How to Care for a Clarinet

Caring for a clarinet is important because it needs to be in good condition in order to sound right. Moisture and gunk build up on a clarinet if it's not cleaned regularly. Before a musician learns to play a clarinet, he needs to know how to care for it. Follow these steps to care for a clarinet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Remove the reed after playing and let it dry in the reed case. If you don't, it gets gunky and could get stuck to the mouthpiece. Take off the ligature.

2. Use a cleaning swab. Silk is best for cleaning from inside your clarinet after each use. Drop the weight on the swab down the bell and out the mouthpiece. Gently pull it through the clarinet. Do it more than once depending on how much moisture there is.

3. Fold the cleaning swab up and store it in your case. Dab tissue on or in other areas of the clarinet that may be holding moisture.

4. Polish the outside of the clarinet and keys with a cleaning cloth. Use key oil to lubricate any stiff keys.

5. Grease the corks. Rub cork grease into them, but don't use too much or too often or the corks will rot.

6. Place the cap over the mouthpiece before storing. Always store the clarinet in its case.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak your mouthpiece with a little detergent in cool water once a week.
• Never use a swab inside your mouthpiece.
• Unfold your cleaning swab before using it or it could get stuck in the clarinet.
• Use care when handling reeds. They are delicate and can crack easily.