How to clean a trumpet

Learning to clean your trumpet will keep it in good shape for years of enjoyment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Your trumpet, soft dry cloths, an extra bath towel, dish washing soap, warm water,and the oil that comes with the instrument.

1. Fill the bathtub about 1/4 full with slightly warm water and put a small amount of soap into it. Swish around to mix. Slowly remove the valves and slides from the trumpet. Swish the valves and slides over and over in the water to rinse out the dirt etc. and then rinse under the faucet well letting the water flush them and then dry with soft cloth before setting on extra towel.
2. Now, do the main part of the trumpet, carefully for a minute and don't hit the bottom of the tub. Make sure the warm water gets all through the instrument to get all the debris. Let out all the water. Flush the main part also under the faucet for a while to get out all the soap, starting with the bell part. Put your mouthpiece in and blow hard to make sure all the water is out several times opening up the two air holes.
3. Now, be sure you dry it very well, all the crevices, with the soft cloths. On each end of the slides apply oil and slide back into place. The valves are dry, so apply oil on each one and rub it to coat it all over. Then screw it back into place. Make sure they move up and down easily, if not reapply some more oil. Wash your mouthpiece also and more often.

Tips & Warnings

• Just make sure you get it dry and oiled well. The cleaning can be done every three or four weeks or as needed.