case. If you leave the flute out of its case, it is more likely to be damaged. Do not keep the wet cleaning cloth in the case with the flute. This moisture could cause the flute to tarnish.
Instead, you should place the cloth in an outer sleeve on top of the case
Step 2. Store the flute in a safe place
You can place the case in a closet, under the bed, or in a low-traffic area in the house. You should avoid having someone hit the case, as it could damage the inside of the flute.
Step 3. Avoid storing the flute in extreme temperatures
Extreme hot and cold temperatures can affect the flute mechanism, as well as the keypads and the cork inside the top of the head gasket. Heat can cause the flute to expand (destroying the top of the head) and cold can cause the cork to shrink, resulting in problems with pitch and tuning. Make sure to store the flute away from radiators or windows that receive direct sunlight.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for the Flute
Step 1. Wash your hands and face before playing
Your hands and mouth are likely to contain grease and oils that can be transferred to the flute as you play it. To reduce the amount of fat that comes into contact with the flute, you should wash your hands and face before playing. This procedure also reduces the amount of fingerprints that are transferred to the flute.
Step 2. Remove jewelry before playing the flute
Jewelry (especially rings) can scratch or damage the outside of the flute while you play it. To reduce this potential damage, you should remove your rings in advance.
Step 3. Have the flute serviced at least once a year
A professional will be able to clean and adjust the keys without damaging the instrument. You can also take the smaller parts of the flute apart for cleaning, tuning, and repair. To properly maintain your instrument, you should have it serviced at least once a year.
Advice
- Serious flute players should have two cleaning cloths. Clean tissues also serve this purpose.
- If you have a wooden flute or piccolo, you can consult an experienced piper or repair technician for additional advice on proper cork wood and grease care.
- To prevent the joints from sticking, you should scrub all the residue with a clean cloth. Then apply powdered graphite (a pencil will do in an emergency), and carefully twist and unscrew the pieces until they connect easily.
- If the keypads begin to stick, you should take the flute to a professional cleaner for repair.
Warnings
- Never use products that contain bleach to clean the flute frame, as you could destroy the finish of the instrument, causing it to lose all its shine.
- Wind instruments must not get wet. If you let the flute get wet, the keypads will swell and you won't be able to play the instrument again.
- Be careful not to bend the keys when disassembling the flute. You must be especially careful when removing the gasket from the base, as it has a very complicated and delicate key connection that bends easily and costs a lot to replace.