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How to Clean a Flute (to Keep it Shiny!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 เม.ย. 2020
- How to clean a flute (to keep it shiny!) learnfluteonline.com
Want cleaning tips?
In this video you will learn how to clean a flute to keep it shiny by Rebecca Fuller at Learn Flute Online. I'll also give you tips and tricks on how to use special cloths, your cleaning rod, and a special special type of alcohol to make it look shiny, new, and to help prevent tarnish.
My favorite cloths for cleaning a flute to keep it shiny are linked to Amazon here:
Silk flute cleaning cloth - amzn.to/2zurhpR
Microfiber flute cleaning cloth - amzn.to/2VADzWn
Get started with Learn Flute Online's free Silver Level to learn how to play the flute in a sequential, fun, convenient, and effective way. Join us! bit.ly/3eWg3L0
Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the cleaning cloths mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
• How to Clean a Flute (...
#learnfluteonline #flutetutorial #flute #rebeccafuller #cleanflute
Thanks for watching! What kind of cloth have you used for cleaning your flute? Ever had any issues while cleaning your flute?
I just use a napkin, and put it through the hole! Is that okayy?
i used to use cotton but now i use your microfiber!
Thanks so much! Thanks to your videos I'm learning more and more about flute! I'm so glad I can finally clean my flute correctly and nicely.
Wonderful! Keep it up. :) -Rebecca
I love how you always reply to you’re comments thank you!
Of course!! I want to be here for you if you have any questions. Thanks for being here and learning with me :) - Rebecca | learnfluteonline.com
Great advice! I watched this before but decided to watch again! Thanks, Rebecca~!
I'm very happy to help:) Keep that flute super shiny! - Rebecca
Thank you for the video very helpful ciao
I'm glad you liked it! -Rebecca
I just got a CONNOISSEURS silver polishing cloth and worked great to clean up my wife's 20+ yr old Gemeinhardt student model.
That is awesome! Those silver polishing cloths really do a great job getting the tarnish. The only problem I've ever had with them is that after awhile it starts leaving some of the black on the flute.. and it ends up on my chin as I play. I guess we have to rotate those types of cloths often enough. Play on! -Rebecca
My late grandfather left some kind of brush/swab in the flute case before I inherited it.
It looks like a tiny duster or test-tube cleaner, but instead of those nylon bristles that could damage the insides, it's a soft, cottony kind of fiber. Dunno if this is a hack, haven't seen other people's flutes to come with this tool, but it's worked marvelously for me for years.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing that, it is certainly something for me to look into as well! - Rebecca | learnfluteonline.com
Please help me! I used a bandanna on accident! Is there anyway to fix damages?
Hi Rebecca! I just discovered you and really enjoyed your video! I'm hoping the 5 modules you refer to at the end of the video are helpful for intermediate players as well as beginners as I'm a bit stuck as far as practicing goes. I'm working on Paganini's Caprice No. 24 and haven't heard any improvement in weeks. I think I need a teacher.
To answer your question, I just recently got a new flute and I used the cleaning cloth it came with (a microfiber one), but I've also been experimenting with other kinds of cloths. My favorite one so far is kind of a felt (?) like material. Several people on TH-cam even recommended using a silver polishing cloth and I used that once, but I had a bad feeling about it - like maybe that wasn't the best idea.
To clean the headjoint right at the very top (next to the cork), I bought a really absorbent (and washable) "flute wand" that seems to do a good job. Found it online.
You mentioned cleaning your flute with Q-tips once. That totally sounds like something I would do! Is it okay to clean just the riser with a Q-tip? That's nowhere near any mechanisms or anything, so I think (?) it's okay, but I mean, I have no clue what I'm doing!
Thanks again very much for the video! I look forward to watching more of your stuff!
Hi! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video and found it helpful.
Please send me an email at Rebecca@learnfluteonline.com I would love to help you get started in the intermediate lessons right away so I can help you fix your practicing problems and give you a little more guidance so you can continue to progress in your flute playing.
To answer your question about q-tips, yes you can use them anywhere as long as you are careful to not mess up the tiny springs and mechanism around the keys. I also always caution students to never try and clean their flute pads (under the keys) with a q-tip or cloth or anything similar. Flute pads are much too sensitive for those items.
Hope to hear from you soon!
-Rebecca
@@LearnFluteOnline Email sent! Thanks so much!
Thankssss
Happy to help! I hope you enjoy your shiny flute :) - Rebecca | learnfluteonline.com
I just bought a new Hunter flute (getting back into it after over 20 years, first learned in elementary school). I found the best thing to polish up the outside is by using a cloth designed for eyeglasses, no lint or fiber and non-scratch.
Steven, that sounds like an amazing idea. And how fun that you're getting back to the flute! I hope that your brand new, shiny Hunter treats you very well. If you would ever like beginner-advanced level training, make sure that you join us in the members area at learnfluteonline.com for in depth lessons just for you! Thanks for the comment. - Rebecca
Hi Rebecca - What type of cloth do I use? I use the one that you recommended five years ago to me. It’s the Hodge Silk Curved C-Flute Swab that I purchased on Amazon. It’s pure silk, absorbent, lint free, and compressible. I use it for the inside of the flute, and I use a microfiber cloth that came with the flute for the outside. Happy fluting! 😊 🎶
Hi Christopher, I sill recommend the Silk swabs. Love them! The microfiber cloth for the outside is perfect. It sounds like you're still on the right path. Way to go! Have a great week with your flute. -Rebecca
@@LearnFluteOnline Thanks Rebecca. It's hard to believe that it has been five years since you recommended to me both a concert flute and the Silk swab to purchase. I play the concert flute on average of three days a week for about two hours. I also enjoy playing the diatonic Romanian alto pan flute among other instruments.
After five years, I guess I’m still at the Silver level with the concert flute by choice. That is, although the concert flute is a three-octave instrument with full playable capabilities, I only play the concert flute in the first two octaves with limitations; but I do play it in all major and minor keys. And since I only play lyrical tunes and hymns, I’m satisfied with that. Enjoy the rest of your week. 😊 🎶
Thank you Rebecca do you ever clean the metal between the pads and the flute I was taught the to clean there . Perhaps it was because I did a lot of improper spitting:-)
Hi Vernon, trying to wipe under the pads is super hard without touching the pads.. they fray so easily which causes a lot of problems. I'd suggest swabbing out your flute a couple of times during your longer practice sessions. I do this myself. Good luck - your flute will love you for all the good attention. :) Rebecca
Hi Rebecca! So love your Intermediate flute lessons! I'm getting my mojo back! Haha! Do you recommend cleaning flute with silver polish because it is so tarnished? I did clean it in the way you recommended, but I think years of not taking care of it has really tarnished it.
@Peace at Om : I’m so glad you’re getting your Mojo back with the lessons at Learn Flute Online. The Member’s Area rocks, for sure! I don’t actually recommend using silver polish because of what happens as you use it. In theory it should work, but it’s just not safe on the body of the flute. It’s okay for the head joint though. If it’s a quality flute and something you want to keep for a very long time, you should take it to a flute technician and have them work it over - they can take it apart and polish it up for you and get it back together nicely (and probably better than before).. but it’s a pretty costly procedure, so only worth it if it’s a prize-possession flute. Hope this helps answer your question. Thanks for being flutie with us! -Rebecca
@@LearnFluteOnline Thank you for responding! It's a Gemeinhardt #325183 and so I think I'll stick with the methods you describe while I work through your lessons. If/when I get to the end of your lessons, I'll think about buying a new and shiny flute! This is a good workhorse for me now.
I have a flute i use to play in high school and its super browned and tarnished. Is it to late to return it to its regular silver state? It has some pretty big brown spots
Hi Jackie, the actual tarnish doesn't affect the way a flute plays, it's the out-of-shape mechanism and pads that will cause all the problems. You can always send it to a flute tech and have them do a full clean and adjustment for you. It's pretty pricey, so depending on the quality of instrument it is, it may or may not be worth. Does it still play well? If so, you can just shine it up the best you can and enjoy it while it is playing well for you. :) - Happy fluting! -Rebecca | Learn Flute Online
I grew up with a square of Yamaha felt cloth for cleaning the outside, and a handkerchief for the inside. I had a metal rod which made for easier cleaning of the inside headjoint, especially when I wrapped the hanky over the non-loop end of the rod and put it in and moved it round.
The microfibre cloths seem to be what some swear by, but I worry about what those cloths are doing - they're made of very fine plastic fibres that break off over time and no-one can easily stop them from going elsewhere in the flute, in the air, in the water supply, in our bodies. Not for me.
The wooden rods are far thicker and are no good for the headjoint inside edges. I've tried bunching up the end but it doesn't do much better, and sometimes moving it around I end up shaving the wooden rod on the headjoint edge. At least it's wood, but it's a problem to me that it can't get that condensation at the very end of that headjoint.
A cleaning wand with a cross-shaped design as seen from the end is more effective for that, though it costs a bit. I think I'll continue with what I first mentioned, I carry both a metal and a wooden rod, my hanky and the felt cloth to do it.
Thank you for sharing all of those methods of cleaning. There are certainly more ways than one to get the job done, I may need to make more videos! It sound like your flute is getting first class treatment, keep up the good work. - Rebecca | learnfluteonline.com
Hi, Rebecca, do you remember me I am Sena an old student and this helps a lot also thanks to you now I am an advanced flute player and I am a pro
but I still don't know why my flute sounds so airy and low toned and not high and beautiful.
Congrats on your success, Sena. I'd love to hear you and help you with your tone. We just had our big Recital at Learn Flute Online. It was great - maybe you can be in the next one. :) -Rebecca
It’s probably not you but the flute... it might need a repair or overhaul
Hi Rebecca, I heard in some situations using chemicals to clean the flute such a silver polishes and liquids can make the tarnish come back quicker. I noticed this actually as a kid when (stupid me) used Silvo on a silver Canadian quarter and it made it even worse looking than the patina that was originally on it. The shine would last only a few days or weeks but come back even more nastier looking afterwards. I also read somewhere on the net that Flute techs in more recent years have been using liquid chemicals with ultrasonic baths. How effective are these methods and can you prevent the tarnish coming back worse than it was before it was cleaned? I realise nothing last forever, and that silver is just one of those metals that naturally oxidise with the passage of time. I use used to collect bullion too and the only real way of slowing the tarnish down was vacuum sealing the silver bars.
It’s true that silver polish gives off a black tarnish. I use denatured alcohol … that’s all. I, and high level flute techs do not recommend using silver polish on your flutes. It gums up your mechanism and definitely will leave a big black mark on your chin. There are a few other good details I can show and tell you about keeping your flute shiny and in good condition - join us in the members area at LearnFluteOnline.com - hope to see you soon! Rebecca | Learn Flute Online
I'm using microfiber cloths inside and outside it gives any problem to flute?
If it fits then your microfiber cloth will work just fine. I'm glad you are keeping your flute clean. :) -Rebecca
Can I use isopropyl alcohol?
Yes you can use isopropyl alcohol. That's what the little alcohol wipes are made of. All the flute makers use those during their displays. Happy cleaning! -Rebecca
Can you use rubbing alcohol?
Hi Krystl,
I usually recommend denatured alcohol, simply because rubbing alcohol is usually very watered down and doesn't give the best results. -Rebecca
@@LearnFluteOnline Thanks!!
Dear Rebecca, how to fix one fallen key?
The 4th key which is connected to 3rd key on the flute body (counting from the back) is fallen - it doesn’t stay up as the others. It raises occasionally but also falling slowly…I am afraid I broke something while cleaning my flute 🥺
Oh I'm so sorry to hear that you are having troubles with your flute. It's important to be very delicate when cleaning, because the mechanisms are fragile. I would recommend first checking to see if you have a popped spring, which I show you how to do in this video: th-cam.com/video/bDwOpaOb2sk/w-d-xo.html. You can also join us in the members area at learnfluteonline.com where we not only learn how to play the flute, but also how to care for it. I wish you the very best of luck! - Rebecca
@@LearnFluteOnline My dear Rebecca, it was just a popped out spring! Thank you so much ❤️!!!
Hi Rebecca! Do you have any tips on polishing the small, almost unreachable spaces on the flute’s body and foot joint?
Great question! You don’t really polish the hard to reach areas. You use a silver saver paper (anti tarnish strip) in your case to try and combat the tarnish creep that comes over time). Always clean and keep your flute in the case over night especially and when you’re not practicing. Thank you for asking! - Rebecca | learnfluteonline.com
good
Thanks!
My flute has weird tarnish on it and it wont come off, it smells weird too
Hi! I'm so sorry your flute as a funny odor. My best advice is what I've given you in this video, so if that doesn't work I would suggest going to a flute technician and seeing if they have something stronger. Best of luck to you! - Rebecca | learnfluteonline.com
Also and I don’t even know if this is necessary ...I just kind of always thought it was a good idea... before I play my flute i brush my teeth and make sure that I’m not drinking anything sugary and I only drink water when I’m playing if I need to.Don’t know if it’s even necessary but I kind of just thought it made sense. Also I’ve been using handkerchief.. OKay so you young folks might not know what that is but anyway ..I’ve had the same couple handkerchiefs now for probably 20 or 30 years so they’re pretty soft but after seeing you use the satin and mention silk maybe I should be using that instead I never thought of that I don’t know why I never thought of it but maybe I should stop using a handkerchief for the inside because of the fibers but mine have been washed so many times over the past 20 years maybe it doesn’t matter. Back in the day microfiber towels did not exist we always had to use handkerchief so bad habit maybe I’m gonna go invest in some micro fiber towels!
It is always a good idea to keep your mouth clean before you play the flute, nice work! And yes a new cleaning cloth is always helpful. - Rebecca | learnfluteonline.com
I use toilette paper for the inside. It absorbes All. I think it works well.
I'm glad you're working on keeping your flute clean. Toilet paper will give off a lot of fibers that will potentially gum up your mechanism. It's very inventive though.. how do you keep it from ripping while pushing it through? Curious. :) -Rebecca
@@LearnFluteOnline i bene it and move it slowly,so it does not rip. If it does ,the pieces are much easy to remove. I did not see any fiber given off and the advantage is that it is tender and will not scratch the flute metal