How to Clean a Stuck Trumpet
Occasionally the slides on your trumpet may become stuck, causing it to be difficult or impossible for you to play your instrument. An easy way to avoid stuck slides is to purchase and use valve oil on a regular basis on your slides, keeping them well lubricated. If your slides do get stuck, then you can clean them fairly easily with items you may already have around the house.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Unscrew the valve of your trumpet and gently pull out the slide.
-
2
Wrap a piece of cloth around the top of a chopstick or pencil and push it inside the bottom of your slide, moving it around to collect any residue that may be built up inside. Repeat the process, pushing the chopstick down from the top of your slide. This works best when you can wrap the cloth around so it is thick enough that it has to be pushed with a small amount of force to fit inside your valve casing.
-
-
3
Replace the valve on your trumpet, which should now be unstuck and move freely when pressed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have a considerable amount of buildup in your valves, you can take your trumpet to a music store to get an acid wash, which will remove any buildup.
References
- Photo Credit Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
