How to Clean Cymbals

Cleaning cymbals is a relatively easy process. Although it is not usually an absolute necessity, it will keep your cymbals looking and sounding professional, and will extend their life. The cymbal cleaning steps below are applicable for crash, suspended and drum set cymbals (ride, crash, hi-hat and specialty cymbals).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cymbals
• Large tub of water
• Mild dish soap
• Commercial cymbal cleaner
• Clean towel or rag
• Clean polishing cloth

1. Remove crash and suspended cymbals from their stand. Remove straps from hand cymbals.
2. Soak the cymbals briefly in water with a mild soap. Remove from water and blot off excess water.
3. Place a small amount of commercial cymbal cleaner on a clean towel or rag.
4. Clean one small area at a time. Rub along the grooves of the cymbal only as hard as needed.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you have cleaned the entire cymbal. Use a clean section of towel for each section of cymbal.
6. Rinse the cymbal again in clean water. Lightly polish the entire cymbal with a clean, dry cloth.
7. Check that you have removed all cleaning and polishing product. Return cymbal to stand or tie straps back onto cymbal.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a particularly dirty cymbal, use a heavy nylon scrub brush, a little extra dish soap, and a little extra elbow-grease to scrub out the grooves before using the cymbal cleaner and rag.
• Wipe your cymbals down before putting them away after each use to prevent heavy dirt build-up.
• If you're not sure what cleaner or polish product to look for, go to a local music supply store or local percussion instructor for suggestions.
• Do not use chrome or brass cleaners. They are often too strong and too abrasive to be used safely on cymbals.
• Do not apply cymbal cleaner/polish to the entire cymbal at once; it will dry to the cymbal before you have a chance to remove it.