How to Clean and Care for a Clarinet

Like any other instrument, a clarinet is delicate and needs proper care to ensure a long and useful life. The clarinet is a woodwind instrument comprised of a wooden body (usually), metal keys and cork to hold the sections in place while the instrument is being played.

Case

Clarinets come with a hard shell case for a very good reason. It protects the instrument from bumps and bruises, and helps to protect it from moisture. It's important to keep your clarinet in this case when you are not using it or when you need to transport it from one location to another. It should also be kept in the case if it needs to be stored for any amount of time.

Everyday Care

Always handle your instrument with care. The keys will bend very easily if you pick up the instrument or pull it apart while tugging on them. The best way to get your clarinet out of the case is to insert the tip of your finger into one of the ends and lift gently.

The sound of the clarinet comes from the combination of the vibrating reed on the mouthpiece and wind restriction of the keys and holes. The reed is affixed to the mouthpiece with a small device (ligature) that tightens with screws. Use extra care when tightening down your reed. If you tighten the screws too hard, you can damage the reed or strip or break the screws.

Never leave your instrument unattended if it is not in its case. Laying a clarinet across a table or chair is just asking for an accident. Someone walking by can easily knock it from its perch and you'll be left with a broken instrument.

When you are putting together or taking apart your clarinet, use extra care to keep the cork in good shape. Always use an easy, twisting motion when putting the pieces together. If you pull or push the pieces to take it apart or put it together, the cork can become damaged and ripped. In most cases, you should use a small amount of cork grease or wax so the instrument slides together easily and safely.

Always keep the inside of your instrument clean. Many people avoid doing this because it's not the most pleasant of chores. Your clarinet should come with a swab that is used to go through the inside of the instrument. This will clean out saliva that goes through the instrument as it is played. This moisture can damage the material of your clarinet, so it is important to clean it out each time you use it.

Use a soft cloth to very carefully wipe over the keys and the outside of the instrument to remove debris and body oils. The mouthpiece should be cleaned thoroughly with hot soapy water once a week.

If you don't have the proper tools to keep your instrument clean, you can purchase a clarinet cleaning kit. In most cases, these are under 20 dollars and can be purchased online or at any instrument dealership.

Long Term Care

The undersides of the keys on a clarinet have pads that help to lock down when the keys are depressed. If these pads fall off or are damaged, the clarinet will not play properly. Keep an eye on these pads and have them replaced as necessary.

You will notice the keys and thumb-hold are attached to the instrument with very small screws. Look these over at least once a month to be sure they are tight. If they are not, get your instrument to a dealer or qualified repairperson to have them tightened. Don't try to do this yourself because you can cause damage if they are tightened improperly.

Wrap Up

No matter how skilled you are in playing your instrument, it won't sound good if it's mishandled. A quality clarinet will last for generations if cared for properly. Don't be afraid to talk to your dealer or call up the manufacturer if you have any questions about its care.