Q&A for How to Clean and Maintain a Clarinet

You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. However, you can clean the keys one to two times a week to get oil build-up off.

It may be your reed. If your reed is chipped, get a new one. If it still sounds scratchy, you may need to get a new size of reed.

You could use micro fiber clothes that people also use for cars. Also, you can use an eyeglass cleaner.

The barrel and mouthpiece should be gently cleaned in a solution of mild dish soap and detergent. Do NOT use hot water, as this can damage the mouthpiece and barrel. Extra care should be taken with the barrel if it is made of wood, as the wood can absorb the water and swell. Swab the inside and outside of the mouthpiece and barrel using a soft toothbrush or special cleaning brush or q-tips. As a final precaution, you can use a germicide such as Sterisol to make sure the mouthpiece is clean. Make sure the mouthpiece and barrel are completely dry before putting them away in the instrument case. Do not put them in a window or anywhere hot or dry, as this can make the instrument parts crack.

It is probably just tarnishing on the keys.

The barrel will probably be stiff, so try not straight pulling it off, but slightly twisting it gently when you try and take it off. When you replace it, add cork grease so it won'be stiff again.

It will not get too damaged, but it is best not to overheat it. If you have a sheltered place, which is not too humid, you should keep it there.

It is probably best to take the instrument to a repair shop to get it replaced. It is the safest option and can usually be done for small cost while you wait.

Take a lot of time to practice and never give up. This is the best way to get better. From there, just find auditions and keep trying out until you get a gig.

Get a new reed. If that doesn't work, change the reed size.

Unfortunately, you will have to buy a new one. Perhaps invest in a slightly more expensive or sturdy one, to prevent breaking it again.

You can soak it in a solution of vinegar and water to kill the bacteria (and the smell). Allow it to dry on a clean paper towel afterwards.

Whenever you feel they need to be replaced. If it's not cracked or chipped you shouldn't need to replace it. I've been playing with the same reed for about 6 months now and it still sounds brand new. But as soon as it chips, buy a new one.

Get a silk swab. You are most likely using a cloth, which is much thicker and more prone to getting stuck.

I would not do that, as tissues are likely to tear and dissolve, especially when wet.

Gently rubbing the keywork with a silver cloth can help to remove some of the grime. For a thorough deep clean of the keywork, you should take the instrument to a woodwind repair shop.

You can either use key oil or just wipe the register key down with a wet cloth.

Yes. A tip for cleaning your mouthpiece is letting it sit in mouthwash and water.

Use some instrument polish! You can pick it up at your local instrument store. While you're there, you can get your clarinet professionally cleaned.

An oboe is much more cone-shaped and has a double reed, while the clarinet is much more cylindrical. If you look at the reeds, the clarinets are much wider rather than the oboe's thinner reed.

Use your swab to clean the inside of the clarinet. If you don't have a swab, tie something heavy to the string for a weight and tie the other end to a towel and pull it through.

Any reputable music shop that specializes in woodwinds sells silk cloths. You can also purchase them online.

Take your clarinet to a professional. Don't play it until it has been thoroughly cleaned.

Arching your tongue or holding it like you're saying "eeee" will usually help stop squeaking. Your reed may also be a problem. If you use 2 1/2 reeds, it would be easier to play if you used 3 reeds.

This is probably due to the reed strength you're using, as opposed to the actual clarinet itself. This suggests the reed strength you are using is too hard (the number is bigger) and you should invest in a softer reed. For example, if you're using a 3-strength, try using a 2 1/2.

Take it to a music shop to have them check it out. You will have to pay for service and repairs, but they will get it in proper playing order if they can, or let you know if they can’t.

Try taking it to a music shop and having the professionals look at it. They know what they are doing, and the prices are well worth it to be able to play a working and clean instrument.

Fold it and wind the string around it, then stick it in the slot of the case.

If it sounds windy or airy, check your reed placement. It may be a bit too low on the mouthpiece.

Try cleaning it more often or change the reed, because if the reed has been used for a long time, it can start to create odors.