Flute care and maintenance page
Cleaning Instructions update October 2020
We recommend washing your hands before and after playing or cleaning your instrument
While playing, the inside of your flute collects condensation from warm moist air blown into it. This moisture should be removed to keep the instrument clean.
After playing, remove the headjoint from the body. The headjoint can be cleaned using dish detergent in warm (not hot!) water to keep it sanitary. You may also choose to occasionally disinfect using a multi-surface spray-on cleaner that contains bleach. Allow the product to remain on the headjoint for the amount of time required for sanitization as per the instructions on the bottle. Following disinfection, be sure to rinse with luke warm water, wash with dish detergent, then rinse again with fresh water and allow to let air dry.
To clean the inside of the body, wrap a lint free cloth around the flute-cleaning rod forming a small ball of material on the end that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the tubing of your flute. Carefully insert the lint free cloth-covered rod into the instrument piece and swab with a back and forth motion until the moisture has been removed.
We recommend using a lint free cloth or silver polishing cloth to clean the outside of your instrument. Occasionally you can also choose to use a clean, lint free that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray. To prevent damage, NEVER spray directly on the instrument. CAUTION: Avoid use of any caustic or abrasive products, or undiluted alcohol or undiluted bleach.
NEVER allow anyone else to play your instrument
After cleaning your instrument, wash your cleaning cloth/swab with warm soapy water, rinse and let air dry.
We recommend your instrument be thoroughly cleaned, lubricated and adjusted annually by a qualified repair technician. Early summer is a great time to do this. Annual maintenance will keep your instrument in optimal playing condition for years to come.
All the tools you need to clean your instrument can be found in the EASYCARE Care Kit.
Other tips:
Assembly of your flute requires patience and care to avoid damage to the keys. Your music teacher will show you how to assemble your flute. Additionally you can view the Get Started and Assemble Your Flute video, which all covers all the fundamentals of flute assembly.
When not using your instrument, keep it in its case to help protect it and prevent possible damage. Never store anything in the case that can contact the keys like music or cleaning cloths. The added pressure can cause the keys to bend. Your flute should never be set on the floor, tabletop or music stand where it could roll off and become damaged. Do not expose it to extremes in temperature or store in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Avoid getting it wet.
Resources
Oklahoma State Department of Health: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/health/health2/documents/infection-control-keeping-your-musical-instruments-clean-and-safe.2014.pdf
National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians: https://napbirt.org/page/InstrumentCleanliness
Gemeinhardt: https://www.gemeinhardt.com/cleaning-and-care/