The flute is an instrument with a wonderful sound. However, if you don't clean it properly, it won't keep the same sound for long! Always keep it clean and well cared for so that the sound and brilliance last for a long time.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to correctly assemble the flute
- Make sure the counter surfaces are free of residue and dirt.
- Line up the components so that they are straight, and gently snap them together with a twisting motion. Don't apply too much force.
- If you have trouble fitting the parts together, take the one that has the problem and clean it with a soft cloth, which you should do often. Don't use lip gloss or petroleum jelly to help fit the flute components together. Materials of this type will fix the problem quickly, but over time dust and dirt will tend to accumulate much more quickly.
- If you have to march with this flute, make sure that the various components are tight enough to prevent them from flying away in a sudden movement; think twice before using lube. Marching with an instrument is complicated so if you have it, it is best to have a spare one, especially if there is a chance that it will rain.
Step 2. Before tuning, warm up the flute by blowing hot air into it
The pitch tends to change with the temperature. If the flute cools down before playing, warm it by locking the keys and gently blow warm air inside. Feel free to play some scales or other music to enjoy yourself while doing this.
Step 3. Each time, after playing, separate the various parts of the flute
Step 4. Slip a soft cloth into the slot on the tip of the wand you use to clean, and wrap it around it so that it completely covers it so as not to scratch the inside of the flute
Remove the moisture by gently sliding the stick along the body of the flute and always moving it in the same direction, without using a twisting motion. If you make a rotary movement, you risk that the cloth gets caught in one of the bearings, or even worse that it gets stuck inside! If you use gauze for cleaning, do not stick it into the body of the flute, or the moisture will absorb into the pads.
Step 5. Place the wand and cleaning cloth in the flute case, and take a soft chamois cloth
Carefully clean the instrument until it is free of fingerprints and any other dirt. Lightly dry the keys following their direction. Make sure you don't pinch the flute in a way that can bend the keys. Also pay close attention to the points where the various parts of the flute join, being the ones where the most dirt accumulates.
Step 6. Gently scrub the mouth hole to remove saliva and other debris
Step 7. Dip a cotton swab in denatured alcohol and remove dust and residue buildup in hard-to-reach places between keys
You can find on sale some small tools specifically for this operation.
Step 8. Clean the bearings
When they are sticky, they make a slight noise as they are lifted. Put a thin layer of paper or cigarette paper under a key, then close it tightly. Do not use banknotes, they are dirty! Do not remove the card while the key is pressed, remove it only after having lifted it. This way you will avoid damaging the bearings. Stickiness is due to moisture, so try to keep the flute dry at all times. Use this technique gently and in moderation, or you could damage the thin membrane that acts as a gasket when you lock the key.
Step 9. Keep the flute in its case, protecting it from humidity and extreme temperatures
The case is the safest place for an instrument, but if you play frequently and have a safe, sheltered nook, you should consider getting a stand.
Step 10. Keep the springs in order
If a key does not pop up, try to see if there is a spring (one of the small threads along the body of the flute) out of place. You should be able to rearrange it with the rubbery end of a pencil or similar soft tool. If you feel unable to do this, go to a music store for repair.
Step 11. Check the screw cap periodically
If the flute seems too out of tune, check the cap that closes the head of the instrument. Take out the head and insert the wand you use to clean upside down. The wand should have a line on the bottom; bring the line to the height of the embouchure hole. If it doesn't get there, it means the cork has receded, and you need to take it to a tool shop for replacement (screw caps need to be changed about every two years). When the cap is out of place the flute will not stay in tune. Don't try to fix this by yourself by trying to push or pull it, you could damage the tool.
Step 12. Pay attention to the bearings
Misaligned keys and, above all, worn bearings, can cause air leaks, inevitably affecting the sound. If you find that you have to press harder than usual on the keys to get the notes sounding their best, there is probably an air leak that you can remedy by having the pads replaced.
Step 13. Have your instrument checked periodically by a flute expert, or at least a woodwind expert
Some problems can arise over time and require professional assistance.
Step 14. Remember:
take care of your flute, and he will take care of you.
Advice
- If possible, clean the flute after each use.
- If you have a wooden flute or piccolo, consult an experienced flutist or repairman for more tips on proper wood maintenance and the use of a lubricant.
- If you play in a marching band, you don't need a professional flute; one not too used will do just fine.
- Serious flutists have their own cleaning cloth. However, even clean napkins can work.
- Tie a cloth to the handle of the case if there is no space inside. Careful - it could get dirty.
Warnings
- Never clean the body of the flute with any product that contains bleach. You will erase the trimmings on the flute. The entire coating will lose light and shine.
- Avoid pressing the keys too hard when playing. It will wear out your bearings faster and slow down your execution. If you find that this is the only way to make the notes sound good, take the instrument for repair. There is probably an air leak.
- Be careful how you clean the flute. Repair can be very expensive. Don't try to bend or move something that doesn't move easily, because it probably is either already bent or it shouldn't move at all.
- Be careful not to bend any keys when you take the flute apart. Be especially careful when removing the horn, because it has a particularly complicated and delicate connection between the keys, easy to bend and expensive to replace.
- Even as you play, don't hold the instrument too crooked - the keys should be facing up. Consider getting a stand for when you're not using it.
- Do not use silver polish on the headboard! If a cleaning cloth doesn't do its job well, try soaking it in alcohol and scrubbing (be careful not to spill it on the bearings). If it still doesn't work, let the repairman do it when you bring it to him!
- When you separate the parts of the flute, be gentle. You could fold the keys. Beginners and students often make the mistake of holding the flute by the keys. If you need to repair the head, for example, don't grab the flute by or near the Ab key. You could break or bend the keys, and repairing them costs a lot. Instead, hold the flute on top of the central body, where the instrument logo is usually present. There are no moving parts here, and you won't break anything when you take out the cylinder head. To remove the horn, grab the end where there are no keys.
- Wind instruments must not remain wet! If you let the flute get wet, the pads will swell, preventing the flute from playing.
- Never use a banknote to clean the bearings. It can be dirty, and you risk ruining them.
- Do not store a wet cloth inside the case with the flute. Place the cloth in an external compartment or, if not possible, tie it to the handle. Otherwise let it dry and then put it away.
- Do not overly lubricate the joints between the components. If you do, they may separate as you play. It is best to use a cloth that removes as much dirt as possible. If the parts get stuck, use paraffin.
- Avoid leaving the pads in the flute after cleaning. Moisture will cause the bearings to rot. If you choose to leave them, let them dry completely before putting them inside the flute! However, it would be better not to do it, even if well dry, because they contribute to the accumulation of dust and other dirt.
