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Trumptrevol Regular Member
Joined: 04 Nov 2020 Posts: 58
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 5:20 am Post subject: Need some recommendations for cleaning |
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Looking for some products to use to clean the inside of my trumpet. I use the hw brass saver for my slides to get the light gunk out but there’s still some light greenish blue hard gunk in my slides. What products should I use to get this out? I know I could send it to a pro to get it cleaned but I really would rather do it on my own. |
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TrumpetMD Heavyweight Member
Joined: 22 Oct 2008 Posts: 2416 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 7:03 am Post subject: |
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You asked what you need: A plastic-coated snake, small and large casing brushes, small and large microfiber cloths, and dawn dishwashing liquid. You can use your bath tub, or get a large a Rubbermaid/Tupperware container to soak your horn (less likely to scratch your horn). You can also use a water snake to flush the horn.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NVTJ5X
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050R68LS/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVY2SKG/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K8XLYYU/
Here's what I do: I flush the horn, either by simply running water through it or by using the horn flush snake. Then I disassemble and soak the horn in the plastic container or bath tub with warm water and dawn dishwashing liquid for 30 minutes. Don't get the valve felts wet. Then use the snake and brushes to clean out the horn, rinse, use the small microfiber cloth to wipe down the valves and insides of the valve casings, oil and lube, reassemble, use the large micofiber cloth to dry down the horn.
Mike _________________ Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn (1969), Yamaha 13F4 Mouthpiece.
Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns. |
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JayKosta Heavyweight Member
Joined: 24 Dec 2018 Posts: 3308 Location: Endwell NY USA
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 7:12 am Post subject: |
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Small amounts of 'hard gunk' in the tubing is unlikely to make a noticeable
sound or function difference.
DIY projects always have some danger because of 'learning the hard way'.
If you insist on the DIY route, then use some sort of 'pull through' or flexible 'snake'. Cleaning material that I might try is small pieces of green fabric cleaning pads that are used for scrubbing pots & pans.
You could also investigate the various brass, and nylon gun cleaning bore brushes used for cleaning barrels - they would work on straight tubes, but not curves.
If a cloth patch can be pushed or pulled through the tube without excessive drag, then I recommend to NOT try DIY further cleaning. _________________ Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'. |
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zaferis Heavyweight Member
Joined: 03 Nov 2011 Posts: 2333 Location: Beavercreek, OH
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:00 am Post subject: |
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yeah, stay away from DIY stuff... chemicals, etc. Damage done cost money to repair, and sometimes not repairable. Don't use abrasives.
My answer is keep it clean, before you need to do a bunch of work to get it clean. Brass Saver snake is a good one. There are plenty of care kits, swabs, snakes, on the market - Ultra Pure Oils, Monster Oils, Yamaha, SuperSlick, etc all sell good ones.
Soak in warm water with Dawn dishwashing liquid.. If more cleaning need maybe a soak (30 min. or more) with a cup of vinegar in the warm water before washing with Dawn.
Discoloring of brass will happen, it is not damage, nor does it affect play. Slime, mold, gunk build up, should be relatively easy to clean out.
Scab like texture that won't scrub off is likely "red rot" or some corrosion - if so, then time for the next step.
If you're not satisfied, take it to a shop for chemical or ultra-sonic cleaning. _________________ Freelance Performer/Educator
Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman |
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JoeLoeffler Veteran Member
Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 243
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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It sounds like you already have what you need to do good at home maintenance cleanings. (3-4 times a year probably...) A good set of brushes and a good bath with a bunch of Dawn in the water (use really hot water, as the soap will work better, unless your horn is lacquered - hot water can damage lacquer finishes.) This will get out most of the gunky stuff that accumulates.
The green or white deposits will not come off with soap and water. That is dissolved during a chem-clean at a reputable repair shop. |
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twoforks Regular Member
Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2021 8:09 am Post subject: |
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Hello -
I usually soak a horn in warm water with dish soap and then snake, rinse and dry.
Has anyone had experience using the Dawn Powerspray for trumpet internal cleaning?
the Powerspray seems to de-grease pots and pans really well, and would probably work well on a horn, but unsure of the safety on a horn lacquer.
thanks! _________________ Lots of horns for the job |
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