How to Care for Your Flute

The flute is one of the most delicate band instruments. It has many keys and wires. Learning to perform the basic maintenance on your flute is important and allows you to get the best performance from your flute.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cleaning rod
• Cleaning cloth

1. Assemble and disassemble your flute with care. When taking it apart, be sure to pull straight out. Your flute should come apart with only a small amount of effort. Avoid holding your flute by the keys when assembling or disassembling.
2. Clean and dry your flute after each use. Attach your cleaning cloth to your cleaning rod and push it through the body and the footer. The head joint is the most important to clean. Push the rod to the end and pull out.
3. Inspect the delicate keys and wires on your flute daily. Your flute needs to be in good condition to play properly.
4. Wash your hands before you play or handle your flute to avoid getting oil or dirt on your flute. Oil and dirt can do damage to your instrument.
5. Dust your flute. If you find you need to dust or polish your flute, use a soft cloth. Avoid metal or silver polish. A soft cloth is the only thing recommended for the finish of your instrument.
6. Store your flute in its case. Avoid extreme temperatures, as well. You must keep your cleaning cloth outside of the case to keep the moisture away from your flute.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to take your flute to be adjusted and inspected annually. However, if you take proper care of your flute, you shouldn't need to have it inspected unless your flute is not playing properly.