Q&A for How to Clean a Trombone

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  • Question
    Can I use any spray bottle? A bottle didn't come in my cleaning kit and I was wondering if a small, cleaned, body mist bottle would be fine.
    Forte Piano
    Community Answer
    Any bottle that has a sprayer on top will do fine. Just be sure to rinse it out first! A small, compact, portable bottle is preferred, though.
  • Question
    Do I have to use a snake?
    Gabe
    Community Answer
    If you were going to clean the inside of the slide, a snake would be the easiest and safest way.
  • Question
    I use a cleaning rod for dry cleaning to clean my trombone, but the cloth part tears easily. Is there something else I can use? Like an old t-shirt?
    Community Answer
    NEVER use a cleaning rod on the inside or outside of your trombone. It can scratch your instrument. You can use just the cleaning rod cloth for wiping away excess oil. You could use a t-shirt, too, but better yet is using water to avoid any possibility of scratching.
  • Question
    I don't have a cleaning snake. Is there anything else I can clean the inside with?
    Community Answer
    I don't recommend trying anything else, because it might damage your instrument.
  • Question
    Where can I get a cleaning snake for my trombone?
    Community Answer
    They should be easy to find online, or at a local music store.
  • Question
    How long should I let my trombone dry after giving it a bath?
    Community Answer
    As long as needed to get it fully dried. Although you should let it dry fully, water is not a bad thing to a trombone. Water goes through your trombone every time you play it.
  • Question
    Do you have to have Dawn dish soap?
    Community Answer
    Any dishwasher or laundry detergent will work. Just don't pour it directly in the instrument. Mix it with the bath water, then let your horn soak.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of rust on the external bell on a trombone?
    Community Answer
    Using a cloth, gently dust it. Be sure not to scratch it.
  • Question
    How do I get the mildew smell out of my old trombone?
    Community Answer
    Use a cleaning snake and get as much gunk out as possible, it is the source.
  • Question
    How do I get a dent out of a trombone slide?
    Community Answer
    A friend of mine came up with the solution of putting water in the dented section and putting it in the freezer. The water will expand when frozen and remove the dent.
  • Question
    What else can I use if I don't have a cleaning snake?
    Community Answer
    You should buy one if you don't have one. There are not many other things that you can use.
  • Question
    Will this ruin my rotary trigger?
    Community Answer
    Don't put the bell in the bathtub! It will probably ruin your trigger, and rust could build up over time.
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