How to Clean the Inside of a Trumpet

Part of routine maintenance for a trumpet owner is cleaning the inside and outside of the instrustment. This process must be approached with patience and care. A clean trumpet shines on the outside and plays a sparkling tune.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Paper towel
• Valve brush
• Snake
• Towel
• Lubricant

Instructions

1. Draw a trumpet bath by filling a plastic bucket, bath or container with warm water and approximately 2 tbsp. of mild dish soap. If using a bath tub, line the bottom of the tub with a towel to prevent damage to the trumpet.

2. Soak the trumpet in the warm soapy water. Remove the valves and sliders and wipe with a paper towel to remove all traces of oil. Place all parts individually into the bath so that they don't touch each other.

3. Clean each valve. Squirt a dab of soap on the valve brush and slowly and gently scrub.

4. Clean the inside of the sliders. Remove the sliders from the bath and insert a wet soapy snake into each slider for a thorough cleaning. Return the sliders to the bath for a final soak.

5. Rinse the trumpet parts. Empty or drain the soapy bath water. Run clean water over each part until all soap is gone.

6. Air dry all of the trumpet parts. Place a dry towel out on a flat surface. Lay each trumpet piece on the towel to air dry completely.

7. Rebuild the trumpet. Lubricate the valves and sliders using either lubricant specifically designed for instruments, motor oil or petroleum jelly.

8. Test the working condition of the trumpet. Now that the instrument is clean, play a quick chord to make sure all of the parts are correctly put back together.

Tips & Warnings

• Carefully remove the valves by unscrewing the nuts. Slowly pull each valve out about half way. Notice the number stamped on each valve. Note which way the number faces so that each valve is returned in the same direction.