How to Clean a Saxophone

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 Approved

Regular saxophone maintenance will keep both you and your instrument healthy, and can help prevent costly repairs. Cleaning your saxophone is a relatively simple process, provided your saxophone is the standard, half-bell shape. A saxophone cleaning kit is a smart investment that will save you a lot of time and effort.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Interior

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1
Swab the body. Most saxophone cleaning kits come with a brush or cloth on a long string with a weight on the opposite end. Put the weighted end into the bell of the saxophone and turn the sax upside down. Bring the weighted end through the body and come out the narrow end. Gently pull the swab through the body several times. ^{[1]
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- Swabbing helps dry the interior so that pads are not damaged, inhibits bacteria growth, and removes any build-up of foreign particles from foods, beverages or saliva in the instrument. ^{[2]
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- It is not unusual to see a slight green color on the pad after a few passes. This is normal and does not indicate rust or metal damage. ^{[3]
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2
Swab the neck. Insert a flexible swab through the larger base opening on the neck, coming out on the narrow side to which the cork is attached. Brush out the inside thoroughly to remove any foreign particles.
- You can run water through the neck as well — just be sure that no water comes in contact with the cork, or it may swell and deform.
- Soaking with vinegar or brushing with detergent can help get rid of excess build-up. ^{[4]
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3
Use a pad saver. If available, these are helpful for removing any residual moisture. Make sure to use them after swabbing. Insert the pad saver through the body's narrow end. Let it absorb moisture for a few seconds, then remove. ^{[5]
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- Some manufacturers make similar items such as "bell brushes" or "neck savers" for other parts of the saxophone. These are fine to use similarly if you have them, but not necessary for regular saxophone maintenance.
Check for sticky pads as you play the saxophone, and visually inspect under the pads for any wear and tear. Use wet cotton swabs or a thin piece of paper to clean where the pads meet the tone, removing any sticky residue. A little clean water should be enough to do the job.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Mouthpiece

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1
Clean your mouthpiece's interior. You'll want to clean the mouthpiece often, as it comes into contact with your mouth. Start out by removing the reed, then use a mouthpiece brush to remove any residue inside the mouthpiece. You can substitute a bottle brush or even a small toothbrush. Run cold or lukewarm water through the mouthpiece, then pull a clean, lint-free cloth through the mouthpiece to dry and remove any particles missed by the brush.
- Soaking in antiseptic mouthwash or detergent is helpful for particularly dirty mouthpieces. ^{[6]
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If you'd like to save a rubber or resin mouthpiece with light marks, use sandpaper or a fingernail sanding block. Start with the coarsest grit to remove the scratch. Progress to increasingly fine grits to smooth the mouthpiece out. ^{[7]
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The warm air you blow into it contains saliva, which provides a moist place for bacterial and fungal growth as well as food particles that damage the instrument. ^{[8]
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Soak especially dirty mouthpieces in water and a small amount of detergent or malt vinegar. ^{[10]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing Up

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You can use just a brass lacquer polishing cloth. ^{[12]
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You can safely tighten loose rod screws, but be careful not to over-torque them. ^{[14]
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Specialty swabs, pad savers and bell brushes can be washed lightly by hand with a small amount of soap. Each should last years if cleaned regularly. ^{[15]
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Reassemble your saxophone. It should look, feel, and play beautifully! When in doubt, consult a professional.

Community Q&A

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Question

Why does my alto saxophone keep sounding off?

Community Answer

There are a few possibilities. You might be pressing a button and not noticing, and or your saxophone is not being properly tuned. If it's sounding low, push your mouth peace in; if it's too high, pull it out. Also, check to make sure that your bottom lip is tucked in between your mouth and mouthpiece when you play.

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Question

My cork has mold inside of it. How do I get it out?

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You should have the cork removed and replaced. In the future, regularly clean the new cork, because mold is harmful and difficult to remove.

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Do I need to take out my mouth piece when your done each time?

Community Answer

Every time you're done playing you should completely take apart your sax. For cleaning you need to to clean all the parts.

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Swab your saxophone every time you play! Putting your sax away wet will increase the likelihood of mold, rust, and build-up.

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It is recommended to have at least two swabs for your saxophone, one for the neck and one for the body.

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The saxophone is a delicate instrument! Remember to be gentle. Don't force anything. Never use potentially corrosive materials.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Keep four reeds or more on hand so you always have some always ready to use. Rotate them around every time you play so they all get worn down at the same rate.
You should change your reed at the most every 2-4 weeks. If you play less you can wait until 4-5 weeks, and if you play often change it every 1-3 weeks.

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Warnings

Do not attempt to oil, remove dents, replace pads, or use scratch-removers on the finish of your saxophone. Leave these things to a professional. If you have a rental instrument, in most cases these services are performed free of charge.

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Never put your saxophone in water. If you ever do it can ruin the pads on your instrument and the cork that's on it too.

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Never try to apply key oil to your saxophone or any woodwind. If you need your keys to be oiled, take your saxophone to a professional.

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How to Clean a Saxophone

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Cleaning the Interior

Cleaning the Mouthpiece

Finishing Up

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Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

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